Media Release
Brisbane, Jan 11: The first ever 'Brisbane Konkani Sanz' was held on November 28, 2021 in beautiful sunny Brisbane in Australia, at St James Coorparoo Hall organized by an enthusiastic group of Konkani music lovers. This event was held to pay tribute to our rich Konkani language, culture, tradition and music and it offered a great platform for aspiring singers to showcase their talent on stage.
A Konkani musical nite in Brisbane was first conceptualised by Savio D’Souza and Cajie Fernandes. Their love for Konkani music and their passion for keeping it alive in the hearts of the families here in Brisbane is what made this event possible. Cajie is a very distinguished musician in his own right. His repertoire in music includes a strong vocal band, the ability to play numerous instruments and a natural inclination for music composition. Cajie is very passionate about building talent and encouraging budding musicians, singers and artistes. Savio D’Souza on the other hand has an amazing talent for event organisation and management. He is passionate about the Konkani culture, traditions and ensures all religious and festive events are celebrated here in Brisbane with the same gusto as one would back home in India.
The Brisbane Konkani Sanz Band - Cajie Fernandes (Synthesizer), Ronnie Rodrigues (Rhythm Guitar), John Paul (Rhythm Guitar), Darryl Barreto (Drummer) and Keith Palanna (Bass Guitar)
The evening got off to a rocking start with the Konkani Baila and thereafter reverberated with a delectable array of Konkani superhits by legends like the late Wilfy Rebimbus ‘Konkan Kogul’, Lorna Cordeiro ‘Nightingale of Goa’, Chris Perry ‘King of Goan music’, Alfred Rose and Remo Fernandes to name a few. Most of the songs were based on the theme of love between young couples.
Ronnie Rodrigues, a band crew member of legendary ‘Konkan Kogul’ Wilfy Rebimbus was also present. He entertained with his song ‘Bobby’ and ‘Uzwaad Chandremacho’ a duet with Rochelle which received a thunderous applause from the audience. Ronnie was called the ‘Brisbane Kogul’ and Rochelle was called the ‘Brisbane Maina’of Brisbane.
Little twinkling stars - Anya, Arya, Giana, Calvin, Nat, Zoe, Zac, Elise-Marie and Natalie sang with actions ‘Fantea Farar’ and that was definitely the sweetest performance of the evening.
Clive D’ Silva’s ‘Lenora’, Angelina D’ Silva’s ‘Maka Novro Mello Ghatagar’ both songs by the late Wilfy and their duet performance ‘Aaj Kalchi Burgin’ composed by Fr Rupesh Madtha to the tune of popular ‘Manike Mage Hithe’ the viral Sri Lankan song received great admiration from the audience and inspired the teenagers. Rochelle D’Souza’s ‘Nach Moga’ was a ‘Seeti Maro’ performance and had the audience shouting once more.
Malcolm, Wilda, Ryan and Vanessa enthralled the audience with the classic Goan Konkani number ‘Molbailo Dou’. This was followed by a cheeky, sweet and foot tapping number sung by Wilda and Malcolm ‘Anv Konkani Zannam’ by Alfred and Rita Rose. Wilda also sang the popular bridal special,‘Contrad Sasnacho’ by Seby Fernandes with grace and rhythm.
Nisha Carvalho’s ‘Piti Piti Mog’ by Antonette and Allwyn Carvalho’s ‘Liliana’ by Chri Perry put the audience in a sweet romantic mood.
The couple Vanessa and Ryan’s ‘Rajan ani Prema’ by Remo Fernandes and Alisha Chinai and Vincent’s ‘Cheddvam’ by Alfred Rose made everyone want to sing along.
The talented family of singers and musicians (three generations), joined John Paul as he sang ‘Lovely Esther’ by Alfred Rose. John Paul dedicated this beautiful song to his little girl, Esther. John Paul then sang a fun duet with his sister Virginia Cotta ‘Ek Cheddum’ by Robin Vaz. Virginia also sang the seductive ‘Soppnam’ by Lorna which amazed audiences.
Savio Mascarenhas’ family, wife Jinella and children Jaden and Joanna rendered their soothing voices to the beautiful Michael Jackson song ‘Heal the World’ in Konkani ‘Saunsar Penkop’.
The fantastic singing performances were balanced by roaring laughter from the audience with impromptu comedy skits by Savio D’Souza who enacted the roles of ‘Dolla’ and ‘Fr Savio’.
The programme concluded with the fun folk medley ‘Konkani Baila’ sung by Shirley, Reshma, Savio, Shamitha, Ronnie, Navin, Rochelle, Navin, Eliza and Lorraine which brought everyone up to the dance floor.
Rochelle and Navin ended the event with a vote of thanks and mentioned that such events should continue to help keep alive traditional Konkani culture world-wide.
A band ensemble with a contingent of talented musicians led by Cajie Fernandes (Synthesizer), Ronnie Rodrigues (Rhythm Guitar), John Paul (Rhythm Guitar), Darryl Barreto (Drummer) and Keith Palanna (Bass Guitar) made the nite come alive.
Loraine Sequeira, the anchor for the evening kept audiences entertained with her lively and peppy compering mixed with a generous dose of humour by asking funny questions to the singers.
Videographer and photographer Clive D’ Silva did a fantastic job capturing the magic and glory of this Konkani Sanz nite.