Doha : Carol DSouza, Clement Fernandes qualify for GVOM 5 finals

Pics by Sunil Crasto Daijiworld Media Network - Doha Doha, Oct 1: Dishing out fantabulous and heart-winning performance, Qatar’s sensational Melody Queen Carol D’Souza and sonorous, Prince of Romance Clement Fernandes bagged the ticket for the finals 5th edition of Konkani’s greatest reality show Gulf Voice of Mangalore, to be held in Bahrain on November 11. It was not just the performance of the eventual winners but each of the semi-finalists that kept the audience glued to their seats till the end at the Regency Halls here on Friday September 30. The programme was organized by Mangalorea Cultural Association (MCA), a synonym for quality entertainment and best organized programmes in Qatar. Qatar has been on the podium of Konkani’s Greatest Reality Show Gulf Voice of Mangalore in each of its 4 editions held so far, missing the winning crown by a whisker each time. But this time around, two young and sensational singers Carol and Clement seem to have made up their mind to fetch Gulf Voice of Mangalore title for the first time, in both, male and female category. This is what might have been the feeling of every Konkani music lover who had gathered to witness the semi-finals of the 5th season of Qatar chapter of Gulf Voice of Mangalore. As melodious Carol D’Souza and enchanting Clement Fernandes were announced winners by one of the most eloquent and finest comperes of Konkani Ronald Olivera Padukone, the roofs of Regency Halls came down with the thunderous applause of the full-house Friday audience who were witness to one of the toughest and best GVOM semi-finals ever here. If first round was fantastic yet gruelling, the second round with Top-3 was nail-biting affair, making the job of the experienced jury. Yet as they say, two best voices of the evening won but not before being tested and pushed to the wall by other contestants who were equally good and fabulous, making it a memorable evening for the jury, organizers and the audience. The much expected evening began with the anthem of MCA rendered by its president Arthur Pais along with the members of the Executive Committee. This was followed with the escorting of judges of the evening Fr Clement Mascarenhas, Wilson Olivera and Suraj Noronha and 13 semi-finalists to the dais by MCA president Arthur Pais, vice-president Aloysius D’Souza and GVOM Qatar coordinator Shalini Mendonca. A short presentation on the GVOM history and Qatar’s success in GVOM was shown the screen as GVOM anthem was played on the background before Alfred Cyril Crasta introduced the judges to the audience who were welcomed by Arthur Pais with bouquets.    The stage was then thrown open to the contest as witty, eloquent and spontaneous Ronald Olivera took over the reins of the programme. The first performer of the evening was Carol D’Souza who emoted perfect emotions coupled with brilliant vocals in rendering ‘Tujea Phondar’, a musical masterpiece, penned and composed by Alwyn Noronha Bajpe and sung originally by Babita Pinto. Carol should have perhaps been recognized much earlier for her talent because she is one of the finest young female singers that are coming up these days and she has all that can make her a prized possession of Konkani music in the coming years. It was perfect start to the evening and the loud applause that echoed through the venue was ample proof that audience had settled in for a musical extravaganza. Second one on the stage was Sarita Mendonca who belted out Konkani’s Showman Mic Max’s peppy number ‘Vallchea Udkak’ sung originally by Preema Rodrigues. She was followed on stage by Qatar well-known Konkani voice Eva Wilma Pinto who has been a consistent performer in every GVOM held so far. It was ‘Tunch Eklo Puro Maka’ penned and set to tune by Lloyd Rego Taccode that was Eva Wima’s choice of song for the evening. This song sung originally by Meera Crasta has come in for lot of praise by the music critiques and has been a regular entry in various Konkani music competitions. Eva with her unique voice timber and beautiful presentation dished out a great performance that came in for a lot of praise by the jury and the audience. Jovita Pereira is not new to GVOM and Konkani buffs of Qatar. She is the owner of a melodious voice and has been one of the most consistent performers in GVOM Qatar chapter over the years making it to the semis four times in a row. She even made it to the Top-3 last time around and today she hit all the right notes and stirred the Konkani chords of every Konkani lover present in the audience with the stellar rendition of ‘Mujem Kalliz Mogar Podlam’, one of the most romantic numbers penned and composed by legendary, the late Konkann Kogull Wilfy Rebimbus and sung magically by Babita Pinto. Jovita’s sweet voice came in for a lot of appreciation by jury member Fr Clement. t was Anjali Andrade’s performance that brought the venue to complete silence. Gifted with a mellifluous voice, she is surely a star in the making, if only more and more opportunities come