Alexis Castelino
Daijiworld Media Network - Doha
Doha, Jan 29: Mauricio Pereira, with MediaPlus, will host Maestro Shahu and a galaxy
of top Goan artistes from Kuwait in a Konkani musical drama (Tiatr) on February 10 at 4 pm, at Al-Ghazal Club (QP hall), Qatar.
The star cast of the show, among others, include well-known artistes Sylvester Vaz, Irene Vaz, Gracy Morais, Edward Estibeiro (singer with a voice akin to Alfred Rose), Bab Agnelo, Comedian Phillip, and world famous trio of Cajetan de Sanvordem-Michael D'Silva-Comedian Mario de Majorda.
Shahu and his troupe rocked audience in UK (Swindon N Wembley) and Kuwait recently and now, will be all set to present a variety of 20 songs including solos-duets-trios, quartets, etc, They will also perform sensational skits with rib-tickling comedy.
Hitman of Konkani Stage - Sylvester Vaz
Sylvester Vaz, the 'Hitman of Konkani Stage' as he is popularly known among Konkani Tiatr lovers has worked as a professional Konkani artiste and is much sought after actor to execute lead roles. He has performed with the cream of Goan and Mumbai artistes and acted in many short plays. Gifted with an incredible voice, Sylvester has lent his voice to many audio and CD albums in Goa / Mumbai and Mangalore. The multi-talented star has a distinct record of singing the opening chorus in almost every stage-play he features.
Gracy Morais – Kala Academy Award Winner
For majority of Konkani stage fans especially in Kuwait, Gracy Morais is a familiar figure. Gracy has been in the limelight right from the age of 4 years. A Kala Academy Award Winner for Best Child Artiste and Best Actress, she has gained fame over the years in a variety of roles including award winning performances at various stage competitions in Goa and Kuwait.
The versatile actress features in the first Konkani E-Cinema entitled 'BLACK' produced by T-BUSH International Films.
Irene Vaz – One of the best among Female artistes
Nobody will deny the fact that Konkani Stage artiste Irene Vaz , wife of hitman Sylvester Vaz is one of the best amongst the female artistes. Her majestic appearance on the stage delights not only the Konkani Stage but the faces of the audience as well.
The husband-and-wife duets sung by Sylvester and Irene give the audience a thrill any day.
Comedian Phillip - NRI Goan Comedian with a Thousand Faces
Comedian Philip (Pereira) has mastered the art of comedy. His charm and impeccable 'stage presence' captivates audiences.
Philip's impersonation of the great ‘Lorna’ and ‘Micheal Jackson’ as well as late comedian Rosario Rodrigues has been without doubt an act of perfection. He is surely a character to be watched.
Cajetan Pereira – a flamboyant singer
Kala Academy Award winner for Best Actor and Konkani Bhasha Mandal's Best Singer Award winner Cajetan Pereira is popularly known as Cajetan de Sanvordem.
Cajetan first came into spotlight when he was just 8 years of age whilst singing in school and village dramas.
Besides acting and singing Cajetan is a public figure in social activities. Time and again, he has been elected to several Indian organizations. He is the President of United Friends Club – a football association and the Ex-President of Kuwait-Goa Tiatristanchi Sonstha (KGTS). He is also the President of Guardian Angel Club of Sanvordem (Kuwait), Head of Cultural Cell of Goan Welfare Society (GWS) since inception, and an active member of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF).
Apart from being a flamboyant actor, Cajetan is also a versatile compere. His voice, diction, flair and linguistic abilities, especially with his mother-tongue Konkani makes his presence felt vibrantly at Goan cultural programs and social gatherings. He is also good in penning slogans in Konkani. Cajetan's cursive 'handwriting' skill should be seen to be believed and his sense of humor heard to understand the simplicity of life.
Stage great Mario de Majorda
Mario Fernandes, popularly known as Mario de Majorda is one of the established stalwarts of Konkani Stage.
Mario started as a singer at a young age of 13 in 'Somdir ani Lharam' of Felly Lucas and later sang in Jeoffrey de Majorda's 'To Monis Konn'.
Born to Antonette Severina Fernandes and John Fernandes, Mario comes from the beautiful coastal village of Calata-Majorda, Goa. He came to Kuwait in 1983 and has been active ever since on stage and other activities. Initially, Mario was able to pursue his great enthusiasm for acting by helping out in the Holy Family Cathedral's Parents Day programs wherein he used to write, direct, act, compose and also sing songs. He is currently the In-charge of the choir. His presence and works in Kuwait-Goa Tiatristhanchi Sonvstha (KGTS) and Goan Welfare Society (GWS) are hugely noticeable among the Indian community.
Michael D’Silva – one of Kuwait’s most popular singers
Michael D’Silva has been performing on stage in Kuwait since 1994. Known for his poetical composing, Michael first sang in Mario de Majorda’s drama ‘Sambau’.
Maestro Shahu – A Contemporary Musician
Amongst the contemporary big names of Goan musicians, the name of Shahu (Francis) Almeida hailing from Macasana - Goa, shines amongst the stellar bracket of Goa's top-notch musicians with his indispensable contribution towards the art.
Apart from dramas, with his past penchant and passion for innovative, brilliant music, Shahu has continued on what he loves to do best – hypnotize his listeners to a magical sway with his band 2#Sharp as well.
Evolving into an ace drummer, he had the rare and splendid opportunity of honing his musical skills under the baton of Chris Perry, the eternal icon and consummate genius of Goan music.
Shahu has performed in UK, Muscat, Doha, Bahrain, Bangalore, Darjeeling, etc, and performed for top directors such as Prem Kumar, Roseferns, Jacob, Menino de Bandar, Pascoal Rodrigues, C.D. Silva, John D' Silva, Ben Evangelist, Rosario Rodrigues, etc, apart from all the directors in Kuwait. He also did a short musical stint playing live music at Dubai's famous Viva Goa restaurant.
With sky as the limit, Shahu went on to produce innumerable chart busting scores for numerous hit dramas and musicals which gained him popularity of a household name. He has to his credit a video entitled, ‘Musician’.
Watch out for more information on the Musical Drama in Qatar. Lots of suprises await the audience.