‘Mhozo Tallo Aikat’: Showcasing local talent, preserving Goan culture

There are a handful of associations and centres in Goa working towards the development and growth of art and culture. And, one among them is the Goa Cultural and Social Centre, in Panjim.

For the past six years, the Goa Cultural and Social Centre has been organising the All Goa Solo Singing Competition for children and youth in order to showcase and boost their singing talent.

It is a unique contest, drawing youngsters from North and South Goa to the city of Panjim.

This year, too, the Goa Cultural and Social Centre, Panjim, in association with Clube Vasco da Gama organized the 7^th edition of ‘Mhozo Tallo Aikat’ at Institute Menezes Braganza hall, Panjim. The response was overwhelming, both, from the participants and the audience.

PARTICIPANTS & CATEGORIES

In the preliminary round, there were 39 participants in the Junior category, whereas in the Senior category, there were 34 contestants among the females, and 21 among the males.

In the final round, there were 9 participants in the Junior category, and 18 participants in the Senior category, which was divided into two – males (8) and females (10).

The participants were instructed to render songs of any noted singer of yesteryears. All the singers on stage were backed by a live band comprising Selwyn Braganca (trumpet), Roy Menezes (saxophone), Sammy Braganza (trombone), Bernardo Cardoso (bass), Anthony Pereira (rhythm), Walsh Fernandes (keyboard), and Xavier de Moira (drums).

The audience, gathered in the auditorium, had an evening filled with memories. It was more of going back to those yesteryears and listening to the oldies of the ‘80s and ‘90s. Each of the contestants stepped on the stage in style and rendered their songs with gusto and with unique presentations.

WORDS OF PRAISE

The parish priest of the Immaculate Conception Church, Panjim, Fr Walter de Sa, was the chief guest and appreciated the organisers of this event which helped to promote local talent. He was all praise for each of the participants and reminded them that no effort that has been put in will go in vain.

Fr de Sa said that talents always help a person reach greater heights in life and shine like stars, just as noted Goan singers like Remo Fernandes, Lorna and Hema Sardesai did in the national and international arena. “You too have chances to rise and reach the top of the charts,” he reminded the competitors.

Fr de Sa also had a word of praise for the organisers and lauded the hard work put in by the Goa Cultural and Social Centre, Panjim, in arranging such a meaningful evening for the young and the old. He said that such events always provide a good and a strong platform for raw talent to develop and mature over the years.

The president of the Goa Cultural and Social Centre, Francisco Noronha, highlighted various cultural activities such as mando festivals organised by the centre annually in order to promote the art and culture of Goa.

He also had a word of praise for all the members of the centre for their selfless contribution towards the growth of Goan art and culture.

The judges for the competition included Alex Dias (Boney), Gregory Fernandes and Greshma M D’Silva. The musical programme was compered by Agnelo de Borim and his brother, Armando Fernandes. The general secretary of the centre, Milagres Fernandes also spoke on the occasion.

WINNERS

Junior Category:

• 1^st: Juvency Simoes (Panjim)

• 2^nd: Joshua Pereira (Agassaim)

• 3^rd: Veloshka Pereira (Agassaim)

Senior Category: Female

• 1^st: Prissie Fernandes (Quepem)

• 2^nd: Maria Cardino (Mapusa)

• 3^rd: Shanaia D’Silva (Navelim)

Senior Category: Male

• 1^st: Prince Correia (Velim)

• 2^nd: Joel Monteiro (St Jose de Areal)

• 3^rd: Joel Ribeiro (Corlim)