up her way. The song she chose for the evening was ‘Mujea Kallzeachi Har-eik Uddi’, one of the most emotional numbers composed on mother by none other than the late Wilfy Rebimbus and sung originally by Konkann Myna Meena Rebimbus. Again this is one of the favourite songs at various Konkani singing competitions for over 30 years since its first release in 1985. It was a soul stirring performance by Anjali striking the inner most emotions of the audience. And when she hung up, it took some time for audience to realise that Anjali had completed performance and then there was thunderous applause that reverberated through the Regency Halls. The last female performer of the evening was Sunitha D’Souza, another gifted and hardworking singer. She beautifully presented the late Wilfy Rebimbus’ another memorable song ‘Mog Di Maka Mog Di’, sung originally by Veena Pais nee Rebimbus. The performances by all the female contestants was of such high standards that audience was left stunned in sheer appreciation of the perfect blend of melodious singing and equally matching performance by each one of the contestants. For sure judges Fr Clement, Wilson Oliver and Suraj Noronha had difficult time in selecting the best one. It was also heralding of what was in store when contest would start for the male semi-finalists. And no one was disappointed as Qatar’s Top-7 male voices dished out a wonderful performance through their superlative singing. The first contestant among the male singers was Alphonse D’Silva, one of Qatar’s best singers. Time and again those who have heard him opined that his voice has a close resemblance with the voice of Konkani’s original and first showman Jerome D’Souza. Alphonse’s ability to come up with astounding performance almost everytime he climbs up the stage is second to none and he lived up to his billing as one of the top performers of the evening with the superlative presentation of Melwyn Peris’ touching number 'Agttem Ujeachemm'. With this performance, Alphonse had given a perfect start to the contest among the male semi-finalists. He was followed on stage by another familiar voice of Qatar Naveen Pinto, the owner of a deep, heart warming voice. And the song that he chose for contest was one of Konkani’s evergreen numbers ‘Mariya’ penned, composed and originally sung by the late Wilfy Rebimbus. Naveen came up with a marvellous performance attracting a huge round of applause by the audience. Next on queue was young Niel Roshan D’Silva who presented ‘Loveleena’ song penned, composed and sung originally by Adolf Jayathilak. It was a confident and superb presentation by Niel and jury member Wilson Olivera justified this while commenting on the performance. Praveen Lobo was the next one to take to the stage with ‘Haanv Eik Sopnneli’, one fo the best compositions of the late Mic Max which had originally been sung by Dr Prashanth Raj. Praveen gave out his best performance and the big applause that he received proved that his performance did strike a chord with the audience too. The surprise package of the semi-finals was by far Wilson Mendonca, known to be an entertainer by the Qatar music lovers for his choice of peppy numbers often. He too has been a regular at GVOM and has made it to the semi-finals multiple times. He came up with the peppy number Veera, composed by the late Wilfy Rebimbus and sung originally by Ivan Sequeira. He raised the competition bar by several notches with his breathtaking performance, attracting showers of applause from the audience. Next on the stage was Naveen D’Souza, man who can hit the lower musical notes as easily as sipping a cup of tea. He was the dark horse last time around and had taken everyone by surprise with is beautiful singing. This time around too, his was an amazing performance which was appreciated greatly by the jury and the audience. His choice of song was ‘Mog Dolleanni’ composed and sung by Vishwas Rebimbus. The final performance in the male category was by far the best performance of the evening. Clement Fernandes, better known as Munna Taccode, is a multifaceted personality. He had composed songs and brought out his own Konkani album when he was still in teens and later he was also crowned Mr Konkani World during the Vishwa Konkanni Yuva Mell held during the First World Konkani Cultural Convention. But what he is best known is for his singing prowess. Blessed with a sonorous voice, he has the unique ability to spellbind the audience with sensational singing. He is a prodigious talent and he exhibited as why he is considered as one of the most promising young, up and coming singers in Konkani. He chose to sing ‘Kallza Gaaz’ song penned by Panchu Bantwal and composed by Eric Ozario. The song originally sung by one of Konkani’s most melodious singers Prakash D’Souza Bajpe, is a masterpiece in itself. Clement not only did complete justice to the song but left an indelible mark in the hearts of the audience and judges with his singing. Such was the impact of his singing that it took the extraordinary skills of famed Ronald Olivera