Kuwait: ‘Super-duper Show’ is what the audience described Maestro Shahu Almeida’s star-studded ‘Broadway-style’ Konkani musical ‘KONKNNI MACHIECHI SEVA’ staged at SIMS on 12th October 2018.
It was the Magical Maestro’s 3rd annual presentation; the provided incredible entertainment for almost 5 hours with a variety of songs and hilarious comedy.
The Magical Maestro catered to each and every song to great perfection which earned him great respect from the audience and participating artistes alike.
With a galaxy of select stars from Goa, UK and the Gulf, the well-organized, jam-packed show lived up to everyone’s billing. A full-house audience enjoyed and applauded every bit of the show.
SHAHU KEEPS UP THE TREND
Once again, Maestro Shahu lived up to his reputation of providing high quality music and entertainment.
Ever since his arrival in Kuwait back in 1999, the humble musician has been in limelight for his electrifying music which has become synonymous with Goans.
The show began with a hymn of ‘St. Francis Xavier’, a regular feature at Shahu’s shows.
This time it was all the more unique with the audience holding their mobiles high up in a torch-light mode and singing the great Goan patron’s ‘orasanv’ with great adoration.
A huge portrait of St. Francis displayed on the stage spiralled into miraculous transformation of colors.
STAGE-SETS, LIGHTS, ACTION
The curtains opened to display a breath-taking stage-sets especially created by Goan set-designer Cheslee D’Souza.
Maestro Shahu started the warm-up ‘Tokkad’ music with his little 12-year old son Aerosmith Almeida on drums.
The Maestro was soon joined by his team of royally dressed musicians Matias Sequeira (Drums), Rafio Gonsalves (Rhythm & Lead) and the evergreen Dennis Gonsalves (Bass).
Incidentally, the show was drummer Matias’ 6th trip to Kuwait.
SONGS / KANTARAM
All the artistes were applauded for their songs and every act.
The stage was set alight by a melodious Opening Chorus sung Clemmie Almeida, Bab Andrew, and Cajetan Pereira.
FRANCIS TUEM ON FIRE
All eyes were on the visiting firebrand singer of Konkani stage. The superstar was at his best in 2 aggressive solos – politically intertwined on Goan politics, and a duo.
The star was encored several times for all of his songs.
KUWAITKARS DELIGHT
It was a delight to see Kuwait-based singers in superb form.
Balthazar Pontes sang a solo on ‘Konkan Shakti’ in a unique style reminding old timers about the golden days of steamer ship service between Goa and Bombay. The singer impressed everyone by his lyrics.
‘Dusreank Dukoinakat’, a trio sung by Gracy Rodrigues, Katty de Navelim and Clemmie Almeida received rave thoughts and applause from the crowd.
Rolly Diniz was up with a political solo entitled, ‘Zodd’ddo Ranno’ which was absorbing for its contents on former Goa Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane.
DUOS & DUETS
Simon Dias and Olinda Dias sang an amazing duet on ‘Vaitt Vis’ with synchronized voices.
Katty de Navelim and Gasper Crasto energized everyone in the audience with their rendition of ‘Christanvank Piddapidd’ which was well applauded.
A duo on ‘Padri’ elegantly sung by Gracy Rodrigues and Clemmie Almeida was splendid and very appealing.
Seasoned Seby D’Silva and Seby Mascarenhas teamed up for a super duo called ‘Ostori’ which was highly appreciated. The 2 singers were a treat to watch, their ‘segundo-primer’ voices pleasing to the ears.
ROCK STAR IN TOWN
Esparansa & Gasper Crasto’s dazzling duet ‘Rock Star’ had a glamorous concept that was greatly admired by the audience for its rocking rhythm and costumes.
The song was made all the more charming with high-octane rock music played by Maestro Shahu and the musicians.
SUPERSTAR LAWRY TRAVASSO THRILLS
Lawry was in effortless form in all the songs that he featured. The superstar, well-known for his stunning voice and singing power, brought glow to the stage by his sheer presence.
Lawry Travasso and Gracy sang an upbeat duo which was graciously sung. The song was set to beautiful tune and music.
LONDONKARS SHOW THEIR CLASS
Few Goan singers are regarded for their powerful voice on Goan stage.
Established singers Bab Andrew and Bab Agnel showed top class in their solos and duos with power-packed voices. Both the stars sang fluently and had a message or two in the songs they sang.
Bab Agnel, who is one of the few artistes to have sung for legendary Prem Kumar and C. Alvares and has 3 audio albums, and a DVD to his credit, later sang a solo on the 5-finger prayer which was highly captivating.
A trio sung by Bab Agnel, Simon Gonsalves and Bab Andrew was well commended by the audience for the meaningful lyrics.
Simon Gonsalves’ solo ‘Galleaponn’ was highly captivating. One of the pillars of Konkani stage in Kuwait few years back, Simon was greatly expressive with his words.
Babit de Zuari was fluent in his song with a great message for the audience.
Polly de Curtorim’s personality and presence on stage had the richness of a great singer. His song was very evocative, well admired by the audience.
TINA FERNANDES LEAVES HER MARK
New face Tina Fernandes from Goa featured in a duo with Marcus Vaz. An upcoming star on Konkani stage, this was Tina’s first performance outside Goa. She was pretty and fuent in her singing and expressions.
ORIGINAL KUWAIT TRIO BACK AFTER 18 YEARS
Kuwait’s original Trio Kings Cajetan-Xavier-Marcus lived up to people’s expectations singing 2 entertaining trios.
