NewZ by Gasper Crasto
One Hundred Albums. A Guinness record by a Goan?
That’s the question asked by many on the eve of Edwin D’Costa’s historic release of his 100th Konkani songs album.
It could be – even the King of Rock n Roll Elvis Prestley, who made albums like there was no tomorrow, had only 60 albums to his credit.
It’s a huge achievement for a Goan, and its a history in the making for an Indian singer who has composed almost every song of his 100 albums, apart from featuring in innumerous other cassettes, CDs, shows and YouTube videos.
A GOAN SENSATION
Edwin D’Costa has been writing songs and singing from the age of 14 – he is indeed a singer who can compose a song at the drop of a hat.
Hailing from Nuvem and working most part of his life in Dubai, Edwin is popularly known as the ‘Master Composer’, a title conferred on him by the UAE and Oman Community.
Also known as the ‘Fastest Composer’ for his phenomenal number of breathtaking ‘breaking news’ songs on various Goan topics, mostly on social issues and day-to-day happenings which go viral on his YouTube Channel.
A recipient of various awards, Edwin also does the videography and editing of his videos, and is very active on social media as well – especially on Facebook. He has a vast fan following.
His talent in singing has taken the superstar to the whole of the Middle-East and many other places.
With the numbers he has put up in the albums and continues to compose tunes and songs of quality, it is certain Edwin must be humming or singing almost 75% of his time.
Many recommend he deserves a huge honor by the Goa Government for his yeomen contribution towards the Konkani language, art and music.
EDWIN’S FIRST ALBUM
Edwin’s first album was released by the King of Centuries Shri Roseferns Fernandes way back in 1980 during the staging of the latter’s ‘Thapott’ drama.
Incidentally, Roseferns, the undisputed king of tiatrs will again release Edwin’s century album at a grand gala celebration show at Ravindra Bhavan on 10th June 2022.
A Konkani book based on Edwin D’Costa’s life written by renowned Konkani writer Pio Esteves will also be released on the occasion.
The show, directed by Jose Mascarenhas, a singer and close aide of Edwin.will consist of a contingent of artistes singing songs all composed by Edwin to the music of famous musician Norman Cardozo.
EDWIN D’COSTA – EARLY YEARS
In his young days, Edwin wrote Konkani poetry, his first kavita called ‘Varem’ appeared in the Konkani magazine ‘Goenchim Kirnnam’ edited by Fr. Planton Faria. It was a moment of pride and joy for the young lad at that time.
Later, through the encouragement of Fr. Santana Carvalho, Edwin won first prize at a singing competition.
Edwin’s maternal grandfather Veneziano Fernandes used to write Konkani poetry and Edwin claims in some interview that he must have inherited this talent from him.
In 1979, Edwin wrote his first one-act play called ‘Upeogi’. Those days, Edwin created quite a name for himself by winning first prizes in atleast 10 competitions, and 2nd prizes at many other events.
YEARS IN BOMBAY
After completing his 12th at Damodar College, Margao and obtaining a diploma in Electronics, he secured a job in Goa Shipyard. From there, he was transferred to the Naval Dockyard, Bombay.
In the city of stars, he came in contact with all the Konkani professional superstar tiatrists like C. Alvares, Alfred Rose, Prem Kumar, etc. Edwin’s talent for writing lyrics came in handy and he performed for tiatrs of all the major directors in Mumbai.
Ace drummer Roque Gomes from Navelim, who Edwin considers his ‘guru’ introduced Edwin to the late Maestro Josinho. This resulted in Edwin’s first album on audio cassette called ‘Goencho Avaz’.
Then began a cascade of numerous audio and video albums from 1980 till date.
FROM BOMBAY TO DUBAI
Edwin’s top selling albums have been ‘Goa Roma Udentichem’, ‘Dolle’, ‘Postman’, ‘Fator’, ‘Dorji’, ‘Bambollecho Khuris’ and many others.
All the topmost singers like Lorna, Alfred Rose, Nephie Rod, Sonia Sirsat to name a few, have featured in his albums.
Edwin has donated last few of his albums towards charity including for the proceeds of St. Anthony of Padua Church at Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE.
Edwin has been a part of the Dubai trio featuring Anthony and Manuxin. The three have regaled audience across the Gulf and many other places.
PILLARS OF SUPPORT
Edwin’s mother Filomena and family have been pillars of support all his life while his late brother Simon was the backbone of his music albums till his demise after the 65th album.
Edwin’s daughter Veloshka D’Costa has followed her father’s footsteps and has done pretty well in Konkani music.
The Goan Community in Kuwait wishes Shri Edwin D’Costa more strength and power to give his best in the years to come.