to calm down the audience who had gone berserk with thunderous applause as Clement finished his song. Based on the first round performances, Top-3 singers in male and female category were selected to the second and final round. While Carol D’Souza, Anjali Andrade and Jovita Pereira stood on the podium at the end of the first round in the female category, Clement Fernandes, Naveen Pinto and Wilson Mendonca rose to the podium in the male category. The next round was of common song. While female singers were given ‘Asha’ song, composed by the late Wilfy Rebimbus and sung originally by Meena Rebimbus, male singers had to present another composition of the Konkann Kogull ‘Mai Ganva’ sung originally by Vishwas Rebimbus. Again all the 6 contestants came up with the brilliant performance knowing well that their fortunes of entering the finals depended on this round. It was indeed superlative performance as margin of error decreased and contestants put their best foot forward to impress the jury. Qatar’s famed band Singing Birds led by Lateef provided the music for the semi-finals. Joswin Pinto, a well-known lead guitarist from Mangalore was flown in specially from Mangalore for the contest directed the music. Once the contest was over, a short stage programme was held wherein MCA Seva Puraskar-2016 was awarded. While Captain Ramanan Ravi Kumar, the defence advisory at the Indian Embassy, Qatar, was the chief guest of the evening, Walter Nandalike, the Editor-in-chief of Daijiworld was the guest of honour. The guests were escorted to the stage by MCA president Arthur Pais, vice-president Aloysius D’Souza and advisors Felix Lobo, Jerry Pinto, Joquim D’Souza and Wilfred Fernandes. Alfred Crasta introduced Captain Ravi Kumar to gathering before Arthur Pais delivered the keynote address. Then the much-awaited MCA Seva Puraskar 2016 that consists of citation, memento and a cash amount of Rs 1 lac was presented to Corrine Rasquinha, founder president of White Doves from Mangaluru for her outstanding, selfless, relentless service to the less fortunate people of the society. Chief Guest of the evening Capt Ravi Kumar and Walter Nandalike presented her with the prestigious award after Veena Pais read out the citation. Chief guest Captain Ravikumar, in his address, congratulated Seva Puraskar awardee Corrine Rasquinha, lauding her efforts to reach out the poorest of the poor and the needy. He was all praise for MCA for instituting such an award that recognizes and honours those people who are doing selfless service to the society. He also advised other Qatar-based Indian socio-cultural organizations to take a cue from MCA and recognize more and more such people. In her acknowledgement speech Corrine thanked MCA for choosing her for the prestigious award and honouring her service. “This award is not merely for me but for all of those who are associated with White Doves mission for many years. This will surely give us strength and encouragement to continue our mission of reaching out to the needy,” she added. Walter Nandalike congratulated Corrine on being conferred with Seva Puraskar and also lauded the efforts of MCA in organizing Gulf Voice of Mangalore Qatar chapter successfully for the 5th consecutive season. MCA has been encouraging Konkani in its own way. For the last two years MCA had organized Konkani poetry writing competition and this year a Konkani short story writing competition was held. Rony Monteiro was the first prize followed by Sandeep Noronha and Savious Crasta. They were presented with the prize by Walter Nandalike. GVOM-5 Qatar preliminary’s judges Agnel Ullas D’Souza and Gladson D’Almeida were presented with mementoes along with all the semi-finalists and musicians. Aloysius D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks and Qatar’s very best, eloquent and suave Alfred Cyril Crasta was the compere for the stage programme. As the audience waited for the announcement of the final results, one of the judges of the evening Wilson Olivera and the most loved golden voice of Qatar Rupert Lobo entertained the audience by belting out Wilson Olivera’s Konkani songs. Qatar’s newest dancing sensations, Dance Warriors Group comprising of Anushka Fernandes, Shown Fernandes, Greg D’Cunha and Elena Noronha mesmerised the audience with their scintillating and elegant dance performance. Aloysius D’Souza, Merlyn D’Souza, Alwyn Goveas, Sandeep Noronha, Treesa Goveas and Clara D’Souza entertained the gathering with their rib-tickling shorts skits. The programme was compered by Konkani’s Ronald Olivera with wit, timely punches and control over the gathering. He is known as one of the best comperes that we have today and he again proved that his brand of compering is second to none. Ramco Trading & Contracting and Qatar Space Technology were the main sponsor of the evening while Commercial Bank Qatar, Doha Bank and Construction Development Company LLC (CDC) were the co-sponsors. Photo Album 1 :  Click Here Photo Album 2 :  Click Here CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE

