Viva Re Goa! New Stars Shine at the First World Konkani Music Awards in Bambolim-Goa
Viva Re Goa! New Stars Shine at the First World Konkani Music Awards in Bambolim-Goa. Mangaluru’s Gurkar of Mandd Sobhann Eric Ozario was conferred with recognized and honoured for his contribution towards Konkani; and Mangaluru’s Darrel Mascarenhas and Joel Rebello’s “Mog Asom” album got the ‘Best Album Award’
Mangaluru: In a scintillating finish to the first ever World Konkani Music Awards, new stars were unveiled at the awards night at the grand finale. The entire Dr Shyam Mukherjee Stadium reverberated to the Konkani beats, rhythms and catchy vocals of those who set the stage on fire. The award night saw the rise of nine talented artistes across categories and the winners were selected from across the Konkani speaking world. The competition drew an overwhelming 150 entries from different parts of the world. WKMA was proud to be partners with 92.7 Big FM, Goa miles, Mac Hotels, Big 92, Futardos, Mall de Goa and Content Life Media.
The aim of WKMA event was : To offer a platform that celebrates and showcases genuine Konkani Music talents across the globe; To facilitate young talents to challenge themselves, figure out their dreams and find opportunities; To create an Award show that aims to put Konkani Music on the Global map; To organize a Talent Hunt for the most promising Konkani Singer and felicitate the evergreen legends; and To aim at being the ultimate honour for Konkani Music, equivalent to the Grammy’s.
The stage was set, winners were selected and the all action turned centre stage at Konkani music’s greatest night, the World Konkani Music Awards. All roads lead to the Dr Shyam Prasad Mukherjee stadium in Bambolim-Goa, as the red carpet was laid out for dignitaries guests and music lovers during the weekend. Yours Truly of Team Mangalorean along with Loy D’souza, Naveen Lobo and Sam Karkada also graced this event, which was simply magnificent and was fully a showbiz extravaganza, with a packed audience all enjoying the First ever World Konkani Music Awards ceremony. Adding the glamour, charisma and charm to the stage were the hosts, actor Luke Kenny and Nakita Fernandes, winner of ‘Miss World Beauty Queen- 2nd Runner’s Up, South Korea’.
Mandd Sobhann Gurkar Eric Ozario honoured for his contribution to Konkani
The spotlights at the grand finale fell on the stunning acts by the singers and dance choreography by renowned choreographer Tobby Fernandes and his troupe of 24 who lent their creative interpretations to the songs. Konkani’s most loved “Goan Nightingale” Lorna Cordeiro, sent the crowd crazy with her popular numbers, while Hema Sardesai, Merlyn D’Souza, Shine On Duo and others left everyone on a musical high. Hema Sardesai- a International Diva, celebrity judge and social activist; Nirmika Singh-the Editor of Rolling Stones Magazine, song writer and critic; Atul Churamani-the Managing Director of Turnkey Music and Publishing, and who has worked with music labels like CBS Gramophone Records and tapes (I) Ltd, Magnasound India Ltd, Virgin Records and Saregama India Ltd graced the occasion.
VThe award announcements were interspersed with a quick talk about the importance of native language by training coach Jerry Almeida and illusionist Clifford Parakh left audiences spell bound with his tricks. Founder Allan Vaz performed his hit single “Lojeanakai”. Goan rock band “Bad Blood” started off the event on a rocking note.
Hon’ Chief Guest CM of Goa Pramod Sawant was present for the occasion, and complimented the organizers for their efforts in raising Konkani language and culture to greater heights, and promoting Konkani music through programmes like these. Lorna Cordeiro received the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Eric Ozario, founder of Mand Sobban, Mangaluru was honoured for his contribution towards Konkani along with Alfred Rose, Chris Perry were offered the award posthumously.
Other celebrities included hit artiste Baba Sehgal and judge for the competition Atul Churamani. Hosts actor Luke Kenny and Nakita Fernandes kept everyone in good humour. The World Konkani Music Awards was conceptualized as a platform to boost talent from the Konkani music fraternity. It also aimed to building the community of singers and musicians across the world. Speaking about the journey, founder Allan Vaz, during the occasion said “It has been a dream come true. I dreamt about this day since the time I worked in Zee. I would see other music industries boosting their own talents and I felt I needed to do something for Konkani. I thank all those who supported this dream to make it a reality.” Allan Castellino, one of the promoters of the event said, “We are proud to be associated with this first of it’s kind event. Working to boost the Konkani music community has been an enriching experience.”
Darrel Mascarenhas and Joel Rebello awarded ‘Best Konkani Album Award’for ‘Mog Asom
Speaking to Team Mangalorean, Dolphy Mascarenhas- co-founder, Transformatrix and promoter of World Konkani Music Awards ( WKMA) said, ” The selection process had received an overwhelming response of 150 entries from across the world. Submissions poured in from America, London, Dubai, Kuwait, Mangaluru and Goa. It was tough selection for the judges, international singer Hema Sardessai, Nirmika Singh and Atul Churamani. They had made their decisions, picked the right awardees and they were all awarded during this glittering award ceremony. The evening also brought together Konkani music stalwarts like Rita Rose, who will accept the prestigious award on behalf of her husband the late Alfred Rose for his contribution towards Konkani. Also, recognized for their achievements were the great Konkani Musician late Chris Perry, and Mangaluru Mandd Sobhann Gurkar Eric Ozario”.
Also speaking to Team Mangalorean Eric Ozario-the Gurkar, Mandd Sobhann, Mangaluru said, “The organizers of WKMA have recognized the activities of Mandd Sobhann and its experience of organizing Global Music Awards. Therefore they wanted us to be associated with them in this event and had invited us to be part of their first edition of World Konkani Music Awards, and we readily agreed to oblige them. When it comes to promote any Konkani activities, either in music, literature or drams, Mandd Sobhann has always been ready to lend their support. Konkani is not only spoken in this part of the region, bit all over the world. So WKMA is an event conceptualized on the lines of International competitions with the objective to take Konkani music across the universe. I thank the organizers for recognizing my efforts in promoting Konkani culture, language and art, and honouring me on this great night”
The winners are as follows:
Best Singer Female : Silvia Fernandes-Red Cherry.
Best Singer Male : Rohit Gavandi-Bhui Majhi
Best Song : Omkaray Namaha- ‘Jana Ashilo Hanv’
Best Emerging Talent Male : Sanvil Parab- ‘Goa Night Life’
Best Emerging Talent Female : Silvina Lopes- ‘I’m in Love’
Best Music Director : Juje Fernandes- ‘Tum Ani Hanv’
Best Music Video : Sidney Soares- Nokre Tujhe
Best Album : Darrel Mascarenhas and Joel Rebello- Mog Asom
Best Lyricist : Shiva Shirgaonkar and Preeti Gavandi – Bhui Majhi
Honours- Contribution to Konkani: Eric Ozario, Mand Sobban, Mangaluru;Late Chris Perry and Alfred Rose
Lifetime Contribution Award: Lorna Cordeiro
Rising Star: Victoria D’Costa
