Media Release
Mangaluru, Jul 7: The much-awaited ‘Konkan Melody Star 2026’, a Konkani reality singing competition organized by Leo Charitable Trust, was inaugurated with great enthusiasm at the MCC Bank Auditorium on July 5. The colourful inaugural ceremony marked the beginning of a unique musical journey aimed at discovering and nurturing fresh Konkani singing talent.
The programme was inaugurated by Walter D’Souza Nandalike, founder of Daijiworld media, and Sahakara Ratna Anil Lobo Fermai, chairman of MCC Bank Ltd, Mangaluru, who graced the occasion as the chief guests. The function was presided over by Stany Alvares, president of the Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy.
The guests of honour included Fr Rocky D’Cunha, president of Konkani Natak Sabha; Louis Pinto, president of Mand Sobhann; Roy Castelino, PRO of the diocese of Mangalore; and Vishwas Rebimbus, noted singer and son of the legendary Konkani musician, the late Wilfy Rebimbus. Leo D’Souza Ranipura, founder of Leo Charitable Trust, and Jerry D’Souza Bondel, host and creative head of the show, were also present on the dais.
The programme commenced with an invocation seeking God’s blessings, led by Fr Rocky D’Cunha, followed by the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the dignitaries.
One of the highlights of the inaugural ceremony was the release of the official title song of Konkan Melody Star 2026. The song was beautifully rendered by Rony Crasta of Kulshekar, penned by Jerry D’Souza Bondel, and composed by Sanjay Rodrigues, receiving an enthusiastic response from the audience.
Addressing the gathering, Walter D’Souza Nandalike recalled the rich journey of Konkani reality singing competitions. He noted that the movement began with ‘Soad’ by Mand Sobhann and was later strengthened through Daijiworld initiatives such as MTG, Gulf Voice of Mangalore, Jigi Bigi Tharam, and several other platforms that encouraged young talent. Appreciating the efforts of Leo Charitable Trust, he said that introducing a YouTube-based Konkani reality singing competition was an innovative concept that would provide an excellent platform for emerging singers. He assured Daijiworld’s continued support for initiatives that promote Konkani language, music, and culture.
In his address, Anil Lobo Fermai said that MCC Bank has always stood behind initiatives that preserve and promote Konkani culture. Appreciating the dedication of Leo D’Souza and Jerry D’Souza, he wished the competition every success and expressed confidence that it would become a landmark event in the Konkani music fraternity.
Roy Castelino observed that both Walter Nandalike and Leo D’Souza had effectively utilized the difficult period of the COVID-19 pandemic by launching innovative digital initiatives. While Daijiworld introduced popular public challenges, Leo D’Souza connected people across the world through Facebook Live programmes, giving new energy and visibility to Konkani music and culture.
Renowned singer Vishwas Rebimbus praised the organisers for their sincere efforts in reviving Konkani music. “Our beautiful Konkani songs have found a new life through the dedication of Leo and his team,” he remarked.
Congratulating the organisers, Louis Pinto described the competition as a timely initiative that would inspire aspiring singers and strengthen the future of Konkani music.
Delivering the presidential address, Stany Alvares said that although the Konkani community is relatively small, visionary initiatives like Konkan Melody Star have the power to create lasting change. By identifying, encouraging, and nurturing young singers, the competition would significantly contribute to the growth of Konkani language, literature, and music.
During the programme, Rony Crasta, Stanley Bantwal, and Santhosh Sequeira were felicitated for their splendid support. The organisers also honoured Dr Velita Lobo, Alwyn Noronha, and Joshal D’Souza, who served as judges, besides recognising Sanjay Rodrigues for his dedicated service as the sound engineer.
The organisers expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Daijiworld team for extending wholehearted support in successfully conducting the programme.
A total of 113 contestants participated in the preliminary video selection round, out of which 81 contestants qualified for the audition rounds conducted on July 4 and 5.
The organising committee comprised Roshan Kamath (Vamanjoor), Juston (Jeppu), Keith Furtado (Urwa), Melroy Fernandes (Valencia), Shanthi Cardoza (Vamanjoor), Reshma Noronha (Kelarai), Kiran (Bannur), Austin (Mogarnad), Roshan (Eliyar Padavu), Lavina (Belman), Ishel D’Souza (Neermarga), and Roshan Crasta (Kulshekar), along with several dedicated volunteers who ensured the smooth conduct of the event.
The audition rounds were judged by Anil Patrao, Meera Crasta, and Shilpa Cutinha, Alwyn Noronha, Dr Velita Lobo, and Joshal D’Souza.
The programme concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks proposed by Leo D’Souza Ranipura, who expressed gratitude to the guests, sponsors, judges, participants, volunteers, media, and supporters for making the inaugural event a grand success.
The inaugural ceremony was gracefully compered by RJ Roshan Crasta of Radio Sarang 107.8 FM and Ishel D’Souza, whose lively presentation added elegance and warmth to the occasion.
With an overwhelming response from contestants and music lovers alike, Konkan Melody Star 2026 has begun on a promising note, offering a vibrant platform to discover and celebrate the next generation of Konkani singing talent.