Media Release

Dubai, Feb 24: The spectacular musical extravaganza 'Konkani Dabazo-2020' concluded on a grand note. The show was organized by JAKC (Jebel Ali Konkani Community) on February 20 from 7.45 pm onwards at the Parish Hall of St Francis of Assisi Church, Jebel Ali.

‘Konkano Dabazo’ is a fun-filled Konkani entertainment programme consisting of Konkani Songs, Short drama, Dances and Live music presented by the local talent of JAKC. It is also a platform for the Konkani speaking community to exhibit their talents.

The programme kicked off with the introduction by compere Lanita Noronha followed by a Prayer dance by Vidisha and Viyola of JAKC.

JAKC Core Committee member Roshan Chacko welcomed the gathering and spoke about the various activities of JAKC. “The key objective of JAKC is the promotion of Konkani language and culture,” said Roshan. He thanked the audience for gathering in large number.

One of the highlights of this year Dabazo was traditional ‘Vojem Vorchem’, a scene which reminded of the original Roce ceremony in Mangalore. JAKC members led by Joel Pinto, Vamanjoor came in a procession to the stage, dancing to the beats of the brass band along with the traditional ‘Vojem’.

Fr Maxim Cardoza, spiritual director of JAKC and parish priest of St Paul’s Catholic Church, Musaffah, Abu Dhabi felicitated the dignitaries, sponsors and co-sponsors by presenting the flower bouquet followed by lighting of the traditional lamp.

Fr Reinhold Sahner, parish priest addressed the gathering and highlighted the various contributions by JAKC. “I am delighted to be a part of this community”, he said. He blessed the event and wished success. Coincidently it was Fr Reinhold’s 60th birthday and hence the Konkani community celebrated the occasion followed by cake cutting by Fr Reinhold.

Fr Maxim in his message mentioned about ‘promoting and celebrating the rich heritage of Konkani language and culture’. He stressed upon safeguarding it for future generation. He wished success for the event.

Michelle Passanha, chairperson of the parish council, was present on the dais along with the guests and dignitaries.

The cultural programme began with the theme song ‘Dabazo’ sung by JAKC members, which set the pace for the event. Well-known MC Lanita Noronha kept the show going with her unique style of compering and sense of humor.

The music for the evening was arranged and co-ordinated by Joyson D’Souza and his live band JNB (Joynish Band), which swayed the audience to the melodious music by playing popular Konkani songs. The band lineup consisted of Joyson D’Souza on the drums, Chris Menezes on the Lead guitar, Karina D’Souza on the Rhythm guitar, Karen D’Souza on the Saxophone, Deepak Machado on the Keyboards and Errol Serrao on the Bass guitar. The band was accompanied on the vocals by Wilson Pinto, along with Nisha Sequeira, Reshma Coutinho and Sherin Walder from JAKC.

Young talent Karen D’Souza rendered an instrumental classic on Saxophone accompanied by the musicians of the live band.

Variety of dance performances by JAKC artistes (children and adults) added colour and glamour to the event. Some of the dance performances like ‘Darya Kushin’, ‘Kedna Re’ and ‘Pavsa’ by children and ‘Guturu Guturu’ by adults were well appreciated by the audience with huge round of applause.

Clarence Pinto from JAKC Core committee rendered the vote of thanks.

Another highlight of this year’s event was a short Konkani Comedy Play with a social message ‘Koniyi Kayin Unyar Na’ enacted by well-known actors of JAKC, which included, Avil D’Costa, Moodubidri as ‘Leslie’; Jenifer Pinto, Pangla as ‘Leena Bai’; Jason Miranda, Boliye as ‘Anthon’; Reshma D’Souza, Vamanjoor as ‘Paskin’; David Lobo, Byndoor as ‘MLA Gregor’; Jonita Menezes, Pernal as ‘Kathrin’; Paul D’souza, Paladka as ‘Bejmi’ and Steven Pinto, Loretto as ‘Inspector’. The play was written by Bernard J Costa, Kundapur; directed by Vernon D’Souza, Mangaluru; background score and recording by Franklin Rodrigues, Siddakatte; Drama Poster, Teaser, Trailer, LED Scenes-Concept and Design by Prem Peter, Cascia and Jason Miranda, Boliye; Title Track Sung by Joel Pinto, Vamanjoor; Make-up by Pradeep Barboza, Paladka; Stills by Ritesh Pinto, Shirva and Prem Peter, Cascia. Cyril Baptist led the drama troupe.

JAKC felicitated the Musicians of Live band and all the team members of Konkani comedy drama ‘Koniyi Kayin Unyar Na’.

As the event was nearing the end, JAKC members along with the Live band, set the tempo with the hugely popular ‘Non-stop Baila’ to the much delight of the crowd and there was no looking back as the mood just got better and better asking for more. The evening concluded with boisterous young and old dancing to their heart's content with beautiful memories to cherish for long.

Michael D’Souza (Ivory Grand Hotel) was the main sponsor of the event, while Ivan Fernandes was the co-sponsor and Joseph Mathias was the support sponsor.

‘AMS Event Productions’ provided the LED display, sounds and lighting for the event.

The event came to an end with the family dinner.