Report : Lavina D'Sa
Pics : Joachim D'Souza
Muscat, Sep 22: The semi-final of Konkani singing talent hunt show 'Gulf Voice of Mangalore' that has become a festival of music for the music lovers in the Gulf countries witnessed some magnificent performances, with Renita Rosalin Quadras and Pradeep Alexander Michael D’Souza marching into the finals that will be held in Kuwait on November 9 this year.
The semi-final was hosted by the Mangalurean Konkani Wing - Indian Social Club on Friday September 21. As the clock struck 5 pm the curtains opened with Oman’s popular compere and renowned toastmaster Dilip Correa taking charge of the day's programme. The convener of Mangalurean Konkani Wing – Indian Social Club Clarence Pinto welcomed the audience and cheered all the semi-finalists of GVOM 6 Oman.
A grand procession of the semi-finalists preceded by Oman flag-bearer Lawrence Alva and Gulf Voice of Mangalore flag-bearer Naveen Mascarehas and Voice of Oman trophies carried by Lavina D’Sa and Jessie Pereira marked the opening of the competition. Naveen Mascarenhas read the rules of the competition. Band Open High, the music troupe for the competition took charge of the music for the day.
The esteemed judges of the competition were introduced by Lawrence Alva. The panel of judges comprised of Melody queen - Anitha D'Souza, King of Konkani mimicry singing- Patrick Pereira and Konkan Tansen - Adrian Gomes who were welcomed to their seats by Jessie Pereira, Dolly Gomes and Mariete Fernandes.
The competition began with the first round where the participants sang a song of their choice. In the female category the six semi-finalists who walked on to the stage were Anitha Lobo, Inez Lobo, Zeena D'Souza, Lavisha Sequeira, Amanda Lobo and Renita Quadras.
It was followed by the male category semi-finalists who were Vincent D'Souza, Cyril Danthi, Deepak D'Souza, Zino Saldanha, Jason Cardoza and Pradeep D'Souza.
An online GVOM-6 semi-finals quiz was conducted for consecutive three months and over 150 participants participated in a grand draw of correct entries. Five consolation prizes and a grand bumper prize was awarded in the lucky draw conducted by Mariete Fernandes and Lavina D’Sa. The quiz was organized with the help of Vijai D'Cunha.
All the 12 semi-finalists were felicitated with the certificates of participation by the executive committee of MKW-SC. The office bearers of MWK-ISC, Clarence Pinto - convener, Dilip Correa, John Gonsalves, Lawrence Alva, Lavina D'Sa, Mariete Fernandes, Jessie Pereira, Dolly Gomes, Naveen Mascharenhas were instrumental in organizing the GVOM-6 semi-finals in Oman.
The round 2 of the semi-finals was then conducted wherein the top 3 contestants from the first round walked into the second round. The top three contestants were:
Lavisha Sequeira, Amanda Lobo and Renita Quadras from the female category.
Zino Saldanha, Jason Cardoza and Pradeep D'Souza from the male category.
This was a chord round wherein the participants had to sing a common song without music.
Band Open High headed by Joston Periera presented an entertaining musical extravaganza and set the stage on fire as Preema D'Souza, Eldrich D'Souza, Sameer Purakkotagath, Jason D'Souza and Joston Periera mesmerized the crowd with their singing and music.
The hall was beautifully decorated by Lancy Lobo and team. DJ Loveline Rego along with Andril Lobo organized the background music.
Clarence Pinto honoured the sponsors for the day with bouquets. The event sponsors were Denis Mascarenhas, Prestige Projects & Engineering Supplies Co LLC, Clifford Sanctis and family, M/S Hydrotec International LLC, Raphael Quadros, Zahrat Al Rawdah Trading Co, and Jerald Monis and family.
John Gonsalves presented the vote of thanks. The judges were honoured with a token of appreciation by the convener and the executive team. Patrick Pereira enthralled the audience with his singing and Anitha D'Souza spoke about the competition on behalf of the judges.
Before the curtains drew down the most awaited moment of announcement of results was held. Amidst a lot of suspense and speculations the moment of glory arose when Renita Quadras was crowned the Voice of Oman in female category and Pradeep D'Souza was adjudged the Voice of Oman in male category in this season's GVOM.
Renita Quadras and Pradeep D'Souza will now compete in the grand finale of Gulf voice of Mangalore – Season 6 to be held in Kuwait on November 9 this year.
GVOM Season 6: