Team Herald: What
inspired you to make this CD?
Milton Fernandes: I
believe that “Sot’tor Pavtti Sat” project is God’s will. My Father, C R
Fernandes was a well-known tiatrist of his time. It’s in my blood, a free gift
from my father. I always loved to watch tiatrs and listen to Konkani songs. I
also took part in all the parish activities as a youngster. I always wanted to
do this and “Sot’tor Pavtti Sat” is a dream come true. I thank tiatr and
tiatrists of yester years for giving me a platform to say what I feel/think.
The main motive behind my songs is to give a good message to people while
entertaining them.
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TH: You have done this
despite the fact that you are now based in the UK.
MF: Initially I was
employed in the UAE and then got an inter-company transfer to work in the
United Kingdom. Like most Goans abroad, if not all, my love for Goa has only
grown through these years. I am from Taleigao, hence my stage name is ‘Milton
de Taleigao’. It took us more than a year to complete this project. But I must
say I have learnt a lot and experienced a lot of happiness doing this. The CD
was released in December 2014.
TH: Besides you are
there various other Goan artistes performing on the album?
MF: Although I have
written the songs, this CD owes a great deal to Shelton Afonso and Benny
Cardozo, two very talented musicians, who helped me. Not forgetting Roque
Lazarus, who arranged music for this audio CD. Thanks also to Perviz de Souza,
our friend from Abu Dhabi for the beautiful CD cover and for his valuable
advice. This CD is theirs as much as it is mine. I must thank all the other
artistes as well – Santan Fernandes, Ezilda and Dorothy, Isaac and Ivan Viegas,
Ivana Viegas Succor de Santacruz, Johnny de Tuem and Alisha, Felcy, Tony de
Ribandar and Antonette de Maina and
Roque Lazarus
TH: Is there a message for the people?
MF: I have highlighted
social, religious and other issues close to my heart. I believe that
forgiveness brings peace. And if you have peace, you have everything. If even a
single person forgives his brother/friend/family inspired by this CD, I would
say ‘Poixe Borle’. Also my thinking is that, one should not buy a Konkani CD
purely for entertainment but also to keep Konkani and Tiatr alive,. If we only
buy CD’s produced by a few established artists, the new entrants will be discouraged
and Konkani and Tiatr will lose as a result. Also, the government should
encourage established directors and producers to introduce at least three
newcomers in their tiatr or CD, by giving the director/producer some kind of
incentive.
