Kevin Misquith

From the Editor's desk :-

Dear Konkani Music lovers,

I’m back here again to present to you with a glittering and melodious chord on your most favorite Konkani music column Do-Re-Me-Fa. As I was watchfully glancing the magnificent Konkan Skies in my regular hunt for a shining star to present to you as a 'Christmas gift' through this melodious music column, without much of a struggle I found a young and dynamic super star. A star, which was born on the beautiful coastland of 'Mangaluru', a breath of fresh air in Konkani music and this star has its own twinkle and originality. The great star I'm referring to is none other than the “Dream Boy" of Konkani Music “Kevin Misquith”.
A special thanks to my buddy Florine Roche for making this unique and youthful chord possible!

Before playing this sweet and youthful musical Chord I take this opportunity to wish each one of you A Very Merry Christmas. I pray that each one of you may experience the birth of Christ our Saviour, in your heart. As we conclude this God-given wonderful year of 2014, I thank God for all His choicest blessings bestowed on each one of us during this entire year. Together with Do-Re-Me-Fa family I wish you a Happy, Prosperous, Bright, Healthy, Peaceful and a Melodious New Year - 2015.

Merry Christmas to you all I love,
Even on this day of love for all,
Remembering the love of one whose call
Redeemed all those whose hearts his love might move.
Yet only one love does my spirit prove,
Chosen in a passion like a squall,
Having in such ecstasy withal
Rejoiced in what we were created of.
In such love do we find our way outdoors,
So to be drawn to love of flesh and soul,
Traveling beyond our village green,
Moving towards the wash along our shores
As our love joins the greater love unseen,
Shining with dark passion on the whole.

See you again in the New Year, same site and same column with new melodious and pleasant musical chords. Until then, bye.

Have a blessed & Merry Christmas!

Gerry D'Mello, Bendur


Kevin Misquith: A breath of fresh air in Konkani music

For those who believe that Konkani music fails to attract today’s youth, Clive Kevin Misquith is certainly an exception. When the common catchphrase we often hear these days is “Konkani music has no future”, this young lad is not just attracted but has taken a plunge into the Konkani music field with remarkable success. Today Kevin is a well known name in Konkani speaking households which goes to prove beyond doubt that Konkani music does attract youngsters.

It is not out of place to say that it was a gamble and it has paid off rich dividend proving all the pessimists wrong as he has succeeded in finding a slot for himself in the otherwise conventional Konkani music world. The arrival of Kevin on the scene along with his music band “Milestone” has been like a breath of fresh air with newness in Konkani songs and music apart from introducing new genres of music, new style and freshness in its live on-stage performance and presentation. Having taken Konkani music both as a hobby and as a passion Kevin has become the bridge between the music practised by the likes of late Wilfy Rebimbus and the new generation of musicians like him who want to have fusion of Konkani music with jazz, rock and pop to make it lively and appealing. With 30 live musical shows in a span of six years to his credit it looks as though Kevin all set to rewrite the history of Konkani music in his own inimitable way.

Born on January 19, 1987 in Manama in Bahrain where his father was working, Kevin spent his childhood there. His mother Violet is a homemaker and he has a young brother by name Keron Misquith. Following the gulf war the family returned to Mangaluru and settled in Surathkal. His early exposure to music was through the songs aired on Doordarshan and by listening to cassettes at home. His father Elias Misquith was fond of listening to songs of Wilfy, Rafi and Mukesh, his favourite artistes and Kevin got an opportunity to listen to them. This early exposure kindled his taste in music and he fine-tuned it by learning guitar and classical vocals. “This formal training has given me a sturdy foundation in music and its intricate aspects”, says a soft spoken Kevin.


Spur through college milieu

Kevin had his early education in Surathkal and then joined St Aloysius College for his college education. The College atmosphere provided him the right kind of spur he needed to take Konkani music to a higher pedestal. In college Kevin and other like-minded budding musicians got together and started a music band comprising amateur musicians. The exposure, feedback, interaction with budding musicians and regular practice moulded his talent to a considerable extent. It proved to be the foundation on which Kevin the musician emerged. And now there has been no stopping the Kevin juggernaut from rolling. “The exposure I got through the internet media also has broadened my horizons exposing me to music of various types, different genres and variety of languages from different parts of our country and the world. This wide exposure has certainly moulded me as a musician. My lyrics, my compositions and the songs I perform and sing are all an amalgamation of the best of what I adopt to add flexibility and freshness to my music”, he explains.

