Wilfred Gerald Rebimbus, popularly known as Wilfy Rebimbus, is considered the father of Konkani Music.  He has been awarded the title of "Konkan Kogull" and is credited with having taken Konkani music to new heights with his unique compositions and singing style.  In a career spanning almost 35 years, Wilfy has written thousands of songs and staged more than 207 "Wilfy Nights" and released 33 albums.  Daiji CGS Taccode spoke to this personality on his visit to Dubai.
 
CGS: Is it true that this will be your last show in Dubai?  If so what is the reason?
Wilfy: No it is not true at all.  It might be rumors spread by some people.  It is not my last show in Dubai.  Our Musical shows will go on as long as Konkani Musical lovers are with us.

CGS: In your early compositions one could enjoy some piece of poetry in your lyrics.  But off late your lyrics have lost their weight.  Do you think so?
Wilfy: Initially, I used to write lyrics for Konkani plays etc. as the situation was demanding, but with full liberty.  Now, organizers of the shows dictate me.  Hence there is no choice but to dance to their tune.

CGS: In your career spanning about 35 years you have performed more than 200 Musical shows.  But some critics say that you have not groomed many artists as others did, why it is so?
Wilfy: Those who had joined my troop in the beginning have turned into good artists today.  I have my own limitations.  In a musical show we cannot sing more than 20 songs, so we cannot accommodate more and more new artists.  But I have introduced some new talents for my CD's / audiocassettes.

CGS: Do you have any regrets for choosing Konkani language as your media? Do you feel that Konkani community has rewarded you sufficiently for your unstinted service to Konkani music?
Wilfy: I am quite proud of my mother language Konkani.  I am very much grateful to my fans and Konkani music lovers who have been supporting me throughout my career.
 
CGS: Is your personal life affected due to music?
Wilfy: No way, rather my fans all over the world abundantly bless me.

CGS: Who is behind your success?
Wilfy: The entire Konkani community.

CGS: Earlier days, Kokani singers used to sing from their heart.  Now a days some sing from their stomach.  What do you say about this?
Wilfy: It is true that earlier days musicians used to take lot of pain.  But now days they have taken it for granted.

CGS: Many ask who would replace or succeed Wilfy?  What is your opinion?
Wilfy: There are few good musicians around.  Melwyn Peris, Victor Concesso, Claud D'Souza, Wilson Olivera and others are certainly some of the shining stars of the Konkani Musical world.

CGS: I salute you Wilfy for your immortal number "Philomena" which has touched millions of young hearts.  Why don't you compose a song on "Meena"?
Wilfy: Since "Meena" is already appears on "Philomena" I think there is no room for new number.