Media Release
Pics: Jerald D'Souza
Doha, Nov 21: Gulf Voice of Mangalore (GVOM) is by far the best and the longest reality show in Konkani. It had been set to motion in 2008 in Kuwait and over the last one decade, it has completed five successful and popular seasons that has brought to light numerous hidden singing stars working and residing in the GCC countries of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. A show that had primarily begun as a talent hunt has today become tradition of the Gulf with singers and Konkani buffs waiting for each season with excitement.
Ever since the show began in 2008, though Qatar has always been on the podium and has been one of the most consistent performers, the title of GVOM had eluded Qatar. Almost every season, ‘champions’ tag eluded Qatar by a whisker. But this season ended Qatar’s decade-long wait to be crowned champions as sensational and crowd-favourites Clement Fernandes stood head and shoulders above others and was eventually crowned Gulf Voice of Mangalore in the male category. On the other hand Christle Pinto, youngest finalist in the history of GVOM thus far, put up a stunning performance in her maiden final and bagged second runners-up trophy in the female section.
This win sparked celebrations among the Mangalurean Konkani-speaking community of Qatar as one of their long pending dreams came true. These celebrations were formalized by Mangalore Cultural Association (MCA), the Qatar chapter hosts of Gulf Voice of Mangalore, as they felicitated Clement Fernandes and Christle Pinto in a unique ceremony held at the Al Masa Hall of Hotel Holiday Inn on November 15.
The evening celebrations began with the playing of the MCA anthem, followed by a short power point presentation on Qatar’s journey in GVOM, prepared by Jovita Pereira. The evening then was thrown open with a keynote address and welcome by compere Gladson D’Almeida.
Christle Pinto who bagged second runners-up, was then felicitated for her stupendous achievement by MCA Advisor Joachim D’Souza. Accepting the honour Christle thanked her parents Jane and Stany Pinto, sister Clarissa and her mentors, trainers and MCA for trusting her and encouraging her. Christle is born and brought up in Qatar and was one of the flag-bearers for GVOM when Qatar hosted the finals back in 2012. From being a flag-bearer to be Voice of Qatar to represent in the final, has been an incredible journey by Christle. Her parents Stany and Jane recounted this journey of hers and expressed how proud they are at their daughter’s achievement.
This was followed by felicitation to GVOM-2018 winner Clement Fernandes. Clement was escorted to the dais by MCA president Veena Rebimbus Pais, MCA former presidents Harry Lobo and Arthur Pais. Felix Lobo, one of the brains behind the founding of GVOM a decade ago and the staunch supporter of Team Qatar and advisor of MCA, felicitated Clement. Acknowledging the honour, Clement said that more than feeling elated for winning the prestigious GVOM, he was feeling proud and elated to have given Qatar its first GVOM title. “This is the first recognized award that I have won and I feel ecstatic, not just because I have won it but because I have been able to give Qatar its first GVOM. I had made a promise after winning the semi-finals that I would bring home GVOM for the first time and thereafter I put up efforts towards realizing this dream. These efforts of mine and my mentors and trainers have paid dividends and here I stand in front of you with GVOM crown,” he said. He also recounted his musical journey, the efforts he took to perfect his singing talent and the support that he got from his family, especially from his mother, sister and wife. Clement’s wife Nisha as well as MCA advisor Joachim D’Souza too were present on the dais.
Felix Lobo is one of the key persons along with Walter Nandalike in realising the dream show of Gulf Voice of Mangalore which was conceptualized by Lawrence Pinto and the late Louis Rodrigues of Kuwait in 2008. He has been backbone of GVOM in Qatar for all the 6 editions and has been the staunch supporter of Team Qatar at the GVOM. Speaking on the occasion, he recounted how world’s biggest and longest-running Konkani reality show Gulf Voice of Mangalore took shape from a brilliant idea set to motion by Lawrence Pinto and Louis Rodrigues. He also congratulated team Qatar which has dished out consistent performance across all GVOM seasons. “But Qatar getting the GVOM crown was my biggest dream. Each season, Team Qatar produced magnificent singers and we travelled with the hope of bringing home GVOM crown. But each time we lost by a slender margin and this had created sort of frustration amongst us thinking when and how will we break the jinx. Thanks to Clement and his enormous talent. We have finally become champions and this is just the beginning. With kind of talent that we have seen here in Qatar in this year’s auditions, I am sure we going to produce more GVOMs in the coming season. Christle who has stood on the podium in her maiden appearance, is a champion in the making and I am sure, one day she will bring GVOM crown to Qatar again,” he added.
MCA president Veena Rebimbus Pais has been Team Qatar’s mentor all these years. Her passion for perfection and to win GVOM, seen her guiding and supporting singers with her experience and musical knowledge. It’s her efforts and hard work that has made GVOM so popular and strong in Qatar. Speaking on the occasion she expressed her happiness on Qatar finally wining GVOM crown through Clement. “Every year as we lost the crown by thin margin, I was left with the question as to what it will take it for us to win GVOM crown. I have always been passionate about music and GVOM has given me a perfect way to express my passion. Every season we saw that Qatar sent best singers to the finals expecting them to bring home GVOM crown. I left no stone unturned in supporting, encouraging and guiding the singers. Qatar is a tiny country and our singers hardly get opportunities to present their talent. Yet MCA has put up its best foot forward in giving sufficient training to singers through voice workshops, cultural programmes etc. Our relentless efforts have paid benefits finally as Clement has not brought laurels to Qatar but in a way has fulfilled by dream of seeing Qatar as the GVOM champion,” she added excitingly.
MCA former president Arthur Pais, former GVOM finalist and voice of Qatar Rupert Lobo too expressed their feelings and congratulated the Clement and Christle on the occasion while young singer, dancer and poet Jeevan Rayan Ferrao presented two Konkani poems he wrote in honour of Clement and Christle.
The entire programme was excellently compered by Gladson D’Almeida. He also conducted quiz on GVOM and the winners were presented by prizes by MCA. The meaningful and colourful evening came to an end with a sumptuous dinner.
Read finale report: