‘NIZACHE Goykar’ Launched in Kuwait
Kuwait: Goans may be away from Goa, but their love for Goa and the Konkani language cannot be taken away from them.
Balthazar Pontes, a popular singer based in Kuwait, is one such Goan whose love for Goa and Konkani is supreme, just like any other true Goan.
The singer, who has been singing on stage right from age 14, released his own audio CD titled ‘NIZACHE GÕYKAR’ (IDEAL GOANS) at a brief ceremonial held at Don Bosco School, Salmiya – Kuwait on 13th Feb 2020.
Known for his deep baritone voice, typical singing, and unmatched style, Balthazar has brushed shoulders in the past with legendary Konkani stage greats such as Alfred Rose, Rita Rose, Paul Romy, Joe Rose, Betty Naz, Titta Pretto, Tony Martins, Robin Vaz, etc, to name a few.
??????? ?? ‘??????? ??̃????’
The album was released at the hands of Shri Fidelis Fernandes, a long-time Goan involved in Konkani dramas, and sports in Kuwait, who also spoke on the occasion congratulating Balthazar on his momentous milestone.
A cake was cut to commemorate the celebration.
A number of other well-known Goan faces in Kuwait also attended. Those who conveyed their wishes in the speech included Nazi Rod, Gracy Rodrigues, Norman Noronha, Carmo Santos, Dominic Araujo, and Lino Dourado.
Gasper Crasto conducted the proceedings.
Dominic Araujo, a well-known Konkani Mogi and writer, while praising Balthazar’s efforts in producing the CD, spoke on the singer’s life and achievements in detail, and said there was no looking back for the talented artiste.
Speaking on the occasion, an emotional Balthazar explained his intention behind the title.
“I have specially prepared this album for my Goa and Goans,” said Balthazar, “everyone who listens intently to the songs in the CD will definitely feel their affection towards Goa.”
The singer revealed that the album was fondly dedicated in memory of his loving father Michael Pontes.
?????, ????? & ???????
The album consists of 14 melodious songs on various topics, all composed by Balthazar to unique tunes, and sung by popular singers.
The album has brought back together Balthazar’s childhood buddies Benny de Aldona, Robert de Calvim, and Francis Fernandes — all Aldoncars.
“Myself, Benny and Francis were Trio singers once upon a time; we were known as BBF Trio and very popular during our school days,” recalls Balthazar.
The singers in ‘NIZACHE GÕYKAR’ consist of Lawry Travasso, Prince Jacob, Benny de Aldona, Robert de Calvin, Cielda Pereira, Elaine Pinto, Scully D’Souza (daughter of great Aldoncar – Joe D’Souza), Seby Mascarenhas (one of the talented singers based in Kuwait), Roma, Francis Fernandes, and Balthazar Pontes.
The title song is rendered by Benny de Aldona.
Music for the album is provided by Senon de Souza accompanied by Semy Braganza, Roy Menezes, James Vaz, Chris Correia, Sergei Godinho and drummer Jack Rebello.
The CD inlay is designed by Simon Dias.
??? ????????: ???????? ??????
Hailing from Aldona, Balthazar started singing at the age of 12 in St Thomas High School concerts, and other village shows.
“Fr. Lawrence Rodrigues at that time used to stage ‘Dotornicho Dis’ every year when he was our Parish priest at Aldona,” remembers Balthazar, “He is the one who encouraged me much.”
“However, Alfred Rose, my Aldoncar is my biggest inspiration,” adds the humble singer.
When Balthazar was in the 9th standard, he staged his first Tiatr called ‘Kortubanchem Foll’.
Later, he started writing lyrics as fate took him to Mumbai in 1986 soon after he finished school.
The young, talented Balthazar continued to perform in Tiatrs, and also wrote lyrics in-between for 2 audio albums which were produced under the banner of ‘Konkani CA’s Ventures’.
One of the albums was titled ‘Russia Converter Zatelem’ in 1992 while the other was ‘Don Bosco’ released in 1994.
Balthazar also directed a tiatr called ‘Ason Duddu Sonvsar Koddu’ written by Minoo Ferns in Mumbai around 1994.
???? ?? ??????
Balthazar first moved to Kuwait in 1995, and soon got an opportunity to sing in Rafael de Majorda Tiatrs ‘Hanv Noko Zalom’, and ‘Tukai Tench Ravta’ in 2003.
However, there was a long break before Balthazar was back on stage in Kuwait Konknni Mogi (KKM) Musical Show in April 2015 singing a solo, and a trio along with Felix Dias and Marlette Fernandes.
Since then, Balthazar is a regular face in almost every drama staged in Kuwait and sings to the great applause of the audience.
The singer works for Sahara Golf Club, Kuwait.
Happily married to married to Maria Dias, Balthazar has 2 sons RYLAN Pontes, a Computer Network Engineer, and Aaron Pontes, a Mechanical Engineer.
News Feature: Gasper Crasto; Photographs: Stacy Araujo
