Kuwait: It’s a pleasure to announce names of UAE FINALISTS – John Pereira (Male) and Aviella D’Souza (Female) for the GULF VOICE OF GOA Konkani singing competition.
The event is scheduled to be held in Kuwait on 22nd February 2019 at Khaldiya University Auditorium.
The competition is open for Gulf residents of Goan origin aged 16 and above.
2 participants from each country will sing at the Grand finale that will see the crowning of best Gulf Goan male and female singers.
JOHN PEREIRA – A PASSIONATE SINGER
John Pereira originally hails from scenic Majorda but is settled in Parra, Bardez.
Being a Konkani music lover, John is very passionate about singing Konkani songs. He has been singing on stage right from a young age in village shows during festivals, Christmas or other occasions.
John is also a good composer. He was able to showcase his ability as a singer to a wider medium when he sang in the audio cassette ‘Waiter’ and CD album ‘Dharun Arab’.
The enthusiastic singer also has his own CD albums titled ‘Soglem Farik Kelem’, ‘Dev Amkam Rauta’ and ‘Jezuk Kallzan Dovor’.
John has sung in many dramas and shows in Dubai. He last featured in Lorna show held in Kuwait last December.
An employee of EPPCO Aviation at Dubai Int’l Airport, John has been working in UAE for the last 24 years. He is happily married with 2 children – Chris (14 years) and Jane (9 years).
AVIELLA D’SOUZA – ROMANCING KONKANI STAGE
Aviella D’Souza is an aspiring singer, hailing from Saipem, Candolim – Goa.
Seen as the pioneer who paved the way for many child artistes to sing in Konkani tiatrs, Aviella is a resident of UAE for the last 15 years and has captured hearts of Goans across the UAE by her singing.
Aviella has been singing on stage or at events since the age of 8 and has been singing regularly for Konkani Tiatrs and Musical Shows across UAE.
She is well-known for her performances in many professional tiatrs in UAE and Goa. She has been a part of music videos like ‘Goem Goemkar Goemkarponn’, ‘Natalam – Friz Love’ and ‘Amchem Goem Amkam Zai’. She also features in albums of famous composer Edwin D’Costa.
The singer is well supported in her endeavors by her parents Agnelo and Evon and brother Asten who according to Aviella are her pillars of strength and source of motivation.
“I am thankful to Almighty God for this talent that he has blessed me with and grateful to have the support and encouragement from my family who are instrumental in nurturing me,“ reveals Aviella.
Aviella is a very active member of the church choirs and plays the keyboard as well to glorify God with her voice and seeks interest in gospel music as well.
The first Konkani song that Aviella sang on stage was for a ‘ tiatr’ ‘Maim Paik Samballat’ which was composed by Young Ferns (Remy Fernandes) – Calangute, a tiatr director and organizer in UAE.
“I am thankful to Remy for giving me the opportunity. Remy has been a key support guiding me ever since,” disclosed the singer. “Remy has composed over 25 songs that I have sung in various Tiatrs and Musical shows in Goa and UAE.”
Aviella participated in Goencho Avaz 5th Edition and won the 2nd place for duet. She was also a finalist in solo singing.
Recently in January 2019, Aviella won 2nd prize at the Goencho Tallo competition held in Abu Dhabi.
Aviella is known for her melodious voice, but beyond that there is a creative, young, dynamic and hardworking girl. She finds herself deeply grounded to the roots of Goa and takes pride in calling herself 'Goenkar' - a Goan.
FIRST TIME EVER IN THE GULF
GULF VOICE OF GOA is being organized by Goan Cultural Centre, Kuwait.
The event is supported by well-known Goan NRIs in the Gulf - Mr. Carmo Santos, Agnello Fernandes and Bosco Leitao (Kuwait), Simon D’Silva (Doha Qatar), Gabriel Crasto and Francis Correia (Bahrain), Gabby de Chandor (Dubai), Anthony Lourenco (Muscat) and Joe Fernandes (Saudi Arabia).
➡WATCH OUT FOR MORE DETAILS AT www.gulfvoiceofgoa.com