---

SANA & HARRY BAG TICKETS TO GVOM-4 FINALS

Doha, Sep 27: Young, enchanting, up and coming Sana Britto and Qatar?s Rock Star Harry Correa are now just a step away from being crowned as the Best Male and Female singers of Mangalorean origin in the Middle East.

As Konkani?s ace compere CGS Taccode announced the name of the winners of the semi-finals of the Gulf Voice of Mangalore-4, the unusually calm audience at the Al Ghazal Club, burst into applause, hailing the toppers. It was a nail-biting, neck-to-neck contest that kept the audience guessing throughout as the pendulum swung from one to another constantly as Qatar?s Top-13 came up with sterling performance outweighing each other.

Finally it was Sana Britto, Qatar?s young singing sensation, who had also made it to the finals of SOAD-3 International couple of years ago and Harry Correa, a live-wire performer and owner of sonorous voice, who overcame their opponents and got the coveted ticket to the grand finals to be held at Oman on November 7.

It was indeed a gruelling two-round contest wherein only the best performance could send two of the semi-finalists to the finals of the Greatest Konkani Reality show of the Middle East, the Gulf Voice of Mangalore-4. Going by the judges and the reactions of the gathering, the contest was indeed tough as all the contestants performed exceedingly well, making it tough to the judges to choose the best. But judges were up to the task and the end result clearly indicated that. Konkani?s golden voice Dr Prashanth Raj, composer and musician of great acclaim Fr Stany Tauro and ace base guitarist Ashith Pinto who were specially flown in as judges for the semi-finals from Mangalore did justice to their job as their wealth of experience in Konkani music helped them to select two best voices of Qatar.

The evening hosted by Mangalore Cultural Association (MCA) began with the playing of MCA theme song after a brief introduction by Alfre Cyril Crasta. This was followed by a presentation that took to the audience through the memory lane and into the history of Gulf of Voice of Mangalore as the theme song of GVOM of played in the background. Alfred Crasta then invited the MCA president Arthur Pais, vice-president Jason Quadros as well as the Advisory committee members Felix Lobo and Wilfred Fernandes to escort the contestants, jury and compere of the evening top the dais. The judges of the evening Fr Stany Tauo, Dr Prashanth Raj and Ashith Pinto then were introduced to the gathering by Alfred and mark sheets were handed over to them. The contest started with the entry of Konkani?s ace compere CGS Taccode to the stage. CGS has been renowned for his witty yet unique brand of compering which often has ?tadka? of ?desi? humour and pun in Mangalore and abroad.

