Gerry D’Mello
Daijiworld Media Network, Canada
Toronto, May 5: After a long and patient wait by the Konkani music lovers in Canada, to quench their thirst for Konkani music, Singing legend Ivan Sequeira arrived in Toronto this evening for his live concert in “Canara Kala-Saanz” in North America for the first time. The Mangalorean Konkani Melody King Ivan Sequeira and GVOM fame Morvine Quadros together with talented Mangalorean local artistes Babita Pinto and Wilson D’Souza will be performing in Konkani Music Concert organized by Canara World Foundation Inc (CWF) to mark their glorious 20th anniversary.
The CWF president Maxim Mendes, Nancy Mendes Flavian Pinto, Miriam Pinto, Paul Mathias, music maestro Ashith Pinto, Canada’s Nightingale Babita Pinto, and Master Zach Pinto were present at the Lester Pearson International Airport to extend a rousing welcome to the great music legend who landed on Canadian soil for the first time. In true Canara Kala Saanz tradition people in Canada will have the rare privilege of witnessing Ivan together with Morvine take the stage at the the state-of-the-artMeadowvale Theatre, Mississauga.
With great pleasure and pride, Canara World Foundation Inc (CWF), one of the renowned Konkani Associations in North America, gearing up for its 20th Anniversary celebration by presenting a mega Canara Kala Kalasaanz-2024 event with Live-in Concert by singing legend Ivan Sequera & GVOM fame Morvine Quadros at the state-of-the-art ‘Meadowvale Theatre ‘in Mississauga, Canada on Saturday, May 11, 2024.
CWF proudly takes the credit for creating history in North America by organizing the first ever ‘Wilfy Nite’, one of Konkani World’s greatest music entertainment programmes in Canada, almost two decades ago. After the thrilling success of ‘Wilfy Nite’ in 2005, 'Claud Nite' in 2008, 'Henry Nite' in 2009, 'Melwyn Peris Nite in 2010, ‘Claud Nite’ in 2011, and Canara Kalasaanz with veteran Konkani dramatist Francis Fernandes Cascia in 2012, ‘Wilfy Nite’ in 2014, ‘Canadian Stars Nite’ in 2016, ‘Kevin Misquith Nite’ in 2019 & ‘Mangalorean Konkani Priests Appreciation Day Celebration’ in Kala Saanz in 2022. This year’s programme too will undoubtedly attract Konkani art and music lovers in big numbers.
Upon Konkani music legend Ivan’s arrival to Toronto representing daijiworld.com, Gerry D’Mello had the unique opportunity to toss a few questions at them and the following are some excerpts:
Q: Ivan, how did it feel landing for the first time in Canada also known as North America’s Cradle for Konkani Talents?
A: Wow!!. I felt great indeed. It’s a wonderful privilege and honor, especially since this concert is being organized on such a large scale. Undoubtedly, Canada is a very beautiful place, with many talented Konkani artists and lovers.
Q: Canada is excited to watch you live on stage for the very first time. What have you planned to cool down their excitement?
Well, I am excited to perform in Canada for the very first time. The excitement will show in the performance which in turn, will keep the audience happy and satisfied.
Q: You were integral to Wilfy Nites for over four decades. Can you share your rich experiences with Amar Wilfy Rebimbus?
A: It was great to work with the legend Late Wilfy Rebimbus and I continue doing so. It's 54 years since I have been with his troupe and we are like one family. A perfect gentleman, soft-spoken, non harming always helpful. Never seen him in an angry mood. Always laughing, and no doubt a great composer. The best part of being a composer he exactly knew what song I needed. He knew I was a sentimental person and composed songs according to my choice. He knew my voice range and composed accordingly. That's the real beauty of a composer.
Q: What’s the most memorable event in your life as a stage artist?
A: Well in 1975 I sang the song "Sade Saath Chedvam" on Don Bosco stage was something great because I was given the song at 11 A.M. and had to sing that same evening which I did without a single mistake. The song lyrics and the song were so fast if I had missed a single word the full song would have collapsed. I still can't recollect how I sang this song. It was a most memorable event for me which Wilfy & Meena too couldn't believe.
Q: We salute you for your determination to continue Konkani and reach out to the next generation. Having said that, would you tell me what are your plans in this regard?
A: I don't have any plans at the moment considering my age and health, but to encourage the new generation to keep our mother tongue Konkani on the higher side.
Q: What is your message to your fans in Canada?
A: Canada Konkani-speaking fans are wonderful and supportive having seen them doing a great entertaining job on YouTube. I would like to give my very best performance to the fans of Canada and do hope for their full support as usual in the past. It’s a great honor to continue our tradition. I am going to give my best when I perform this Saturday.
Canadian Konkans have expressed privilege to have in their midst the brilliant Ivan, Morvine, and talented local artists Babita and Wilson at the gala show to be held on Saturday at the superb Meadowvale Theatre. This spectacular music extravaganza undoubtedly will be a historical show.