March 19, 2009
Mangalore
Fifty years of singing has not withered his fervor for singing Konkani songs and he vows to compose and sing till he is able to do so. There is a kind of quiet earnestness that is transparent and touching as one speaks to this doyen of Konkani songs, Wilfy Rebimbus, popularly known as “Konkan Kogull” to his numerous fans. As a poet, composer, singer and story writer, credit goes to him for single-handedly upholding the pride of Konkani by compositing songs with the true essence of Konkani culture at a time when Konkani songs with popular Hindi tunes was the norm.
Obsessed by a mad urge to compose and sing Konkani songs and write plays at a young age, Wilfy had to struggle for nearly 20 years to make a decent living out of Konkni music. The struggle even forced him to bid adieu for Konkani music in frustration and in 1973 he left everything to go for a job away from Mangalore. But he could not stay away from his passion and within a year he was back doing what he knew best – composing, singing and writing plays. Credit goes to him for being the first Konkani composer and singer to make career out of Konkani music in Mangalore.
Enduring Tough Times:
The initial struggle notwithstanding, on the occasion of completing 50 glorious years of composing and singing, satisfaction is writ large on his face for whatever ‘little’ he has been able to accomplish. “The initial years were very tough mainly because music lovers were used to Konkani songs attuned to Hindi songs. There was resistance from established singers who provided such music. It took nearly 5 to six years to change the taste of the people”, Wilfy recalls. His moment of glory came when people openly rejected the performers singing Konkani songs in popular Hindi tunes.
In fact, the rise of Wilfy also marks the rise of musical group United Youngsters, the banner under which Wilfy – the star was born. Wilfy began composing and singing Konkani songs in 1956 at a young age of 14 and in at 15 he wrote his first drama “Paishanso Sounsar” and staged it through St Joseph’s Natak Sangh. It was the sodality group in church that provided him the initial push to showcase his talents by composing and singing Konkani songs. However, he began his long but chequered journey of music career through United Youngsters, which was formed in 1959. This year marks the golden jubilee celebration of Wilfy’s singing and the establishment of United Youngsters, which is nothing but a milestone as far as Konkani songs are concerned.
Wilfy's Family
Wilfy, Meena, Rosy,Babita and Prem
Wilfy, Meena, Veena and Vishwas
T A Pai garlanding Wilfy at latter's 50th Musical Nite on 26.01.'81
It All Began at Home:
Wilfy was born on April 2, 1942 as the sixth and last child of Landeline Rebimbus and Magdeline Mendonca in Mangalore. Wilfy had a favorable atmosphere at home to nurture his talent. His father was a Malayalee, who used to sing Malayalam paddanas and other songs which had profound impact on a young Wilfy. “We used to sit together and sing some popular songs after evening prayers as there was no other form of entertainment”, he points out. From his childhood Wilfy was inspired by Roman stage plays based on Biblical themes staged in and around Jeppu every year. His elder brother wanted Wilfy to study and take a career and have music only as a part time hobby. But despite his Herculean efforts his brother did not succeed in convincing Wilfy the need to have a career other than music.
Having realized the need to have a forum United Youngsters Konkan Cultural Association was established on October 18, 1959, by a group of 15 enthusiastic youngsters who were bound by their common love for sports, Konkani songs and stage plays and Wilfy’s talent guaranteed a facile entry. Initially it comprised non-Catholic members and hence the commonly acceptable name United Youngsters. “Ixtagatecho Baandh” was the first play where Wilfy was able to play some songs to the tunes of Hindi songs. Playing songs during stage change over was a norm those days to keep people entertained. But the urge to compose Konkani songs was intense and the opportunity came in the form of stage play “Poxanho Sounsar” played at Jeppu Club and the music was provided by United Youngsters. Wilfy succeeded in putting his own songs as he had no compunctions to placate anyone.
United Youngsters slowly withered as members left the place for greener pastures and for two years Wilfy was left all alone except for one member. However, a group of youngsters came to Wilfy and promised to provide music and United Youngsters was revived. “People changed, the music party changed but the name was retained”, says Wilfy recalling those struggling yet challenging days. By then Wilfy had slowly emerged on the scene and had established his popularity. Between 1959 and 1970 Wilfy composed songs, wrote plays and provided music for more than 300 Konkani plays in Mangalore and Mumbai.