The evening's first performer Eva Wilma Pinto provided perfect beginning to the musical fiesta with the rendition of ?Konkani Urovyan?, a beautiful composition by Vincent Fernandes, sung originally by Asha Fernandes. She was followed by Qatar's popular and melodious singer Nina Fernandes. Nina's strength has been her flawless singing and melodious voice. She did not disappoint the audience who have seen her perform consistently well over the years, with the wonderful rendition of ?Chali Thi Jallchi Vaat??, a well-acclaimed composition of Yodelling King Melwyn Peris which is originally sung by incomparable Reena Goveas nee D?Souza.

Sana Britto is surely a young sensation, a great star in the making. Her amazing voice and great singing skills, honed with continuous efforts, were in full display as she presented ?Fondar Tujea?, an emotional number composed by Alwyn Noronha. Pramila Monteiro is another sweet voice from Qatar and her choice of song ?Chali Komal Chali Moval? from Rony Crasta?s maiden musical album Mevisa and sung originally by Shilpa Cutinha, was well-acclaimed by the audience.

Jovita Pereira, a GVOM semi-finalist in season 2 & 3, raised the bar by several notches as she belted out ?Chilipili Suknneano?, a master composition of the late Wilfy Rebimbus. The last contestant in the female category was Karen Correa, the dark horse of the evening. She delivered one of the best performances of the evening with the rendition of ?Tunch Eklo?, penned by Lloyd Rego Taccode and sung by Meera Crasta for former?s music album ?Chanda Re?.

The performances by all the female contestants was of such high standards that audience was left stunned in sheer appreciation of the perfect blend of melodious singing and equally matching performance by each one of the contestants. For sure judges had difficult time is selecting the best one. It was also heralding of what was in store when contest would start for the male semi-finalists. And no one was disappointed as Qatar?s Top-7 male voices dished out a wonderful performance through their superlative singing.

First on stage was young Fredwin D?Souza who took Qatar by storm through his super performance at the GVOM preliminaries. A lot was expected of him and he lived up to these expectations as he rendered ?Mana Ye Mojha Mana, a classic composition by Konkani?s showman, the late ?Mic Max? and sung by Dr Prashanth Raj. ?Do Re Me Fa Sol?, composed and sung my Melwyn Peris was the choice of the next contestant Christon D?Souza, another young, up and coming singer. He was the surprise package of the evening and his sweet voice surely did justice to the song and weight to his overall performance.

'Navin Pinto does not need an introduction. A two-time GVOM semi-finalist, Navin was also the finalist from Qatar at the SOAD-3 International, couple of years ago. He chose to sing ?Mogak Aslelim Tara Pakam?, an enchanting number penned by Roshan D?Souza Angelore for Robin & Carol Sequeira?s first duo Konkani album ?Gaavn Mozo?. It was a soulful rendition that came in for lot of praise from the jury as well as the audience.

Next on stage was Remy D?Souza, the melody king of Qatar. His voice quality often leaves the audience in daze and his performance today was not an exception either. As he belted out ?Nach Bhangra?, a popular and creative composition by Roshan D?Souza and Lloyd Rego, sung by Nitin, the full-house audience in Al Ghazal Club applauded his performance with a thunderous applause. Alphone D?Silva whose voice has a close resemblance with the late Jerome D?Souza, is a top-class singer of Qatar. His rendition of ?Ambor Pikya Moga Khinnan?, originally rendered by Konkani?s Golden Boy Rony D?Cunha, was the highlight of the evening. And Alphonse with his superb rendition left the audience speechless.

Harry Correa is often referred as the Rock Star of Mangalorean community in Qatar for his wonderful singing and superb presentation skills. He presented another facet of his talent with the rendition of ?Mumma?, an emotional number from Arthur Pereira?s recent musical album ?Hello Deva?. It was surely one of the best performances of the evening that cemented Harry?s entry in the GVOM finals. The last of the contestants was Naveen D?Souza, a dark horse in the male category. His choice of song was ?Vhodtant Fulyant? composed by Roopesh D?Souza for the album ?Dream Girl? and sung by Dr Prashanth Raj. Naveen came up with a sterling performance and his deep, sonorous voice came in for special appreciation from the jury.