Having made his debut at a teenager at 17, Kevin is now sitting pretty with 30 musical shows held in different parts of India and almost 5 CD’s to his credit. With few more shows scheduled for this season Kevin is moving in the right path in his goal of keeping the legacy of Konkani music alive and kicking.

Kevin has been able to find a strong base in Konkani music by being ‘different’ and his overt enthusiasm and loads of talent has perfectly complemented his endeavours. Being innovative is one of the secrets of his winning the hearts and minds of music lovers both young and the old alike. The high octane energy which the band exudes in all its live performances is quite palpable and it has succeeded in winning the hearts of a cross section of Konkani music lovers.

Kevin started his music journey with the release of his debut album “Rupnem” in 2004 at the age of 17, when most teenagers don’t have even vague idea what they want to do with their lives. The encouraging response to the CD emboldened him and he came out with the CD titled “Tuji Yaad” in 2007 and with that he showed that he was not a ‘one CD wonder boy’ but is here to stay. 2008 saw Kevin coming out with his third CD “Hi Jeen” and this album was nominated for the Global Konkani Music award and ended up winning the best lyricist award. 2008 also saw another milestone in his music career as he made his debut with his live performance at Don Bosco Hall, Mangaluru.


Novelty – the USP

It was his fourth CD “Thembe Thembe” that gave Konkani music lovers a gem in the form of songs announcing to Konkani music enthusiasts that Kevin Misquith, the singer, composer, lyricist and performer had arrived in a big way. Having realised that quality literature is a major embodiment of music Kevin experimented with lyrics established poets and new genres of music to come out with a winner in “Thembe Thembe”, one of the most popular albums of recent times.

In 2009 saw Kevin reaching another high point when he formed the music band “Milestone” with co-founder Ashwin Sequeira and since then this band has successfully staged several musical programmes. Recently i.e on December 14, 2014, Kevin held his 30th musical show, the first Konkani musician to reach that magical figure in a short span of six years. Kevin and his band has delighted Konkani audience with their foot thumping and zestful performances, that includes genres like soft ballads, disco, pop, rock and folk fusion. He has taken Konkani music aficionados into a totally new world of melody with a wide array of music. Kevin’s USP is that he took the risk to experiment with a distinctive blend of music and lyrics. This was a calculative risk which no other Konkani singer dare experiment. But Kevin took it as a challenge and has come out a winner only to strengthen his position as a trendsetter who brought freshness to Konkani music.



Interview

Kevin Misquith comes across as a soft spoken mild mannered youngster who is focused and is clear about his priorities and goals. Having conscientiously decided to pursue Konkani music as a passion, he has not backed out despite dissuading remarks from pessimists who often paint a very bleak future for Konkani music. Kevin is an entrepreneur and also owns the music band Milestone and therefore music is only a hobby to satiate and divert his creative impulses. Though his parents have fully supported him in pursuing his hobby he says “there is always an uncertainty that grapples them. They keep reminding me about my goals and my responsibility so that I don’t go off the track”.

Is he troubled by the same thoughts? His answer is a firm no and he says he is quite comfortable and happy with his decision to pursue his music putting his heart and soul. “I am happy with whatever I have been able to do so if that can be called as an achievement. I have proved my mettle as a singer, composer and lyricist and I am here to stay. I am happy that through my music I have succeeded in my effort to reconnect with the youngsters who are not much inclined towards Konkani music”, he explains. Kevin is fortunate to have the complete backing and support of his family which guides him in every step that includes providing monetary help when needed.

Kevin tried his best to break the stereotype that have become a quintessential part of Konkani musical nites. But he says he has not succeeded in his endeavour. “Keeping in tune with the youthful and peppy music for which our band is known for I tried to introduce the novelty factor not going by the familiar trend by not having a Master of Ceremony or jokes and dance in between songs. But it did not go well with the people and therefore I have to rely on the traditional way of presenting music. I believe it is too early to expect people to warm up to the new idea. Our people also cannot digest the idea of musical performance by a single lead singer”.

The year 2014 has been particularly successful for Kevin Misquith and he wants to sign off the year by releasing his 5th CD titled “Ek Geeth”. Like his 4th CD Thembe Thembe Kevin believes that “Ek Geeth” will create quite a flutter among music lovers. It was indeed a mature decision on his part to pack his music with lyrics of reputed poets that can add value to his music. “I realised that my limited vocabulary was not adding enough worth to my music. Recently I started using lyrics of Cha Fra, Melvyn Rodrigues, Wilson Kateel etc., and that impact is reflected in my songs in his last two CD’s”.


Finally...

