The much-awaited Konkani musical show πΏπππΌπ πΏππ’πππΌ πΏπππππΌπ ππΌπππ directed by Maestro Shahu Almeida was staged to much delight of the audience in Kuwait on 10th May 2024 at ICSK School Hall, Salmiya.
The beauty of the show was the collective effort of the Maestro, artistes, and like-minded Goans who supported to put up yet another show against all odds.
Every song, every comedy was applauded, and everyone was immersed in the entertainment. It was a pleasure to see friendly, encouraging people in the audience.
ππΌπππππ πππΌππ – πΌ πππΌππ½ππΌπππ
Once again, Maestro Shahu lived up to his reputation as an entertainer of top quality.
Ever since his arrival in Kuwait back in 1999, the humble musician has been in the limelight for his electrifying music. Without a doubt, he remains Goa’s flag bearer in the world of Konkani showbiz in Kuwait; he has maintained his peak for the last many years.
Synonymous to his past musicals, the show began with the blessing of St. Francis Xavier in a ‘live’ scenic portrayal, followed by the depiction of man’s God-given talents symbolizing the title of the show – DEVAN DIL’LEA DENNEAM PASOT (For the sake of God-given talents).
A regular feature of Shahu’s shows is the singing of St. Francis Xavier ‘orasanv’ at the beginning where the whole audience revels in singing to the patron saint of Goa.
Music for the show was arranged and directed by Shahu Almeida accompanied by Lennon D’Silva (Lead Guitar), legend Dennis Gonsalves, and famous drummer Tony Fernandes.
Shahu’s teenage son Aerosmith Almeida dazzled too at the start with the ‘Tokkad’ warm-up music.
ππππππΌπππππ ππ ππππΏππ πππΌππ
The opening chorus of the show was sung by Gracy Rodrigues, Clemmie Almeida, Agnes Rodrigues, and Gasper Crasto.
The visiting stars from Goa, UK were in fluent form, while Kuwait’s own gave their best too. In all, there were a total of 22 songs on various topics and beat - singing solos, duets & trios.
Every singer put their heart and soul into their performance.
London stars Agnelo Lobo, Nicky Carvalho, Romaldo Estrocio, Bab Agnel, Polly de Curtorim, Laurente Pereira, Emilio Fernandes de Borda, Cajetan de Braganca all lived up to the expectations.
Apart from songs, additionally, there were 4 comedy skits.
π½ππ π½ππ & π πππ ππΌππΎπΌπππππΌπ πππΎππ
Character Comedian Ben Evangelisto led the sideshows along with Comedian Costy, Polly de Curtorim, & Pio de Cortalim supported by Augusto Morais and Kuwait’s famous Facebook influencer Menino Philip Costa (Badshah) in cameo roles.
Jose Mascarenhas, who came from Goa sang 2 melodious & meaningful solos, and a comedy duo with Comedian Ben that encored a repeat and made everyone sing to the rhythm.
Babit de Zuari who specially came for the show from London sang a testimonial on his surgery and miraculous cure of tongue cancer, and requested everyone to continue praying for him. The song was emotionally acknowledged with loud applause.
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Local artistes were quite impressive too, which included Valentina Pinto, Valanka Fernandes, Clemmie Pereira, Esparansa Barretto, Gasper Crasto, Rolly Diniz, Seby D'silva, Simon Dias, Olinda Fernandes, Gracy Rodrigues, and Menino Philip Costa.
All the songs were well applauded, with the audience showing their love and admiration for everything that was presented.
The show winded up with a medley of old songs performed by most of the artistes in traditional clothing.
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Roy Estibeiro, a prominent Goan in Kuwait, working as an IT Director for Agility PWC, was the chief guest. He spoke on the occasion and complimented Maestro Shahu on the show and his musical activities in Kuwait, and OTT over the years.
Other special invitees present at the event and introduced on stage right at the beginning of the show included Fr. Lionel Braganza, Fr. James (Principal of Don Bosco Oratory School), Carmo Santos, Fidelis Fernandes, Tony Dias, Salvador Dias, Derick Gomindes, Mrs. Marina, etc.
During the break, all artistes were presented with special mementos at the hands of the Chief Guest.
Mementos were also presented to Cheslee D’Souza (Sound & Lights), Rivon Gomes (Photographer), Felix Fernandes & Jose Almeida (Videography), Cajetan Rodrigues (Stage Sets), Sagar (Backdrop), etc.
Gasper Crasto compered the event; Cindy Fernandes organized the stage arrangements and escorted the guests.
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A minute’s silence was observed to respect the souls of prominent tiatrists and other personalities who passed away recently.
Those who were remembered included Cajetan de Sanvordem, Rosary Ferns, Patrick Fernandes, Alex Lopes, Sanny de Quepem, Martinho Martins, Xavier Mendes, Nicholas Rodrigues, Lawry Pinto, Antonette Mendes, and Thomas Cirilo Dias.
πππππΏ, ππππ & πππΌπππ
Cheslee D’Souza (Insync Company) provided sound. The whole event was captured on camera by popular Goan photographer Rivon Gomes, as well on video by videographers Felix Fernandes & Jose Almeida.
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DEVAN DIL’LEA DENNEAM PASOT was Maestro Shahu’s 9th musical. His past shows, some of them staged in other parts of the Gulf and UK as well, are as follows:
2011 - Tiatrist
2013 – Goencho Rakhonddar
2016 - Tiatristponn Devachem Dennem
2017 – Tumkanch Lagon Ami
2018 – Konknni Machiechi Seva
2019 – Ugddas Dovrun Ghele
2021 – Ixtta Ugddas Tuzo (Online Show)
2022 – Sodanch Jivo Urtolo
2024 – Devan Dil’lea Denneam Pasot
ππππππππ & πΎπππΏπππ
A colorful souvenir was released at the hands of Fr. Lionel Braganza to mark the event.
A Konkani book on the life of Fr. Manuel Gomes presented by Dalgado Konknni Akademi was also released on the occasion at the hands of Domnic Araujo & Fidelis Fernandes.
A number of well-wishers supported the musical show. Major credits of the show were attributed to the following:
• Augusto / Eudisia Rodrigues, USA (Majorda)
• Agnelo D’Costa – Panchwady
• Arti Natural Indian CafΓ© – Ca, USA (Maina)
• Benedito Barretto - USA
• Carmo Santos
• Derick Gomindes
• Fidelis Fernandes
• Francis Lewis (Fitwell Tailors)
• Josef L. Rodrigues
• Franky Barreto (Toyland)
• Jackson Soares, Cuncolim - Goa
• Mauricio Pereira & Family, Qatar
• Maurice D'Costa Garage
• Mathew Reveredo
• Micheal Colaco (Texas, USA)
• Raphael Noel – Cayman Islands
• Tony Dias - Shuwaikh Electricals
• Tony USA
• Willy Dias (Kaifan Boyz)
