Media Release
Kuwait, Feb 18: Velriza Pereira and Maricio Xavier Rosario will represent Oman in the first ever Gulf Voice of Goa Konkani singing competition.
The mega event organized by Goan Cultural Centre is scheduled to take place Friday February 22 at Khaldiya University Auditorium, Kuwait.
Organized in aid of the Bahrain Cathedral, the event is supported by well-known Goan NRIs in the middle-east - Carmo Santos, Agnello Fernandes and Bosco Leitao (Kuwait), Simon D’Silva (Doha Qatar), Gabriel Crasto and Francis Correia (Bahrain), Gabby de Chandor (Dubai), Anthony Lourenco (Muscat) and Joe Fernandes (Saudi Arabia).
Performing stars apart from Kuwait artistes include Goa’s melody king Lawry Travasso, celebrity singer/musician Velrose Pereira (Oman), Goencho Avaz winner Classy Cardozo (Goa), rhythmic singer Michael D’Silva (Goa), Celebrated Thomazino Cardozo and Irene Cardozo (Goa), Sanio Fernandes (Dubai), Avers Pereira (Oman), Goencho Tallo (UAE) Winner Florinda Cardozo (Sharjah), etc.
Velriza Pereira
Still a teenager and youngest among all the shortlisted contestants, Velriza has been imbibed with love for Konkani and Goan music ever since she was a little girl.
Velriza has featured in 3 albums that include ‘Familicho Ekvott’, and ‘Avaz Tuzo’ which featured Lorna.
The young girl is an aspiring drummer too and her dream to be close to Goa and improve in her mother tongue Konkani.
Hailing from St Estevam, Goa, Velriza studied at Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir, Oman and lives in Muscat.
Mauricio Xavier Rosario
Hailing from Taleigao, Maurice is an electronic engineer by profession working for the National bank of Oman (NBO) in the IT department.
Besides his profession, he is passionate to perform on stage in dancing, singing, and acting in Konkani drama.
Maurice loves composing meaningful songs in Konkani. He has composed numerous solos, duets and comedy songs.
During his younger days in Goa, Maurice has performed in various stage programs and dramas in Goa. Most of his performances have been in Menino de Bandar and E. Perry’s dramas.
Most of Maurice’s songs and acting is highly appreciated by the Goan audience in Oman. He holds a number of award-winning certificates in Oman for Goan Wing Cultural events.
Gulf Voice of Goa
The main competition is classified for Gulf residents of Goan origin.
2 participants from each country are shortlisted to sing at the Grand finale that will see the crowning of best Gulf Goan male and female singers.
Shortlisted Finalists are as follows:
Kuwait finalists
Romeo Brangaza
Zelia Rodrigues
Bahrain contestants
Aeral Paul Fernandes
Slenzitta D’cruz
UAE contestants
John Pereira
Aviella d’souza
Qatar contestants
John De Sa
Natcey Barretto
Oman contestants
Maurice Xavier Rosario
Velriza Pereira
Apart from the competition, entertaining songs, dances and hilarious comedy skits will be a special feature of the show.
A number of delegates and dignitaries from the Gulf States, Goa, and Kuwait are expected to be in attendance.
A band ensemble with a contingent of musicians led by Kuwait’s Maestro Soccor D’Mello and Goa’s Norman Cardozo will form a fusion of music to energize the evening.
Watch out for more details at www.gulfvoiceofgoa.com