Having his own music band is a blessing for Kevin, something which not many Konkani musicians have and he has used this to his advantage. From bringing out the richness of Konkani literature through his songs to experimenting with new genres, from dabbling with diverse genres to introducing the novelty factor in live performances, Kevin Misquith is a pioneer in many ways. There is a long way to go for Kevin Misquith as age is on his side and he has demonstrated the passion and commitment he possesses for taking Konkani music to greater heights.

 


Comment on this article

  • GRIFFITH SERRAO, SURATHKAL

    Sat, Apr 18 2015

    REALLY ITS A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR..KEEP GOING..

    Agree [8]

  • Arun, Palimar / Riyadh

    Sat, Jan 17 2015

    Congratulation Kevin, well-done, Good luck and All The Best...
    from Arun Jessy, Riyadh.

    Agree [9]

  • Gretta Aranha, Inna/Bbay/Sharjah

    Sat, Dec 20 2014

    Congrats Kevin,
    Keep Scaling Greater heights, I wish you Good luck for your future endeavours n may God bless you.

    Agree [10]

  • Rita Rodrigues, Kuwait

    Fri, Dec 19 2014

    Congratulations Kevin on this great achievement. You are the right Konkani musician, singer, composer for today's generation. You are the rockstar of Konkani. May God shower his choicest blessings of good health and prosperity on you so that you continue with your musical journey without any hurdles. Good luck and all the best
    Louis and Rita Rodrigues - Kuwait

    Agree [6]

  • Urban Dsouza, Kuwait /Surathkal

    Fri, Dec 19 2014

    Congratulations Kevin

    Agree [5]

  • Sunita M Menezes, Paladka

    Fri, Dec 19 2014

    Kevin "YOU" are amazing!!!!
    May God continue to work wonders through you...Shining star...Proud of You...Feel short of words after reading all the comments above... :-)))

    Agree [5]

  • Eric Anita D'sa, Pangla/Riyadh

    Fri, Dec 19 2014

    Dear Kevin,
    Congrats.
    God Bless you..Wish you all the best..Always.

    Agree [7]

  • Fredwin Kowdoor, Doha - Qatar

    Fri, Dec 19 2014

    Kevin you are outstanding performer in konkan world and you will be the future of Konkani as an audience i say that all effort you put is amazing and now a days people specially youngsters are getting attracted towards konkani songs so keep on going and live konkani love konkani. All the best and God bless you

    Agree [6]

  • Ruben , Bahrain

    Thu, Dec 18 2014

    Proud of you Kevin. Your hard work has paid. Nice to see your parents and bro after a long time. Wishing you the very best ....

    Agree [6]

  • Steevan Pinto, ICYM President 2008 - 09, Mangalore Diocese, Permude

    Thu, Dec 18 2014

    Kudos Kevin....Happy to read the article about you and on your Achievements. ..I wish you All the best and good luck for your future endeavours

    Agree [6]

  • Antony Cony D Souza, Karkala / Qatar

    Thu, Dec 18 2014

    Kevin Misquith is a humble artist of highest order of Konkani musical calling, please treasure it my dear chum.
    Kevin’s compositions, singing style have great value and has lasting effect means far more than any award to himself. You have such a beautiful and amazing voice - thank you for sharing it with us all these years into 30 parts (Nites). It is a fete, milestone vs milestone.
    Being given completely yourself for Konkani music has invited your confidence with a warm smile holding us with your lyrical voice to cherish.
    Excellent coverage, Kudos to Jerry Sir

    Agree [10]

  • Sandeep Monteiro, Kayyar

    Thu, Dec 18 2014

    Congrats Kevin.... Great achievement.. God bless you

    Agree [5]

  • seems pais , surathkal/Bangalore

    Thu, Dec 18 2014

    Proud of you Kevin.Your hard work has paid.Wish you the very best ..

    Agree [5]

  • simon dsouza, kuwait/ mangalore

    Thu, Dec 18 2014

    grt achievement kevin always proud of u......success will come to hard work.. you shw it...keep it up..

    Agree [6]

  • Melwyn Andrade, Mangalore

    Thu, Dec 18 2014

    As Jerry rightly pointed out, Kevin is not a “one CD wonder boy” he has stayed committed to the cause over the years. Many of the youths get attracted to the glitz & glamour come up with one substandard CD or show and then disappear. Kevin has been consistent with quality & quantity, by now he has brought out 5 CD’S and more than 30 nites which shows his commitment & passion to Konkani music. Kudos to Jerry D’mello for recognizing this talented lad & making him stand out from the rest.