Popularity however did not fetch him any income and on the suggestion of Fr William D’ Silva, it was decided to print a book of his poems. But Wilfy did not have copies of any songs he had written. Thanks to his fans Richie Lasrado and Blaze Rego, who had preserved the copies of most of his songs, Wilfy collected the copies from them and In 1968, the first edition of his book “Vinchnnar Podam” (selected songs) was brought out. The book was sold out within no time and a second edition was printed soon after. For the first time Wilfy could earn some money out of his music which also enabled him get married to his beloved Meena and she provided the much needed inspiration and strength to Wilfy to stick on to his passion.
Love-Struck:
Meena had started singing in his group in 1963 and was a part of his regular programmes. When his aunt insinuated that it would be difficult to get a proposal for a lady who sang in nites those days, Wilfy who was already smitten by Meena, vowed to marry her. Through the song “Amchem Kazaar” they announced their desire to marry and finally tied the knot in 1970.
The turning point in his life came in the year 1971 when friends who, by now had realized the popularity of Konkani songs suggested having a three-hour show of Wilfy’s songs. A nervous Wilfy though, hesitated initially, gave his nod and the first Wilfy Nite at Town Hall was massive hit. The second show the immediate Sunday was also a huge success and following his success he was conferred with the title “Konkan Kogull” (Nightingale of Konkan) in the same year. What began on a nervous note became a phenomenon that made people look forward to and catapulted Wilfy to the zenith of popularity. So far he has done 245 Nites, 500 stage shows and composed about 3000 songs and conducted shows in various parts of India, Middle-East and in Canada.
Wilfy climbed the popularity chart when “Mog Ani Maipas”, the first Konkani film in colour produced under United Youngsters banner was released in 1977, for which he wrote the story, lyrics and provided music. Since then he has written lyrics and provided music for “Kazara Uprant”, a video film (1988), Bogsanne (1996) and Padri (2005) apart from writing story for Konkani movie “Tisri Cheet”.
Wilfy and Meena with George Fernandes at the 100th Wilfy Nite in 1988
United Youngsters' troupe during the Wilfy Nite in 1976
Wilfy conferred 'Konkan Kogull' title by the then Bishop Basil D'Souza of Mangalore during the second Wilfy Nite presented by 'Roop Rag' in September, 1971
Wilfy Nite troupe with Fr Walter Albuquere
Wilfy with his troupe during the recording of his first music album at Manipal in 1979
Career in Konkani Music:
1979 was another landmark in the lives of the Rebimbus family with the release of the first cassette. His ardent admirers Jemma Padil and Wilfy D’Souza financed the project, which proved to be an instant hit. For the first time apart from name and popularity Wilfy was able to earn selling his songs. Apart from Meena, his children Veena and Vishwas also lent their voices to songs and soon Rebimbus family became a household name in Konkani-speaking homes both in India and Gulf countries. From 1984 he began to tour Gulf countries to stage shows and musical nites and in 2005 Wilfy Nite was performed in Canada.
United Youngsters - During Wilfy's 60th Birthday
His popularity can be gauged from the fact that so far he has brought out 40 volumes of audio cassettes, 6 volumes of devotional songs, 37 compact discs and 1 instrumental C D. He has also composed some songs in Tulu and staged Tulu shows.
Local artistes of United Youngsters were not able to shoulder additional work that came along and Wilfy sought the help of professionals and with that began his long association with Pappan Group of Calicut in 1987 which continues even after 22 years. Wilfy brushes aside criticism of not using local talents saying lack of professionalism forced him to go for a professional group.
At 67, Wilfy exudes the same zeal and fervency that brought him name and fame. He is now busy with the golden jubilee preparations and is immersed in the task of bringing out CD’s in sets of 1 to 40 volumes in compact discs, which are expected to be ready by August this year. The fourth edition of his book “Kogull Gaita”, consisting of volumes of songs lyrics is also scheduled for release this year.
Unfulfilled Dreams:
With age catching up Wilfy is trifle sad for having failed to fulfill his long-cherished dream of setting up a mobile musical van for practical reasons. His dream of starting a school for music enthusiasts also remains only a dream.
Having led a struggling life he did not encourage his children Veena and Vishwas to have a full time career in music, which he feels was the wisest thing to do. But the children are part of the Wilfy Nite shows wherever they are staged. The new addition to the family is Charlene, Vishwas’s wife, whose love for music drew her to the Rebimbus family. Love blossomed and she became a life partner of Vishwas.
The Golden Moment:
On hindsight, Wilfy is happy for whatever he has been able to do for Konkani. He is an embodiment of honesty and modesty when he says “it is not that whatever I did was out of love of Konkani. I must say I did it for my own benefit but the language I used was Konkani”.
