Entertaining Event in Broadway Style – Maestro Shahu’s Musical Show Rocks Kuwait
by Gasper Crasto, Pics Rivon Gomes
Kuwait: In a spectacular ‘broadway style’ musical show presented by well-known Magical Maestro Shahu Almeida, Kuwait audience were treated to ‘rocking’ entertainment in a variety of songs and hilarious comedy.
‘TUMKANCH LAGON AMI’ staged on 13th October 2017 lived up to everyone’s expectation; the show emerged to be ‘talk of the town’.
A full-house audience at SIMS auditorium enjoyed the event and applauded every item of the show. Each and every singer exhibited top performance, singing with confidence and clarity, putting their heart and soul into the show.
Ever since his arrival in Kuwait back in 1998, Maestro Shahu has been in the limelight for his electrifying music which has become synonymous with Goan.
The Maestro was assisted in the memorable event by Kuwait’s famous trio of Cajetan de Sanvordem-Mario de Majorda and Michael D’Silva.
THE STAGE, SETS & LIGHTS
The musical evening began with a hymn of ‘St Francis Xavier’, a regular trend at Shahu’s shows which is significantly admired by everyone.
Earlier, the event started with a welcome note by young compere Penny Rebello who brought color to the evening compering in both Konkani and English.
‘Thespian of Konkani Stage’ Cajetan Pereira had a few words of introduction as well welcoming the chief guests and other dignitaries.
The curtains opened to display a breathtaking stage-sets ‘lighted’ and magically transformed for the show. Young Goan set-designer Cheslee D’Souza was credited for the creative design of stars and sky which took the audience into a dream world of entertainment.
Maestro Shahu started the traditional warm-up ‘Tokkad’ music with his little 11-year old son Aerosmith Almeida on drums. The audience were amazed to watch the little kid drumming and gave him a roaring round of applause.
The Maestro was soon joined by his team of musicians consisting of drummer Mathias Sequeira (from UK), Rafio Gonsalves (Rhythms) and Dennis Gonsalves (Bass).
Drummer Mathias, hailing from Divar, is a regular feature at all major Goan events organized in UK. A good friend of Maestro Shahu, Mathias’ presence on stage was sweetly felt.
OPENING CHORUS
The stage was set alight by a melodious Opening Chorus based on the theme ‘Tumkanch Lagon Ami’ sung by a total of 11 artistes that included Clemmie Pereira, Gracy Rodrigues, Laurente Pereira, Bab Agnel D’Souza, Katty de Navelim, Gasper Crasto, Seby Mascarenhas, Seby D’Silva, and the celebrated Kuwait Trio of Cajetan de Sanvordem-Mario de Majorda-Michael D’Silva.
SONGS / KANTARAM
Balthazar Pontes sang the first solo ‘Aiz Mhaka Faleam Tuka’ with his unique style. The singer who has created a niche for himself in recent times for his strong compositions and tunes impressed everyone.
Seasoned singer Katty de Navelim teamed up with Gasper Crasto for a duo on ‘Ghatki Bhoinneo’ which was termed ‘fabulous’ by the audience.
FRANCIS TUEM SETS THE STAGE ON FIRE
All eyes were on the visiting firebrand singer of Konkani stage. The superstar ‘lighted’ up the stage singing 3 powerful solos – all of them politically intertwined.
‘Francis de Tuem never disappoints’, commented his fans as he was encored several times for all of his songs except one.
It proved how popular politics is among Goan audience when local Kuwait-based artiste Rolly Diniz gave some rivalry to Francis de Tuem singing his political song ‘Ek Karann’ that was encored twice as well.
Rolly making his debut on Konkani stage demonstrated great poise and confidence in his execution. Apparently, it was noted that Rolly’s solo was composed by famous dramatist Nazy Rod.
LITTLE VAZ SISTERS DELIGHT
It was a delight to watch little sisters Lanisha and Delisha Vaz perform in Kuwait for the first time. The sisters immensely encouraged by their parents made the trip from UK accompanied by their proud father Pascoal Vaz.
Lanisha and Delisha sang 2 amazing duos with synchronized voices and steps.
Their song ‘Goenkarami Goenkar’ energized everyone in the audience while their other rendition ‘Mog’ brought equal thrill. Both songs were well applauded.
Lanisha and Delisha, born and bought up in Dubai, have been singing on stage from a very young age and are known all across the Konkan world.
LAURENTE AND BAB AGNEL AMAZE AUDIENCE
Few Goan singers are regarded for their powerful voices on Goan stage. Established singers Laurente Pereira and Bab Agnel showed top class professionalism in their duo ‘Purtugez Passport’ singing in their power-packed voices.
Both the stars sang fluently and had a message or two in other songs that they sang as well.
Laurente’s solo ‘Bapachim Bhurgim’ was a heart-wrenching song, and highly captivating. One of the pillars of Konkani stage in Kuwait, Laurente was greatly expressive with his words.
Bab Agnel, who is one of the few artistes to have sung for legendary Prem Kumar and C Alvares and has 3 audio albums, and a DVD to his credit, later sang a solo called ‘maim’ which was highly commanding.
KUWAIT TRIO & OTHER TRIOS
Kuwait’s Trio Kings Cajetan-Michael-Mario lived up to people’s expectations singing 2 scintillating trios with their blend of incredible voices.
Their first one ‘Padriani Madri’ was a thought-provoking song. The trio’s other song ‘Adlio Ostu’ summed up a comparison between old times and now; they were well appreciated.
