Pics: Reuben D’Souza
Media Release

Bahrain, May 22: It was a memorable long-awaited treat for Konkani music lovers as Konkani Community of Sacred Heart Church, Bahrain organized the '49th Wilson Olivera Nite' at Our Lady of Arabia Auditorium in Sacred Heart Church, Bahrain on Thursday May 18.

The musical evening began with the prayer song 'Namo Bapa' by 'Sangeet Sardar' Wilson Olivera and team. The stage was set alight by the melodious numbers of versatile singer Preema D’Souza, GVOM 2016 winner Joylene Gonsalves, Prashant Pinto and the rising stars of Konkani music, the singer sisters Lanisha and Delisha Vaz and Vanessa Saldanha and local singers and dancers,enthralled the gathering with beautiful renditions of evergreen songs. Altogether, the audience was treated to 17 songs of different genres during the course of the evening.

The audience was treated to a laughter feast by the comedians Melwin Kulakul and team, flown from Dubai, adding a generous dose of humour with four skits during the intervals that kept the crowd laughing till the end.

Addressing the gathering, parish priest Fr Freddy thanked everyone and the Konkani community for organizing this mega event and all the supporters who contributed to make this event a successful one.

Local singers who participated in the show included Ronald Fernandes, Christopher Lobo, Preetham Aranha, Teena D’Souza and members of the Konkani choir Sydney Correia, Richard Pais, Prinson Machado, Florence Miranda, Reema D’Mello, Sandra Castelino, Vanitha Rodrigues and Sachitha Fernandes.

The dazzling dance display was presented by youngsters Orville Sequeira and Michelle D'Souza to the song 'Tum Optai Zalear' sung by local singers Ronald Fernandes and Teena D’Souza. Children Delisha Fernandes, Sweeta Corda, Clarissa Pinto, Sharon D’Mello, Sharlene Sequeira and Feryl Rodrigues danced to the tune of 'YoreTum Yore Moga' sung by Joylene Gonsalves. Ayona Rodrigues, Sujal Vaz, Jennifer D'Souza, Sheldon Quadros, Reevan D'Mello, Susan Sequeira, Hadley Tellis and Halaura D'Souza danced to the tune of 'Channeachi Raat' sung by Wilson Olivera and Preema D'Souza. Stafney Fernandes, Rynal D'Souza, Brendon D'Almeida and Alina Mendonca danced to the tune of 'Mhaka Tujea Khatir' sung by Prashanth Pinto and Venessa Saldana. Dances were choreographed by famous and talented choreographers Namitha Salian, Laurine Sequeira and Eunice D’Souza.

Mementos of appreciation were presented to all the guest singers, comedians, choreographers and make-up artist. The vote of thanks was proposed by Fredrick D’Souza, co-ordinator of Konkani Community of Sacred Heart Church, Bahrain.

Award-winning MC Ronald Olivera compered the show and the stage programme was led by Hilary Tellis. Soulful music was directed by well-known young music composer and director Roshan D'Souza, Angelore. Make-up for the artistes was provided by Shankar Jatanna. Photography and videography was done by Reuben D’Souza.

A large crowd of nearly a thousand enjoyed the evening and applauded the show.