For the moment he is concentrating on the celebrations to mark the golden jubilee of his singing career and the formation of United Youngsters. Celebrations include release of two books on April 12 which also happens to be Easter day – fourth edition of Kogull Gaitha and a research book “Kogulle Patlyan”, written by Nandini.
August 15, 2009 will be a sentimental night at Don Bosco Hall where those members of United Youngsters who have rendered invaluable service will be felicitated. Finally, on October 18, 2009, to mark the golden jubilee day, a gala function will be organized in the Town Hall.
Wilfy has been honoured with numerous awards in recognition of his unique talent and service. But he says “nothing compares the love and affection showered by the people of this land who have made me what I am”.
Fifty years is a long time and Wilfy will certainly continue his passion with more spirit and verve. No one can take away his contributions to popularizing Konkani in its true essence. Wilfy’s fans are certainly looking forward to many more fruitful years of musical life from Rebimbus family.
Founder-members of United Youngsters:
P J P D’sa
Harry D’Silva
Donald D’Souza
Clifford D’Souza
Adolphus D’Souza
Dr Ronald Mendonca
Vincent Lorena
Denzil Augustine
Wilfy Rebimbus
the late Egiteas Fontes
the late Lawrence D’Souza
the late Cyril D’Souza
the late Robert Pereira
the late Alphonso Sequeira
the late Alex D Souza
Members who Joined Later
Capt M J Pinto
Clifford Lorena
Rudolph S Saldanha
Willy Saldanha
J F D’ Souza
Basil Lobo
Joseph Figueira
the late C A D’Sa
the late Oswald Netto
Wilfy's Accomplishments
Stage Plays:
- Poixancho Sounsar
- Modern Novro
- Doth Maka Naka
- Bebdeachi Dhuv
- Mai Maka Adainaka
- Tisri Cheet
- Kedi Bona B A
- Besto Dubav
Konkani Musical Plays:
- Hazar Umaleanchem Kazaar
- Vechik Puth
- Mother Theresa
Milestones in Musical Career:
- 1956 – Composed First Song
- 1958 – Wrote First full-length Stage Play
- 1959 – Started a musical group – UNITED YOUNGSTERS, Music Party
- 1959-1970 – Composed songs wrote plays and scored music for more than 300 Konkani
plays in Mangalore and Mumbai
- 1971 – First full-length Musical Show Wilfy Nite
- 1981 – 50th Wilfy Nite
- 1988 – 100th Wilfy Nite
- 1999 – 200th Wilfy Nite
- 2005 – Wilfy Nite in Canada
- 2008 – 245th Wilfy Nite
Discs Records:
Thirty seven Compact Discs Released. (32 Songs CDs, 4 Devotional CDs, 1 Instrumental CD)
HMV Has brought out 12 songs in 3 Disks
Books Published:
Volumes of songs "Vinchnnar Podam” in 9 parts.
Volumes of lyrics have been published and sold in a book by name "Kogull Gaita". This year 2009, the fourth Edition of Kogull Gaita is to be released
Konkani story books published:
Vinchnnar Kanneo
Pintran
Written many short stories for Konkani magazines, some of them translated to Kannada.
Honours Bestowed:
- 1971 – "Konkan Kogull"(Nightingale of Konkani) Title was bestowed by the Konkani Community and was awarded a Gold Medal by late Bishop Basil D'Souza of Mangalore in 1971
- 1991 – The Karnataka Government Has honoured him with "Rajyotsava Award" in 1991
- 1991 – "Award of Recognition" bestowed by the International Orientation Center, USA
- 1992 – "Sangeeth Chakravarthi" by the Konkani Talents Group, Abu Dhabi
- 1993 – Akhlila Karnataka Parishad Award
- 1996 – "Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy" Award for Service in Music
- 1996 – "Konkani Podancho Rai " by Broadview Kalasampath Lions Club, Illinois and also a life-membership of Lion Club, Illinois
- 1998 – "Tulu Nada Kogile" by 'Tulver', Dubai
- 1999 – "Konkan Kalarathn" by KCWA, Kuwait
- 1999 – "Xatamanacho Veakti" by Chinthpyanchi Manchi, Kuwait
- 1999 – "Life-Time Achievement Award" by MCC, Doha Qatar
- 1999 – "Millennium Konkani Artist Award", by Indian Catholic Association of America
- 2005– "Community and Leadership" award from the Houston-based 'Toastmasters'
- 2006 – The Sandesha Literature (Konkani) Award (Life-time Achievement)
- 2007 – "Daiji Puraskar" by Daiji Dubai, Konkani writers' forum in UAE