~Gasper Crasto / Kuwait
Kuwait: It is written that ‘birth is accidental but death is certain’, which means death is inevitable and we have to accept this fact.
But ‘how death comes’ is a question that we humans need to ponder over, especially when we come across instances of untimely deaths.
Old age is one of the factors which one cannot avoid. However, it is the unexpected or unforeseen deaths that cause pain to family members, close relatives and near and dear ones.
It was sad to hear news about the unfortunate death of one of the unsung heroes of Konkani stage – Alex Lopes dying of a heart attack.
His funeral was held at Our Lady of Rosary, Rivona, attended by family, extended family members, relatives, tiatrists, friends and well wishers.
Kuwait Goans were among the first to offer condolences to the bereaved family.
Alex was very special to his family, he is survived by his wife Alison, and children Avril & Milvince.
Alex worked in Kuwait for nearly 39 years. He was only 19 when he first set foot in the oil rich country, and returned to Goa in 2016.
Before invasion, Alex Lopes played bass guitar for ‘Next of Kin’ band during a time of distinguished crooners.
LOPES BROTHERS FAME
As Lopes Brothers, Alex delighted Konkani audience for a number of years along with his brother Michael.
With their unmatched, synchronized voices and a typical 'tiatr' style which was second to none, the brothers were known to be among the best duo singers on Konkani stage. Perhaps they were the only brothers shining on Konkani stage in recent years.
Alex & Michael featured in almost every drama held in Kuwait and were well applauded for their stage presence, songs, and the message conveyed in their renditions.
The brothers also featured in a number of VCDs released from Kuwait.
It was Maestro Shahu Almeida who gave them the first break in his VCD ‘Tiatrist’ released in 2012; Lopes Brothers sang a heart-wrenching song in the VCD on late Rosary Ferns.
Most of the Lopes Brothers songs are composed by their brother-in-law Nazareth Rodrigues who is known in tiatr circles as Nazy Rod – a renowned playwright and composer.
Lopes Bros rose to fame in Salu Faleiro’s drama ‘Arxeant Hanslo Arxeant Roddlo’ staged in April 2006.
Earlier, Alex Lopes sang solos in Konkani shows (before invasion – apparently between 1982 to 1984). He sang 2 solos in tiatr ‘Dadlo’ written and directed by Rosary Ferns.
Alex also sang another 2 solos in ‘Kuwaitchi Okol’, a drama of late Tony.
Further, Alex and Michael featured in almost every drama whenever professional directors came from Goa with their dramas in Kuwait.
ALEX & LOPES BROTHERS
Lopes Brothers were in great limelight for their song in Milagres de Chandor’s drama ‘Mothers Day’ staged in Kuwait, September 2011.
The particular song was based on Indian social activist Anna Hazare who led movements to promote rural development, government transparency, and punish corruption in public life.
The song prompted renowned writer Veronica Fernandes to give the Lopes Brothers huge coverage on the internet. The song is still recalled by many as one of the top hits of Lopes Brothers.
Soon after, in the same hall, Lopes Bros presented a Konkani tiatr ‘GHONVDHO’ written and directed by Nazy Rod in the year 2012. Alex and Michael stole the limelight in the show singing 2 dazzling duos.
In November 2011, Lopes Brothers sang the opening chorus duo in Mario Menezes drama ‘Xirlo’, the song was based on late Rosary Ferns.
Later, the Lopes Bros were last seen together in Fidelis Fernandes drama in Kuwait called ‘Sath Panvde’ in which they rendered two solid duos.
Alex’ last song on Kuwait stage was in Kuwait Konknni Mogi (KKM) musical show directed by Shri Domnic Fernandes held on 9th Sept 2016 at the Salmiya SIMS auditorium.
A SAD ENDING
Alex’s sister Agnes affectionately recalls the duet she sang with Alex in the tiatr 'Ghonvddo'.
Also during their hard days in Goa, Agnes remembers her beloved brother selling jackfruits and handing over her a piece of cloth as his gift to stitch a frock.
So much was the love and care for his sister, that, during his last telephone call, three days before his death, Alex spoke to his sister and ended the call saying, ‘I love you’.