    A right talent if recognized at the right time can bloom & spread its fragrance. Most of the times “one time wonder boys” or some reality show winners are honored & celebrated more than a talent like Kevin or such other very few deserving talents.

    On behalf of Kevin Misquith I request Konkani music lovers, organizations, associations to recognize, support, honor & award a deserving talent who certainly looks promising & committed to carry forward the legacy of Konkani music.

    Agree [5]

  • Wilson Saldanha, shirva

    Thu, Dec 18 2014

    you are the great bro.. i salute you..

    Agree [5]

  • Apolinaris D'Souza, Valencia/Muscat

    Wed, Dec 17 2014

    Congratulations Kavin on your musical achievement in such a short span. All the very best to you in the days and years to come. Thanks Gerry and Florine for this new Modern Musical Chord.

    Agree [6]

  • Avinash, Mangalore

    Wed, Dec 17 2014

    A good family ambiance & support is always essential to think out of the box & for great achievements, Kevin you are blessed with a lovely family who has supported & stood by you, regards to you & your proud family. Keep up the good work.

    Agree [6]

  • Jyothi, Mangalore/Bangalore

    Wed, Dec 17 2014

    Kudos Kevin. Keep it up! Glad that you are using God-given talent to keep Konkani alive, arise and ascend in the days ahead. Be blessed Kevin..

    Agree [7]

  • Viola Rodrigues, Mangalore

    Wed, Dec 17 2014

    Kevin,
    Proud to read this article on you and more so because it is featured in this column. It is definitely a well deserved honour.

    The commitment and hardwork that you put into every aspect of work that you take up be it related to music album or band or other entrepreneurial ventures. This dedication along with soft-spoken nature, humbleness, taking inputs and feedbacks, taking critical comments, the urge to innovate and improvise, the dream to reach out to more people, have all made you what you are today. Keep up this spirit and you will reach more milestones.
    2 years in the same class and we had no clue that there was a talented guy sitting amidst us. Most of us were trying to get into professional courses when u released your first music album. And this album did make entry into my house when dad bought it but i hardly took any efforts to see the cover, so i did not know it was yours. Apologies for that and also because that cassette is still lying in the same place :P. But i must say that, along with Wilfy's and some classic konkani song albums, Thembe Thembe is also one of my favourite albums. Looking forward to your next release 'Ek Geeth'.

    Wishing you all the best in all your endeavours.

    Agree [7]

  • sr.winnie BALKUNJE, karkal convent

    Wed, Dec 17 2014

    congrats dear kevin.God bless your hardwork.

    Agree [7]

  • Anil Misquith, Mangalore

    Wed, Dec 17 2014

    Congratulations Kevin,we are proud of your achievements

    Agree [7]

  • Aldrine Lobo, Pangla-Shankerpura/UAE

    Wed, Dec 17 2014

    Life is for the living.
    Death is for the dead.
    Let life be like music.
    And death a note unsaid.

    keep going dear bro, kevin.. prayers n wishes..

    Agree [9]

  • Avil Rao, Kinnigoli

    Tue, Dec 16 2014

    till you done well,
    Expecting some more,
    Don't stop, go ahead, only sky is the limit.

    Agree [10]

  • sandeep , dubai

    Tue, Dec 16 2014


    Once again congratulations to kevin for receiving Honours.. keep your talents alive specially for Konkani . God bless you always !!!!

    Agree [11]

  • Laveena Pereira , Mangalore/Mumbai

    Tue, Dec 16 2014

    Hey Kevin nice to see your childhood pic & a pic with your family, your family must be proud of you so are we,congratulations & keep scaling greater heights. Love & regards.

    Agree [10]

  • Emilia Dsouza, Lower Bendur

    Tue, Dec 16 2014

    I had been for your 25th concert in special school grounds last year, It was something different from regular Konkani nites I liked it. Keep experimenting with new things as mentioned. Hope to witness more of your nites in future.

    Agree [11]

  • Ivy, Puttur/Mangalore

    Tue, Dec 16 2014

    I love your Kenna Kenna, theme theme etc very nice songs,god bless

    Agree [11]

  • Austin , Mangalore

    Tue, Dec 16 2014

    Great achievement Kevin at a very young age

    Agree [11]

  • Wilfred Dsouza, Mangalore/Madanthyar

    Tue, Dec 16 2014

    Perhaps no other Konkani composer has achieved such success in a very small period of time,30 music nites an counting, great going Kevin. Your Hard-work & dedication has paid off. Continue the good work.

    Agree [11]


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