Cajetan, Mario and Michael have been around as a team for quite a while. Their style of singing, matching outfits, dancing steps, and latest subjects make the trio very popular and favorite among the audience.
A trio ‘Teg Vattsure’ sung by Gracy Rodrigues, Katty de Navelim and Clemmie Pereira received rave thoughts and applause from the crowd.
Sweet-voiced Gracy Rodrigues featured in another trio with Balthazar Pontes and Laurente singing ‘Goencheo Taxi’ which was very well clapped.
DUOS & DUETS
‘Dhormak Okman’, a duo sung by Gracy Rodrigues and Clemmie Pereira was splendid and very appealing.
Gracy and Clemmie were in effortless form in all the songs that they featured in including the opening chorus and medley. The duo, well-known for their stunning voices, brought glow to the stage by their sheer presence.
Simon &Olinda Dias’ song ‘Maim-Pai’ was an upbeat duo graciously sung by the two singers. The song was set to beautiful tune and music.
‘Tache Upkar Vhoddle’ – a duo sung by Seby Mascarenhas and Seby D’Silva was well commended by the audience for the meaningful lyrics. The 2 singers were a treat to watch, their ‘segundo-primer’ voices pleasing to the ears.
Esparansa & Gasper Crasto’s duet as ‘Angel ani Devchar’ had a glamorous concept that was well admired by the audience for its flowing rhythm and costumes.
VISITING SINGERS
Rafael Noel, all the way from the Cayman Islands, sang 2 absorbing solos. His first song was ‘Devan Goddlolo Sonvsar’ while the other song was ‘Goenkar’.
Hailing from Macasana, Rafael’s style and voice had a ‘typical’ impact of great Goantiatr singers.
Babit D’Souza, coming from UK, sang ‘Goenkarponn Samballat’ – a song with a great message for Goa and Goans.
COMEDY BY JOHN D’SILVA & PRINCE JACOB
Once again, it was evident that comedy fascinates modern audience more than anything else nowadays.
Goan superstar comedians John D’Silva and Prince Jacob added a sparkling dose of humour with 4 skits. Every joke enacted, without any vulgarity or political stimulus, was hilarious and well enjoyed by the audience.
Prince Jacob also had a comic solo ‘Resperak Nhesop’ which gelled well with the audience.
It was obvious why the 2 superstar comedians are right on top there among Konkani stage comedians. The comedy was simple while they conducted it with respect and dignity which was well noted in ‘TUMKANCH LAGON AMI’.
A rare cameo role with the comedians by Cajetan de Sanvordem dressed as a girl was wonderfully enacted; it amused the audience with peals of laughter.
MIMICRY ARTISTE AMRESH KAMAT ENTERTAINS
Qatar-based mimicry artiste Amresh Kamat, specially brought in for the show for the second year running, was a pleasure to watch. He was a great entertainer.
Although Amresh followed the same pattern of mimicry that he performed last time around, his imitation of some well-known Goan tiatr artistes and other personalities, in voice, songs and action, was thoroughly enjoyed and applauded by the audience.
Amresh was accompanied on stage by visiting artiste Rafael Noel.
CHIEF GUEST AND SPECIAL INVITEES
Tony Gonsalves, renowned organizer of Goan dramas in UK and Europe was the chief guest along with his wife Rosy Gonsalves.
S. Caitan, Goan singer based in UK was the guest of honor.
Other special invitees and dignitaries present on the occasion included Agnello A S Fernandes, Neeta Fernandes, Fidelis Fernandes, Patrick Lewis and Francis Lewis (Fitwell Tailors), Fr Lionel Braganza, etc.
Tony Gonsalves spoke on the occasion. He praised the efforts of Maestro Shahu in uplifting Goan music art and drama in Kuwait and other countries.
Prince Jacob, Francis de Tuem and John D’Silva each had a word for the Kuwait audience as well.
In his speech, the soft-spoken Maestro thanked all who supported the event and helped in making it a grand success.
AMAZING FINAL MEDLEY
The final item was a beautiful medley of evergreen songs sung by most of the main local artistes.
The medley took the audience back in time and brought back the Golden Era alive with Maestro Shahu’s hip hop music. Clemmie Pereira dazzled the audience with her dancing chorus of ‘Gagreanchemmana’.
The show termed ‘super’, ‘entertaining and enjoyable’ will remain memorable for its high octane sound & music, meaningful songs and entertaining comedy. It will be cherished by everyone for a long time to come.
FELICITATION OF ARTISTES
In a rare gesture, MeastroShahu felicitated some of the senior artistes for their contribution towards Konkani stage and art.
The artistes who were conferred with specially designed artifact, flower bouquet, a letter of appreciation and a commemorative shawl included Cajetan Pereira, Mario de Majorda, Michael D’Silva, Gracy Rodrigues, Laurente Pereira, Bab Agnel D’Souza and Katty de Navelim.
Chief guest Tony Gonsalves, his wife Rosy along with guest of honour S Caitan were also presented with a shawl and memento.
Special mementos and flower bouquets were also presented to all participating artistes, compere Penny Rebello, lensman Rivon Gomes, Sound Engineer Cheslee D’Souza, and the band members.
The band was highly praised while the wonderful sound system provided by DJ Cheslee D’Souza and Anand was pulled out for applause too.
The whole event was captured on camera by popular Goan photographer Rivon Gomes.
