By Carmo Santos
Kuwait, Dec 16: Hailing from Ponda (Goa), Adolf Fernandes's singing career spans a record three decades in distant Kuwait, having earned accolades as the playback singer in the Konkani film, Bhuianrantlo Monis and the lead vocalist of Goan bands such as ‘Hot Sands’ and ‘Top Ranks’.
In an answer to my question he disclosed, “There was never a show in Kuwait without us. We used to get all the top shows and ‘Top Ranks’ were always present for such shows in Kuwait.” I told him that I have been a witness to many of these shows. To Adolf goes the credit of being one of the first artistes to present Konkani kantaram in the social functions held in Kuwait.
Adolf, who was earlier based in Mumbai, teamed up with one of the finest music maestros in Kuwait, Socorro D’Mello for many shows and also with ‘Top Ranks’. His wife Cynthia Fernandes was equally talented, doing the vocals for ‘Phantom Revival’. This band entertained the Taj Mahal Hotel guests for nearly 15 years and was much sought after for wedding receptions in Mumbai.
When they left the Taj, I saw the great Braz Gonsalves (world renowned Jazz musician who played for Jazz festivals in Europe representing India) mesmerize the crowd during one wedding reception for which I was also present and where Cynthia sang Wind Beneath My Wing. The couple never hesitated to let go of an opportunity to sing together – be it a social event or a private celebration among friends.
Adolf sang with Chris Perry in Dubai for a brief period before returning back to Kuwait, as well as with the renowned Monserrate Bros in Goa who produced the Konkani audio album, Hello Lorna. Adolf also captivated his listeners through the release of the audio cassette called Lambada in Goa together with Lawrence De Tiracol and Lorna Cordeiro. He has to his credit another audio cassette called Besaum, featuring two duets with Lorna and a solo performance.
Adolf worked as a senior sales executive for Liner Services with Inchcape Shipping Services in Kuwait before he retired.
Adolf has delighted the audiences during the Konkani mega musical shows presented by Kuwait Goa Tiatristanchi Sonvstha (KGTS) in the past and has to his credit the unique distinction to render songs with Jose Rod as well as with Lorna in Kuwait. Adolf also sang for the cultural shows presented by Goan Cultural Centre, Kuwait during the Global Goan Convention 2010 held in Kuwait under the aegis of the Goa NRI Felicitation Centre at Crown Plaza Hotel and earned the appreciation of the delegates of the convention from over 15 countries including India (Goa) with his immortal Konkani hits, 'Nokre' and ‘Adeus’. He has also participated in the Goa Day 2005 when Carmo Santos was heading the GWS (Goan Welfare Society) which had a record crowd of over 4000 Goans and Mangalureans. He also sang with Sonia Sirsat and Usha Utthup and Cynthia sang for Café Royal, Oberoi as well as Sheraton and Horizon.
Adolf considers the late Chris Perry who produced the hit Konkani film in 1977 titled ‘Bhuiarantlo Monis’ as his favourite musician and idol. Chris Perry also composed the lyrics and the music of the film which propelled Adolf into the world of 'playback singers' and Konkani films.
Adolf’s daughter, Maryane Fernandes works for the Al Shaya Group in Kuwait while his son, Ryan Fernandes who works in Dubai is also a gifted singer like his father. He plays for V3 band in Dubai.
Goans in Kuwait as well as fans of Konkani music and tiatr recalled their numerous achievements as Adolf and his wife bid goodbye to Kuwait on October 20. They recalled their gift of composing songs as well as singing them with precision. Earlier on October 14, Soccoro D’Mello, Carmo Santos, Denis Gonsalves, Faustinho Menezes, Allwin Fernandes, Johnny Fernandes, Gratian Nazareth and their families offered prayers and wished them well.