Media Release

Manchester, Jun 22: Popular lyricist, composer and singer Stanislaus Mendonca, known as Sangeeth Saurabh Stan Mendonca, along with his team successfully staged the first ever ‘Konkani Musical Nite’ at Stockport College auditorium here on June 16.

Two main objectives fulfilled during the event. The first one being the proceeds from the event were donated to Shalom Trust, Nanthoor, Mangaluru, who provide shelter, food and education for poor children. The second was that the performers including the singers, actors, and the musicians were from United Kingdom (UK) including children who showcased their talent.

Well know names of Konkani community Felix Lobo Qatar, the chief guest and Richard Lobo London, the special guest, presided over the function.

The event started with a devotional prayer song led by Stan Mendonca.

Joseph Sequeira from Warrington and Vinod Barboza from Manchester brilliantly compered the event. In the opening note they explained the objective of the show in their unique way and paid tribute to the audience for their support to all the Konkani events so far held in the UK. It was Stan Mendonca’s 12th Konkani musical nite. Stan has three Konkani music CDs under his name.

Stan Mendonca and family facilitated Felix Lobo Qatar and Richard Lobo London for their unconditional support and contribution towards the Konkani Community in India and rest of the world.

In reply, Felix Lobo extended his thanks for the love and support of Konkani people in the UK towards their mother tongue. He urged the importance of speaking mother tongue at home. He commended Stan for giving the local artistes and children a chance to exhibit their talents. Richard Lobo London emphasised the need of community gathering in the UK along with staying loyal to both the country of birth and country of residence. He congratulated Stan for organising the show and for training the kids brilliantly. He highlighted that if Stan were to be in Mangaluru or Gulf countries, he would have done even better with his singing career, but instead he sacrificed his singing and song writing career for his children and moved to the UK.

The main sponsors of the event were Felix Lobo and family, Qatar, Joseph Mathias and family, Dubai, and Richard Lobo London and family. The co-sponsors were Joseph Sequeira and family, Vinod Barboza and family and Alwyn Buthello and family. The song sponsors were Martin Saldanha and family, Tony Augustine and family, Dr Sebastian Mathew and family, Anil D’Souza and family and Clifford D’Souza and family. The supporting sponsors were Stany Rodrigues and family, Tariq Lodhi and family, Vincent D’Souza and family and Monica D’Almeida.

Daijiworld.com and Khabrain TV Manchester were the media partners for the event.

Numbers like ‘Din Tha Din Thana’ ‘Chili Pilli’ ‘Manglura’ Nide Baala’ ‘Yego Pisoyla’ ‘Nil Nil Gaganar’ and ‘Kaalja Chi Udi Udi’ captured the hearts and minds of the audience.

Talented kids born and bought up in an English speaking environment Sinol Mendonca, Sarah Barboza, Aurea Rego, Shanelle Mendonca, Etahn Sequeira, Janice D’Souza, Jenica D’Souza, Steffi Pinto and Richelle Rodrigues successfully performed Konkani songs.

Aurea Rego, Cambridge, Deepak Alvares and Lavita Fernandes from Notthingham, Jeevan D’Souza from Ireland, Ancita D’Souza from Hull, Sonal Mendonca, Melisha Barboza, and Charlotte Barboza from Manchester entertained the gathering by their melodies voices. This was well supported by Marina Monis, Warrington, Reena Rodrigues, Arshiya Periera, Lainet Pinto from Manchester and Meryl Rego from Cambridge.

The dances were performed by ‘Deshi Naach’ Birmingham. The joy and momentum of the gathering was further enhanced by the hilarious play and jokes from John Fernandes, Nottingham, Vincent D’Souza, Nottingham and Ronald Lobo from Manchester.

Manchester based well known musicians Ganesh Kumble and Mukesh Kannan were simply outstanding throughout the event.

Derek D’Souza from Middlesbrough prepared the slide shows and designed the art work. Tariq Lodhi from KTV captured the day’s event in photos and videos.

Martin Saldanha, Stany Rodrigues, Santhosh Pinto, Sujith Rodrigues, Ronald Lobo and Joe Andrade from Manchester, Benson Moras, Sheffield, Anil D’Souza and Savita D’Souza from Preston effectively coordinated and delivered back stage activities including the reception of audience and refreshments.

The vote of thanks was given by Jyothi Mendonca, she expressed her gratitude and thanked everyone who directly and indirectly supported to make the event a grand success.

The closing hours of the event were dominated by some outstanding singing and performances by Stan and team along with ‘Desi Naach’ creating magical moments in the auditorium.

Stan and team concluded the event with the final song ‘Dev Borem Korum’.