Gerry D'Mello
Daijiworld Media Network - Canada

Canada, Aug 20: In order to mark its prolific existence on air for two successful years, Radio Mango is all set to bring on stage for the first time two great legends of Konkani Music - Lorna and Henry on Sunday, September 28 at the state-of-the-art Rose Theatre in Brampton, Canada.

Radio Mango, the first ever Konkani channel that created history in North American hemisphere by broadcasting a Konkani programme in 2012 has gloriously completed two years. Undoubtedly, that was a red-letter-day for the Konkani diaspora and it was a matter of pride and immense joy for thousands of Konkani speaking people residing in Canada when they eagerly tuned in to Radio Mango on FM 101.3 for the first-ever Konkani programme and heard Milena Marques-Zachariah and her co-host Wilson D'Souza's greetings "Tumkan soggleank - Konkani bhas uloiteank - Dev Bori Saanz dium” on Saturday, September 29, 2012.

During these past two years, Radio Mango has carved a tiny but significant niche for itself in the world of entertainment. Kudos to Milena, Alan, Pedro and Wilson who are proud of their beloved non-profit offspring and have succeeded in taking this project to a way higher level than expected through their tremendous selfless dedication and hard work. Through this one and only Konkani Radio broadcast in the Western and Northern hemispheres they have succeeded in bringing joy into countless homes. Not just here in Canada, but in the USA, India, England, Germany, Dubai, Pakistan, and even as far as Australia.

Every broadcast on Radio Mango starts with an awesome signature tune composed by Goa's renowned musician and lyricist Lawrence de Tiracol and ends with sweet and juicy greetings by the brain and brawn of this Konkani Radio broadcast, none other than Milena Marques-Zachariah. The power-packed two hours of Konkani entertainment with Goan/Mangalorean Konkani songs, interviews with great Konkani personalities in Canada and Goan/Mangalorean news makes the listeners to wait eagerly for their most favorite radio programme week after week.

To celebrate their 2nd remarkable milestone, Radio Mango is bringing the titans together for a concert of a lifetime. Lorna, the Goan Nightingale and Henry, the great composer and singer - the Sangeet Samraat - will be seen and heard on the same stage for the first time in Canada. Both will be accompanied by one of Canada’s leading Goan/Mangalorean Goa Amigoes, led by the accomplished music director, Norman Cardozo.

The popularity of a song is mainly a factor for its longevity. ‘Ye Ye Cathrina’ and ‘Ami Dhoghi Sezara’ – Henry’s most popular compositions, recorded decades ago, are played by pop groups at almost every social and ball, with people singing the catchy lyrics in full gusto. ‘Alice bai’, ‘Lonchen’, ‘Chondrem Udevn Ailo’, ‘Khalzaso Gondo’ and ‘Bomboy Shehar’ are some of his other popular creations.

Sangeeth Samraat Henry D’Souza, the rare jewel of Konkani music, is never the one who looked back since he emerged first as Bombay’s craze in the mid-sixties and later in other parts of India, the Gulf and Canada. His creations have been broadcasted in All India Radio and Radio Sri Lanka and his HMV records have entertained the young and old of every generation and all language groups of the world. Henry displays a style of singing which is original, exceptional and sensational.

The world famous ‘Voice of Goa’ Lorna belongs to that rare breed of stalwarts who does not even need a last name. Just one name suffices for instant recognition. Her powerful voice is inimitable; even after decades, she is still the reigning Queen of Konkani singers. Whether it’s ‘Pisso’ , ‘Bebdo’, ‘Amerikak Paushi’, ‘Red Rose’, ‘Noxibac Rodtam ‘ or ‘Lisboa’, her songs are arguably the most recognized among Konkani music lovers.

Lorna was one of the dominant Goan singers, particularly in the 1970s. She regards the jazz musician Chris Perry as the man who brought her raw talent to the fore. From the age of 15, for 9 years, she sang jazz for Chris Perry’s Band in Star Hotels and Night Clubs in Bombay, Delhi, Calcutta, Madras and Bangalore. She has sung many songs composed / arranged by Chris Perry which remain unforgettable hits. She makes Konkani music lovers in Goa and worldwide proud every time she picks up the mic and with her golden voice fills the air.

In addition to Lorna and Henry, local Goan and Mangalorean artistes like Marshal Fernandes, Francis Fernandes Cascia, Flavian Pinto, Manohar Pais, Santhosh D’Souza, and Ronald Monteiro will entertain the guests with rib-tickling jokes.

In true Radio Mango tradition, people in Canada will have the rare privilege of witnessing history being created as two great music legends take the stage on September 28, for the 2 Legends Live concert at the superb Rose Theatre, Brampton.

The show will commence at 2 pm sharp. Parking is free. The organizers have advised to book early as seats are numbered and for tickets (VIP seating $60, $45 and $30) to contact wilson@radiomango.ca and milena@radiomango.ca. Check out www.radiomango.ca for details.