Daijiworld Media Network - Kuwait
Kuwait, Feb 7: Louis Rodrigues, the co-founder of the hugely popular 'Gulf Voice of Mangalore' Konkani singing reality show, passed away on Tuesday February 7. He was 62.
A well-known Konkani activist in Kuwait, Louis Rodrigues together with Lawrence Pinto co-founded Gulf Voice of Mangalore in 2008. Since then, the reality show bringing together top singing talents from across the GCC countries has gone on to become Konkani world's biggest show.
Louis Rodrigues was known for his organizing skills, having been the man behind several Konkani shows in Kuwait. A humble man who strove to popularise Konkani language and culture in the Gulf, he was the first organizer of 'India Day' in Kuwait in 1997.
During the 80s, as a head of 'Mangalorean Artists', he brought many talents to focus through musical nites and dramas. He was the one who brought Konkani’s legendary singer Wilfy and Meena Rebimbus to Kuwait for the first time. He also brought Claud D’Souza and Wilson Olivera to Kuwait.
The Mangalorean Catholic Centre of the Parish (MCCP) of Muscat had felicitated Louis along with Lawrence Pinto for their contribution towards Konkani on the occasion of completion of glorious 20 years. Louis Rodrigues along with wife Rita Rodrigues had also sung songs in the 80s.
He leaves behind his wife Rita Rodrigues, daughter Lolita, son Russel Rodrigues, son-in-law Sudhi Fronteiro and grandchildren Syona Ballerine and Lestyn Kainan.
Funeral mass will be held at the Holy Family Cathedral, Kuwait City on Thursday, February 9 at 3 pm followed by burial at Sulaibikat cemetry.