Florine Roche
Daijiworld Media Network

Mangalore, Nov 4 : It feels as though it is just the other day Konkani speaking people of Mangalore saw the emergence of a promising singer, lyricist and composer Melvin Peris. Nicknamed as yodelling king and even as the Kishore Kumar of Konkani this prodigious talent that took the Konkani music world by storm in 1967 at the tender age of 6, has achieved many milestones to become a leading name in Konkani music world. Now he is on the threshold of setting another landmark which is sure to ink his name permanently for his contributions to Konkani music. Melvin is getting ready to celebrate 100th Melvin Peris nite which is scheduled for 23rd November 2014 to be held at St Agnes College grounds, Mangalore. Once again it offers an opportunity for Konkani music enthusiasts to see a swashbuckling performance from this multi-faceted singer who has a large fan following in many parts of the globe.

This is certainly a rare accomplishment for Melwyn because after Wilfy Rebimbus who has more than 250 musical nites to his credit Melwyn is the only Mangalorean singer-performer to reach the rare club of 100 musical nites. It is no doubt a crowning glory in his musical career considering that music is only a hobby for him and not a profession. For a career Melwyn is working as a Development Officer for National Insurance Company and is able to spend time for music only during his spare time. In a way his was a fulltime work juggling with home, a challenging career and an equally challenging and demanding but fulfilling hobby in music as a composer, singer, lyricist, guitarist, actor and producer.

It is the good fortune of our people that Melwyn has balanced these diverse roles roles with aplomb and helped enrich Konkani music and continues to do so.

Amidst all the euphoria of having achieved a milestone Melwyn and his group is sure to feel the absence of his brother late Dennis Peris who was his father figure, motivator, guide and mentor and under his protective eyes Melwyn has blossomed into a versatile musician with many accomplishments. Melwyn says he also feels the absence of singer Ivan Noronha and in a way the 100th musical nite will be a dedication in memory of both Dennis and Ivan. To commemorate the event of hitting a century in terms of musical performances, Melwyn plans to bring out a VCD comprising 14 songs, an Audio CD and also a CD of instrumental music.

In this backdrop the 100th Melwyn Peris nite will be a memorable one for reasons more than one. It will be the last nite organised by “Sangeet Ghar”, the banner that belongs to Peris family which gave some of the memorable plays and musical programmes to Konkani people over the years. But Melwyn is determined to continue singing as long as long as he is able to sing and entertain people. This decision though significant to the family, will not make much of a difference to those who are in awe of Melwyn’s singing because he will continue to present benefit shows for charitable cause something which he has been doing all along. At the same time it can be said that “Sangeet Ghar” which lived up to the name given to it by Austin D Souza Prabhu, a recognition to the talented family of singers, is bowing out in style by organising this century show.

But for now Konkani music lovers especially all the fans of this Yodelling King can look forward for a gala musical evening to celebrate this landmark, an achievements that needs a pat on the back. The musical evening is sure to take them through a nostalgic journey of all the popular songs sung by Melwyn and other artistes who sang in all his previous shows. Also all the Master of Ceremonies who conducted his various musical programmes namely Manohar Pais, Leslie Rego, Titus Noronha, Gerry Rasquina, Melita Pinto and Clement Lobo will be on stage on this special occasion. Similarly, the occasion will also witness veteran and established singers like Aparna Mayankar and Reena Goveas, Meena Rebimbus, Henry D Souza and present day popular singers namely Anita, Ivy, Zeena, Lavita, Doreen D Souza, Rony Crasta, Ruben Sequeira and his son Nestor Peris.

100th nite will have about 16 songs and except for one new group song to be sung by all the singers and another new number to be sung by his son all the other songs will be old hits from the vast repertoire of his songs. He reasons out that as per the present trend people want to listen to songs which are familiar to them. “From what I have learnt through my experience of giving shows in many places in India and abroad people enjoy listening to songs they are familiar with. The only measure they expect is that the singer must do justice to the song. This being the 100th show I thought it is right podium to relive my old songs and entertain people. Moreover there are no takers for value-based songs these days”, says Melwyn justifying his decision to sing his old popular hits. In addition Gerry Rasquina and team will provide rib-tickling comedy and ‘naach sobhann’ will provide necessary glitz with their dance numbers.

The odyssey of 100 musical nites spanning over three decades has not been not been an easy one for Melwyn and his family especially the last few years as the family was beset with a battery of problems. Melwyn Peris had celebrated his 75th show in 2009 and in the last five years Melwyn went through a bad period. Apart from the death of Dennis Peris in 2010 Melwyn had met with a major accident in October 2012 near Nelamangala, Bangalore when he was returning with his family after attending his niece’s engagement. While his family escaped with minor injuries Melwyn was critically injured and it is only through his perseverance he recovered brilliantly even to give a show within three months of the accident.

Though music is just a hobby for Melwyn he has devoted valuable quality time to come out soulful lyrics and catchy tunes from time to time. There is lot of sweat that goes behind every musical nite, which people may not be able to gauge. The reward for the hard work is only through appreciation and that is the treasure he cherishes most and that is what keeps him going. “When people compliment me for a beautiful song that is the greatest reward I can get for my hard work. Moreover I feel happy when people say I have maintained my voice and that I sing better than before. People are the best judges and value their opinion a great deal”, he declares.

He is grateful to the support team - his wife Neeta and children Melster who is a guitarist and Nestor who is a singer for all the sacrifices they have made and also the support they have extended in his mellifluous journey.