Media Release
Doha, Sep 19: The all-time favourite singers of Wilfy Nite will come together to give a tribute to the legend of Konkani music as Wilfy Nite completes 50 years on Sunday September 19.
To mark the completion of 50 golden years of Wilfy Nites, Wilfy’s Konkani Sangeet Gharana has brought together popular Konkani singers who have shared the stage with the Konkan Kogul in and around Mangaluru and all over India, Middle East countries, London and Canada on one platform.
The late Gabbu Urwa and Benna Ruzai came together under the Roop Raag banner to take the historic step of organizing the first Wilfy Nite on September 19, 1971 at Town Hall, Mangaluru. This also marked the beginning of Konkani Nites. From then on Wilfy Nites have come a long way. By being a trendsetter through adding various aspects of entertainments to the Nite culture, Wilfy Nite became an example for other Konkani artistes.
Wilfy's group has just grown since then. Artistes have joined in and always remained as a family member even though many had to leave for better prospects. Wilfy had kept everyone united under his banner of United Youngsters. At this moment the family remembers all the departed souls from the troupe who have contributed immensely towards the growth of Wilfy Nites.
Wilfy Nite group in early 70s
First Wilfy Nite group
Wilfy's group of 80s
Wilfy's group of 90s
Group during first volume recording
Kogul Ghaita book release
Wilfy Nite group at Wilfy's 60th birthday
Keeping this in mind, his daughter Veena has brought back many of them on a virtual platform to sing together a song that was close to Wilfy’s heart. This song was also one of the two last songs that he attempted to sing just 3 days before his death.
Since this song gives the message that all Konkans must stand tall and united to keep the community's language alive, it seemed like an apt song to give tribute to Wilfy, who strived to bring out the language within the community.
The celebrations will continue as popular Mangalurean singers from Qatar will join together on one stage to bring back the magic of first WIlfy Nite. This will also be the 282nd Wilfy Nite. The songs that were sung for the first Wilfy Nite will be presented yet again keeping the flavour of the 70s. The singers who were present for first Wilfy Nite will share their memories and give an insight into what happened behind the scenes. Audience will get to listen to the original audio clippings of a few songs sung at the first Wilfy Nite. Over and above, Wilfy’s Konkani Sangeet Gharana promises a great memorable evening on October 1. Stay tuned and subscribe to the channel to not miss the historic event.
Wilfy's Konkani Sangeet Gharana run by Veena Rebimbus Pais, daughter of Wilfy Rebimbus promotes Wilfy’s Konkani Songs and his literary works. The channel is dedicated to publish and promote Konkani songs of ‘Konkan Kogul’ Wilfy Rebimbus. The tunes and music he composed for his own lyrics numbering around 3000, have an original style and are unique and easily recognized as Mangalurean Konkani. This is ‘Wilfy’s Konkani Sangeet Gharana’.
To be a part of this event and to listen to more of Wilfy’s work, subscribe to Wilfy’s Konkani Sangeet Gharana on YouTube.
Watch the song here: