Media Release
Dubai, May 18: Give them a platform and they will shine. This is what happened at the Konkani Gayan Spordho 2014, conducted by Mangalore Konkans Dubai on Friday May 16 at the Jordanian Social Club, Dubai.
The event also played as a preliminary round for the selection of 12 semi-finalists, 6 men and 6 women for Gulf Voice of Mangalore Season 4. The preparations for the event which commenced three months back ended with a perfect day that brought talents to the fore. It was an exciting as well as entertaining event to the hall full of audience.
Mangalore Konkans Dubai, which is known for its meticulous planning and surgical implementation, did not let anything on the way hamper the event.
The programme commenced with a hymn dedicated to the month of May “Thum Kalzacha Gondya Moja” followed by welcome speech by Paul Almeida, one of the founder members of Mangalore Konkans Dubai. The contest started right on time at 10:30 am, with the ladies 18 years and above performing their best to wow the audience as well as the judges with their singing capabilities. Men above 18 years, many of whom were new talents on the stage, did their best to impress the judges. There were 10 categories in the event, however the highlight of the show was the performance by the children, who with their animated performance stole the hearts of the audience.
A new addition to the event was the senior's singing competition for people above 50 years, a new category of competition held for the first time. It was heartening to see that there is immense music and singing talent at all levels of ages in the Konkani community. It is very satisfying to note that the Goan community was also well represented in the various categories of the singing competition, winning prizes.
The panel of judges comprised the following four proficient people in the field of singing and music:
- Divina Moraes who hails from well-known Braganza family in Goa and is now in Dubai. She recently released her debut music album called 'Here I Belong'.
- Arun D’Silva, a young and proficient vocalist and musician well-versed in piano and violin, who leads the Sunday morning choir at St Mary’s Church, Dubai.
- Norbert Pereira from Doha, Qatar, a premier musician and melodious Konkani singer who performed his debut night in Doha recently. He is well known for his music albums ‘Love Hits’, ‘Konkani Pops’, ‘Tuzo-Muzo Mog’ , ‘Naach Naach’ and ‘Do Re Me Fa’
- Ramiro Mascarenhas, an all-round musician playing the keyboard, trumpet, guitar and the drums, leads the Ramiro Band which is well-known not only in the UAE but also in other Gulf countries. He leads the only brass band in the UAE.
Speaking after the announcement of the results, James Mendonca, president of Mangalore Konkans Dubai said, "I congratulate all the winners and especially the GVOM 4 semi-finalists. Although we expected the hall to fill to the capacity of 250 with the contestants and their well-wishers, the gathering in the hall is overwhelming with more than 350 people. At one point I thought we would not be able to manage the crowd. But in a true Mangalore Konkans spirit, the members extended their every effort to manage the event with professionalism."
Roshan D'Silva, event coordinator, said, "We have been in preparation mode for this event for nearly three months and I am very happy with the outcome. We were able to manage the event within the stipulated time systematically and the judgment by the respected judges has matched the expectations of the audience."
Besides the entertainment part, everybody was treated with a sumptuous lunch. The event brought out some good Konkani singing talents into the light and provided a platform for the budding singers to showcase their hidden talents.
The event was ably compered by Ajith Peter D'souza, an award winning Konkani composer and lyricist. He kept the audience busy with mind boggling quiz mostly on singing related questions which kept them actively involved during the course of the event.
The trophies of the event were sponsored by Shobha Mendonca of Middle East Factory LLC. Henry Nazareth of Nestle Waters provided Pure Nestle water to quench the thirst of the audience. Godwin Castelino of Digital World sponsored the impressive backdrop banner for the event. Joel of Broadway, Abu Dhabi provided spotless sound for the whole day proceedings.
Valerian D’Almeida, yet another founder member of Mangalore Konkans Dubai raised the vote of thanks and expressed gratitude on behalf of the organizers to all who supported for the success of the event. He especially thanked the enthusiastic audience who motivated the participants by cheering them throughout the contest.
The programme concluded with a thumping announcement of the winners by Roshan D'Silva, the main coordinator for Konkani Gayan Spordho as well as for Gulf Voice of Mangalore (GVOM 4), Dubai chapter.
The next event of Mangalore Konkans Dubai is semi-finals of GVOM 4 UAE chapter, details of which will be announced shortly.
Results
Solo Female (Age Group: 18 Above)
1. Joshal Sweeda D’souza
2. Jane Baretto
3. Nisha Sequeira
Solo Male (Age Group: 18 Above)
1. Melwyn Antony D’souza
2. Vincent Rodrigues
3. Brian Fernandes
Solo Seniors (Age Group: 50 )
1. Santanho Rodrigues
2. Lancy Madtha
3. Rony Lobo
Solo Kids (Age Group: 6 – 8 Years)
1. Delisha Vaz
2. Joshua Jonnath D’souza
3. Ishney Fernandes
Solo Young Kids (Age Group: 9-11 Years)
1. Melroy Shawn Moras
2. Calvina Pinto
3. Ivin Vidisha Alva
Solo Young Teens (Age Group: 12 –14 Years)
1. Clare Moras
2. Alvina Mendonca
3. Riva Jane
Solo Youth (Age Group: 15 - 18 Years)
1. Calvin Rodricks
2. Lanita Noronha
3. Nigel D’silva
Duet (2 Men or 2 Women - Age Group: 18 Years)
1. Sumeetha Lewis & Swati Mallya
2. Santanho Rodrigues & Edwin Rodrigues
3. Nisha Sequeira & Vinola Sequeira
Mixed Duet (Age Group: 18 Years)
1. Santanho Rodrigues & Preema D’souza
2. Joachim D’souza & Nisha Sequeira
3. Jeevan Vas & Prathima Pinto
Group Singing (Open to all)
1. Santanho Rodrigues & Group
2. Diany D’souza & Group
3. Joachim D’souza & Group
Gulf Voice Of Mangalore, UAE chapter – Semi-finalists
Category - Female :
1. Joshal Sweeda D’souza
2. Jane Baretto
3. Nisha Sequeira
4. Vinola Sequeira
5. Fabella Anugraha Pinto
6. Sharon Rego
Category - Male :
1. Melwyn Antony D’souza
2. Vincent Rodrigues
3. Brian Fernandes
4. Alwyn Mendonca
5. Anil Thimothy Mascarenhas
6. Jeevan Vas
Photo Album - 1
Photo Album - 2