Media Release

Doha, May 7: Mangalore Cultural Association (MCA), Qatar is all set to host the 287th Wilfy Nite on Friday, May 30, at The Hamilton International School in Doha. Wilfy Nite, the greatest and the complete entertainment package in Konkani, celebrates the legacy of the legendary Konkani singer Wilfy Rebimbus, featuring his everlasting melodies performed by his family and renowned artistes. The event will also witness the conferring of the MCA Kala Puraskar on renowned veteran Konkani playwright, actor-director, poet and creative graphic artiste Eddie Sequeira, for his over six decades of contribution to various forms of Konkani arts and literature.

The 287th Wilfy Nite will feature performances by Wilfy's family members, Konkan Myna Meena Rebimbus, Veena Pais nee Rebimbus and Vishwas Rebimbus. It will also be a first occasion outside Mangaluru that the third generation of the Rebimbus family, Arvin Pais, Anna Pais and Roger Rebimbus will all be performing live together.

The event also features the ever-melodious Ivan Sequeira along with Melody Queen Babita Pinto who will all the way be flown in from Canada for the 287th Wilfy Nite. The renowned musical duo of Pappan and Joswin will be directing the music of the event.

The event will be compered by vibrant, vivacious and creative compere Donny Correa who has over the years, been a prominent face of Konkani shows and theatre.

Meena Rebimbus

Meena Rebimbus, affectionately known as ‘Konkan Myna’ is a renowned figure in the world of Konkani music. Her musical journey began at the age of 16 when she first collaborated with her future life partner Wilfy Rebimbus, during his play ‘Doth Maka Naka’ in 1963. This partnership blossomed into a lifelong musical and life collaboration that enriched Konkani.

Over the years, Meena Rebimbus has been the cornerstone of the Wilfy Nites, performing in over 280 shows across India, the Middle East, UK and Canada. Her contributions include lending her voice to 46 volumes of Wilfy's musical albums, six devotional albums, and four Konkani films.

Following Wilfy's passing in 2010, Meena, along with their children Veena and Vishwas, has continued to uphold his legacy and ensuring that Wilfy's music and vision remain vibrant.

Veena Pais

Veena Rebimbus Pais, the eldest daughter of Wilfy and Meena, is a prominent figure in the Konkani music world. Often referred to as the ‘Princess of the Rebimbus Family’, she has been an integral part of the family's musical legacy.

Veena's musical journey began at the tender age of three and half, during an Easter programme at the Jeppu church grounds. Without prior preparation, she confidently took to the stage and performed the song ‘Dongi’, showcasing her natural talent. Her debut recorded song was ‘Muji Mummy’ with HMV in 1977 when she was just six years old. Over the years, she has contributed her voice to 35+ of Wilfy's albums and has been a part of more than 220 Wilfy Nites, performing across India, the Middle East, Canada, and London.

Vishwas Rebimbus

Vishwas Rebimbus is the second born of Wilfy and Meena Rebimbus. Affectionately known as ‘Vishu’, has been vital part of the Rebimbus family's musical legacy.

He began his musical journey at the age of five, singing alongside his parents. His first recorded song was ‘Mog Zaina Matharo’, featured in Wilfy's music album Volume 6. He later recorded his first solo, ‘Navm Mujem Vishwas’, composed specifically for him by his father, in Volume 13. Throughout his childhood, Vishwas performed in several other songs composed by Wilfy, including ‘Chandamama’, ‘Kani Sang Vodlimai’, ‘Sushmitha’, and ‘Mamma Sang’, which contributed to his popularity.

Over the years, Vishwas has sung in 30 of Wilfy's most popular music albums, three devotional albums, and has participated in more than 200 Wilfy Nites across India, the Middle East, UK and Canada. He has also received training in Hindustani classical vocals and is proficient in playing guitar.

Ivan Sequeira

Ivan Sequeira is a celebrated Konkani singer known for his melodious voice and longstanding association with Wilfy’s troupe. His popular songs include ‘Ye Ye Chedwa’, ‘Mujhea Kudintlea Xirani’, ‘Mai Tuka Sodhun’, and ‘Zeena’. He has been performing for over 45 years, captivating audiences worldwide with his melodious voice and captivating performances.

Babita Pinto

Babita Pinto nee D’Costa is a renowned Konkani singer based in Canada, often referred to as ‘Canada’s Nightingale’ for her melodious voice and contributions to Konkani music.

Babita Pinto has performed at numerous Konkani musical events, Konkani musical as well as devotional albums and has also carved a niche as a vivacious anchor. Babita’s performances have earned her praise for her unique voice and stage presence. She is celebrated for songs like Alwyn Noronha Bajpe’s ‘Fondar Tujea’, noted for its sentimental depth and popularity in competitions, Wilfy Rebimbus' ‘Mujhem Kalliz Mogar Podlam’ etc.

Babita, along with her husband Ashith and their sons Ethan and Zach, form a musically talented family.

Pappan and Joswin

Pappan and Joswin have been the integral part of Wilfy’s musical journey, be it his musical albums or nites, across the globe for over 4 decades. They are a renowned musical duo in the Konkani music scene, celebrated for their compositions, music direction, and arrangements that have enriched Konkani albums, films, devotional albums, and cultural events. Their work often builds on the legacy of Konkani music legend Wilfy Rebimbus, blending traditional elements with contemporary trends.

Pappan and Joswin have worked closely with the Rebimbus family, particularly to preserve Wilfy’s legacy. Joswin, described as a close associate of the Rebimbus family, has contributed to the Wilfy Rebimbus Legacy Collection (2024), a compilation of 662+ songs across 59 volumes. His work on this project was praised for capturing Wilfy’s creative spirit and emotional resonance.

All in the event will showcase a blend of Wilfy's timeless songs and contemporary renditions, accompanied by live music and dance performances. It is going to be a unique, one-of-its-kind and never-seen-before show with perfect blend of Wilfy’s memorable musical masterpieces with the technical creativity that is sure to captivate the Konkani buffs of Qatar like never before.

The evening aims to bring together the Mangalurean community in Qatar to celebrate their rich cultural heritage and the enduring influence of Wilfy Rebimbus' music.

MCA dynamic team led by president Gladson Almeida, along with the executive committee and the advisors Felix Lobo, Wilfred Fernandes, Jerry Pinto, is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the success of 287th Wilfy Nite.