The trio were called back on stage a number of times for their comedy song ‘Sexy Singers’, which ultimately was the final song of the show.
The have come together on stage after a gap of 18 long years.
Xavier Gomes and Marcus Vaz sang solos; their songs had that ‘typical’ impact of great Goan tiatr singers -- entrancing the audience with every word.
PRINCE JACOB & JOHN D’SILVA TICKLE AUDIENCE
Goan superstar comedians John D’Silva and Prince Jacob added sparkling amounts of humour with 4 amusing skits. Every joke enacted, without any vulgarity or political stimulus, was hilarious and well enjoyed by the audience.
The comedy was simple yet highly entertaining while the 2 legends of Konkani stage conducted it with respect and dignity.
MIMICRY ARTISTE AMRESH KAMAT ENTERTAINS
Qatar-based mimicry artiste Amresh Kamat, performing in Maestro Shahu show for the third year running, was a pleasure to watch. He was a great entertainer and perfection personified in his mimicry – jokes and songs.
Amresh’ imitation of well-known Goan tiatr artistes especially C.D. Silva, Jacob, Sylvester Vaz, etc, and other personalities including ex-Goa Minister Rane, was perfect and thoroughly enjoyed by the audience.
GUESTS, SPECIAL INVITEES & MEMENTOS
Shri Manuel Fernandes from Bahrain was the Guest of Honor at the event while Mr. Greg Carvalho, a popular Goan among tiatr lovers of UK was a special invitee at the show.
Benjamine Pinto, popular Goan musician based in New Delhi, was also in attendance.
The guests were presented with special bouquet of flowers.
FELICITATIONS, TRIBUTES, BOOK RELEASE
Special mementos and flower bouquets were presented to all participating artistes, Photographer Rivon Gomes, Sound Coordinator Cheslee D’Souza, and the band members.
Prominent artistes, who worked in Kuwait and are no more, were remembered in a photo display on TV screens placed either side of the stage.
The artistes remembered included Xavier Mendes, Patrick Fernandes, Sany de Quepem and Rosary Ferns. Alex Lopes who died recently was also remembered.
Apolon Cardozo, a hard-working individual, was also remembered for his speedy recovery from accident, while another community worker Mr. Agnelo Rebello was also felicitated for his help to Konkani drama over the years.
Prince Jacob, Lawry Travasso and Francis de Tuem each had a word or two for the Kuwait audience.
Gasper Crasto released his book ‘A Rose is Not Just a Rose’ at the hands of Konkani Stage Thespian Shri Cajetan Pereira.
The book published by Amazon.com was launched worldwide by the publishers back in February.
A prize was awarded to the lucky audience through a Raffle draw conducted during the break. The prize was offered by Air-India, premier airline carrier.
The whole event was captured on camera by popular Goan photographer Rivon Gomes.
ACCOLADES AND PRAISES TO THE DIRECTOR
No sooner the show was over, the social media, especially Facebook and WhatsApp Groups, were flooded with congratulatory messages to Maestro Shahu for a super show.
The band led by Maestro Shahu was singled out for praise.
Stage-sets and sound system by DJ Cheslee D’Souza and Anand of Waves Digital Sound was pulled out for applause too.
WELL-WISHERS WHO SUPPORTED THE SHOW
In a running slide-show on large TV screens, Maestro Shahu profoundly thanked all those who supported the show.
Later in a statement on social media, Shahu thanked everyone for the grand success of the show.
Prominent companies and personalities who provided their support included:
Air-India, Fitwell Tailors, City Group Company, Al-Muzzaini Exchange, Bosco Leitao, Tony Dias (Shuwaikh Electricals), Frankie Barreto, Cassiano D’Souza (Capxem Boys), Bony Ferns (UK/Colva), Jenny & Agnelo D’Costa, Joaquim Cabral (UK), Shally (USA/Macasana), Patson (UK/Macasana), Ramos Da Costa (Doha/Benaulim), Babit Dourado (Verna), Norman & Tase Noronha (Navelim), Britto Pereira (Navelim), Renita & Michael Lopes (UK/Rivona), Darryl, Mona & Alex Mascarenhas (Kuwait/Mumbai), Heitor Fernandes (UK/Curtorim-Maina), Santan (Mumbai), Edwin Almeida (Bahrain/Curtorim), Salvador Dias (Kuwait/Maina), S. Caitan (UK/Raia), Derick Gomindes (Kuwait/Curtorim), Skynet Miracles FC, Lawry Pinto, Santurnino Pereira (Cansaulim), Lavina & Melvin Fernandes (Kuwait/Sanvordem), Jose Ferino (Kuwait/Benaulim), Patrick Rodrigues (Real Estate Properties), Maxima & Maurice D’Costa (Navelim), Nazy Rod, Antush & Katty de Navelim, Willy Dias (Kaifan Boys), Domnic Araujo, Gabriel Felix Fernandes, Albino Laurenco (Santa Cruz), Alfred Fernandes, Good Shepherd’s Family, Nicholas Rodrigues, Nazi Azavedo, Sarto Baptist, Nester Coutinho, Anthony Fernandes (Raia), Domnic Mascarenhas (Varca), Anthony Diniz (Colva), Gaudencio Gomes, Joe Almeida, Benny & Veena (Sanguem), Greg Carvalho (UK), Royven Estebeiro (Kuwait/Macasana), Clarence Leitao (UK), special thanks to a well-wisher, etc.