Songs, mimicry, felicitation were part of the celebration of Edwin D’Costa’s century album Sindhudurg Diocese Gonvlli at Pai Tiatrist hall, Margao. A mega musical show, by a galaxy of artistes and singers of the Konkani stage, drew thousands of fans and well-wishers to the venue.
Noted celebrities of Goa, Hema Sardesai and Sonia Shirsat stole the show with renditions that stole the heart and soul of the audience. Their melodious voices blended well with live music on stage and encores followed from young and old in the auditorium.
All the songs rendered on stage by around 31 singers (young and old) were well-composed by Edwin D’Costa, and the singers included Peter/Roshan, Antonet de Maina, Anthony San, Ben Evangelisto, Aniceto Lourenco, Francis de Raia, Akki, Holly Rodrigues, Alijoy, Vallery Cabral, Assenca, Nazario and Francis Pinto, Edly, Simran, Evola, Elaine, Peviolla, Denzilia, Lourdes, Sheena, Laura, Aleka and Marcus Vaz.
To break the monotony, there was comedy, provided by Jesus Antao, Cyril Almeida, Hortencio Pereira, Meena Goes and Agnelo. Amrish, noted for his excellent mimicry on the Konkani stage, entertained the crowd by imitating Prince Jacob, Vijay Sardesai, Churchill Almao and other noted personalities.
A song, Cheddvam, by Jose Mascarenhas had a mixture of song and dance, with young girls dancing to the foot-tapping music. It was a treat to the eyes. Another solo by Mini Mario, revolving around ungrateful children towards their guardians, was heart-touching and brought tears to the eyes of the spectators.
THE CENTURY MARK
The highlight of the musical show was the grand release of Edwin D’Costa’s 100th album in the form of a DVD, Sindhudurg Diocese Gonvlli by the King of Centuries, Roseferns. Incidentally, way back in 1980, the same tiatr director had the privilege of releasing Edwin D’Costa’s first audio cassette Goencho Avaz in the tiatr, Thapott, at Gomant Vidya Niketan, Margao.
After every rendition on stage, the singer, or artiste, was felicitated on behalf of Edwin D’Costa by noted artiste of the Konkani stage, Meena Goes. The mementos to Hema Sardesai and Sonia Shirsat were presented by Veloshka D’Costa, daughter of Edwin D’Costa.
Speaking on the occasion, Roseferns said that it was a great privilege to release Edwin D’Costa’s 100th album. He said that hard work always yields fruits, and never goes in vain.
The tiatr director told Edwin to continue his good work in the musical field and enlighten the people with good subjects and morals through songs. “Releasing 100 albums is a big achievement. The long journey treaded should not come to a halt with 100 albums. Instead, more efforts should be put to cross a century and achieve more milestones,” he added.
The century album in the form of a DVD, Sindhudurg Diocese Gonvlli, was released in the presence of Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG)’s president, Menino de Bandar, vice-president, Mario Menezes, MLA of Nuvem constituency, Aleixo Sequeira, Fr Bolmax Pereira and other dignitaries.
To make the event a memorable one, a book, Devalem Dennem, on the musical journey of Master and Fastest Composer, Edwin D’Costa, was released at the hands of D’Costa’s mother, Filomena Inacinha Fernandes. Before the release of the book, Glenis Mendonsa, professor of Carmel College, Nuvem, and member of the Dalgado Konkani Academi (DKA) gave a brief sketch about the book.
The book has been authored by Pio Esteves, and carries rich information about the composer and singer, who rose to fame after encountering hardships since childhood. It also contains 24 favourite songs of the singer, apart from photographs of his achievements.
The MLA of Nuvem constituency, Aleixo Sequeira crowned Edwin D’Costa ‘King of Konkani Albums’ in the presence of tiatr director, Roseferns, and other dignitaries. GR Crasto and Anthony da Silva also spoke about Edwin D’Costa, highlighting his talents and capabilities.