This was the first round and the judges were to select Best-3 in each category for the second round. It was Sana Britto, Jovita Pereira and Karen Correa who came up triumphant in female category while Christon, Alphonse and Harry topped the male contingent. While in the first round, singers were allowed to sing a song of their choice, the second round was more challenging as the Top-3 had to sing a song given by the organizers. It was ?Kogull Gayta? song for the female and ?Haanv Eik Sopnneli? for the male. Again all the 6 contestants came up with the brilliant performance knowing well that their fortunes of entering the finals depended on this round. It was indeed superlative performance as margin of error decreased and contestants put their best foot forward to impress the jury.

Qatar?s famed band Singing Birds led by Lathif provided the music for the semi-finals. Joswin Pinto, a well-known lead guitarist from Mangalore was flown in specially from Mangalore for the contest directed the music.

Once the contest was over, a short stage programme was held wherein MCA Konkani Kala Puraskar-2014 was awarded. Captain Ramanan Ravi Kumar, the defence advisory at the Indian Embassy, Qatar, was the chief guest of the evening. He was escorted to the stage by MCA president Arthur Pais, vice-president Jason Quadros and advisors Felix Lobo and Wilfred Fernandes. Alfred Crasta introduced Captain Ravi Kumar to gathering before Arthur Pais delivered the keynote address.

Then the much-awaited MCA Kala Puraskar 2014 that consist of citation, memento and a cash amount of Rs 1 lac was presented to popular Konkani, Tulu and Kannada playwright, novelist and social activist Catherine Rodrigues, Katpady. Despite her stupendous achievements in the literary field for over 35 years in 3 languages, Catherine was stayed away from publicity. But MCA did a yeoman?s job in recognizing her talent and awarding her with the coveted MCA Kala Puraskar-2014. Chief Guest of the evening Capt Ravi Kumar presented her with the prestigious award after Clement Saldanha read the citation. In her acknowledgement speech, Catherine thanked MCA for choosing for the award and also all those who have supported her throughout her literary career.

MCA had for the first time organized Konkani poetry competition for poets residing in Qatar. The poems were judged by Konkani?s eminent poets Melvyn Rodrigues and CGS Taccode. The first prize and cash prize of QR 2,000 was bagged by Gladson D?Almeida while Nevil Fernandes bagged the second place and cash prize of QR 1,500. The third place and cash prize of QR 1000 was won by Benjamin Reberio. Catherine Rodrigues distributed the prizes.

The chief guest of the evening Capt Ravi Kumar was in all praise to the MCA for organizing a stupendous event. He had a few words of appreciation about Catherine Rodrigues. He was so impressed by her achievements that he even requested the entire gathering to rise and give a standing ovation to her. It was indeed a glorious tribute to Catherine who has scaled greater heights without much hype.

MCA?s souvenir was released on the occasion by the chief guest. All the musicians, contestants, judges of the semi-finals as well as the preliminaries, compere of the evening, main sponsors Ramco Trading & Contracting, co-sponsors Commercial Bank, media partner Daijiworld were presented with mementos before GVOM Qatar coordinator Veena Pais proposed the vote of thanks.

As the audience waited for the announcement of final results, Qatar?s very own Preema Pinto, a two-time First Runners-up at the GVOM finals and the most loved voice of Qatar Rupert Lobo along with Dr Prashanth Raj, entertained the audience by belting out some of the popular Konkani numbers. Qatar?s newest dancing sensations, D4 Dance Group mesmerised the audience with their scintillating performance.

CGS Taccode with his masterly compering won the hearts of the gathering. MCA needs to be feted again for presenting a flawless show that started and ended on time.

 

• Photo Album

GVOM-4: Qatar's best 13 march into semi-finals