by Joe Andrade

Bahrain, Feb 25: They came……they performed…..and yes, they captivated the hearts of Konkani enthusiasts!     Konkani folk songs of yesteryear….once again resonating in the air with an aroma of renewed enthusiasm!   “Dabazo-2006' has done it.

For the first time in Bahrain, veteran Konkani folk artistes from Kuwait and a master compere from Doha romped the stage with a rendition of good old folk songs,  favourites of an era that brought back nostalgic memories of that vivid era.  The Karavali Konkans Association of Bahrain, under the banner of Young Goans Club, have a feather in their cap on account of having successfully organized the show in the Bishop Tirinanzi Auditorium, Sacred Heard Church premises on the evening of 23rd February, 2006.   

The organizers along with the performers spared no efforts to comfortably blend the folk touch not just to create music ripples but to savour and cherish them memorably in the hearts of the Konkani audience. 

Hilary Tellis welcomed the audience on behalf of the organizers and handed over the stage to compere Eddie Sequeira and the performers.    Melwyn Lobo on the keyboards, long on music notes but short-statured otherwise, ably assisted by the local Symphony Orchestra, began with a classic own composition titled “Zomlelea Mogacheano”, an ode with captivating lyrics sung by Gratian D’Souza, dedicated in gratitude to all the enthusiasts of Bahrain.    Just the kind of beginning for this kind of a programme one could think of.

Rony D’Cunha with his melodious voice enchanted the crowd with “Angelina” and “Sezarchem Bai”,  sending his fans to enchanting and ecstatic thrills.  The lovely young Lolita Rodrigues  with abandon sang “Chondrima” and “Hero” and made sure she was the young heroine without any doubt.

“Vidvichim Dukam” sung by Rita Rodrigues brought in a bit of melancholy that moved the audience a step short of rolling tears.  Lancy Rodrigues lent his voice to the beautiful song “Clara” and created a typical Konkani euphoria.

And not to forget, “Sasumai” and “Milarchem Noven” sung with a blend of voices by Gratian D’Souza, Rony D’Cunha and Lancy Rodrigues gave an added impetus much to the whistles and catcalls from the audience.  Each of these songs were sponsored by patriotic Konkani enthusiasts among the audience.

The programme was laced with humorous skits, courtesy of the famous comedian Johnny Suratkal, and enacted along with Lancy Rodrigues, Eddie Sequeira, Hilary Tellis and Lolita  to tickle the viewers' sides bringing forth peals of laughter. Costumes and make-up support was by Shankar Jathanna, a local expert in the field.

An added attraction was a sensational Tulu folk dance “Dennana”, choreographed by Nitin Raj. During the interval all the performers visiting Bahrain were commended for their efforts and given appreciation awards. There was a round of housie, capably conducted by Rudy Fernandes with attractive prizes like DVDs and a mobile phone for the full-house to be claimed.

Towards the end of the programme, Ronald D F D’Souza thanked all the performers, sponsors, well-wishers and the audience in particular for the support extended to the organizers.   Ronald spoke of his forthcoming plans to promote Konkani folk and culture.  Some more programmes like Konkani stage-plays and a Brass band troupe could be on the cards with the assistance of enthusiasts. All this and more, to promote and encourage same among the young Konkani speaking people.

The ‘Dabazo-2006' show indeed had a typical classical Konkani musical touch to cherish.