Dolcy D’Cruz
Ever heard someone sing, ‘Undir Mhojea Mama’ or ‘Sant Antoninchea Dongrar’ and find it hard to contain the excitement and join in with the singing. That’s the charm of dulpods, traditional Goan folk songs, usually lively, short, and rhythmic. Dulpods are typically sung during festivals, celebrations, and social gatherings.
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Originally from St Estevam but now living in UK, Anthony Clessy Dias has always been close to his roots. Anthony’s new release with his lyrics and composition, ‘Ugdass Adlea Tempacho, Adlea Disancho (Goa)’, is a deeply personal collection shaped by time, travel and memory. “It took me a long time to write this, so I thought of coming out with the memories I had,” he says, explaining that the project brings together 24 original dulpods, each carrying a different message and touching on a different theme. Written over several months and across phases of his life, some verses date back to his days at sea.
Anthony heads Ana Mateus Productions and he is also the brother of noted musician, Anjliu Reniy Dias, who sang for bands like Legends and India and in UK with Big Dream.
Currently in the UK since 2017, Anthony took up music more seriously and guided by Anjliu Reniy, he released his original compositions through songs like ‘Save Us’, ‘Be with us Mother Mary’, ‘When we don’t Know’, ‘I love you my Goa’, ‘Cova da Iria’, ‘Here in St Stephen’, ‘Give Christ to the World’ in Konkani and English, ‘Bhag Hem Amkam’, and ‘Messengers of the Good News’.
The collection journeys through Goa’s past and present. One dulpod reflects on Goa as it once was, the love for fish curry rice while others speak of how life was once affordable, changing times, and faith-centred themes urging listeners to put God first. There are tributes to St Francis Xavier, St Joseph Vaz and Fr Agnel, alongside songs on farmers, fishermen, bakers, carpenters, tailors, flowers of Goa, birds, sunsets, childhood memories, grandparents, friendship, village life in Santo Estevam, and the importance of education for children. One dulpod celebrates perseverance with the message that practice can shape anyone’s future.
Anthony defines dulpods as traditionally meant to make people dance, laugh, have fun, differ from regular songs and allowed him to express nostalgia creatively. Inspired by legendary Goan bands he grew up watching, he felt driven to create something of his own.
With 24 singers, mostly Goans based in the UK, Anthony chose collaboration over solo performance. “If I sing alone, it won’t give a good result,” he says. Music, mix and master is by Prannoy Fernandes and videography and editor is Allan Chan while Anjilu Reniy worked on the harmonies. Composing tunes on his guitar, Anthony believes inspiration comes through faith and hoped the songs will preserve Goan memories and messages for future generations.
Anjilu Reniy says Anthony independently creates his songs, with support from Anthony’s wife on lyrics and other elements. While Anjilu Reniy remains busy with his own commitments, especially working with choirs, he steps in once the song is ready and adds harmonies. He explains, “We have collaborated earlier on traditional dulpods, though this project is different as it features original compositions. The new song involves as many as 24 to 25 artists, which required to carefully learn the varied phrasing and sing in sync with each contributor. Though challenging, I find the variety exciting and believes it adds richness to the music.” Having largely stepped away from music himself, Anjilu Reniy says his involvement is purely out of support for his brother, whose enthusiasm inspires him to stay connected to music.
Sunita Pereira sings along with Shyna Pereira and Jenifa Pereira about friendships in the new song. She says, “It is a beautiful composition and lyrics about our golden Goa all in one song. It takes so much time and effort to compose and put together a song and Anthony and Anjilu Reniy did it brilliantly. the Goan staple food, our famous saint St. Francis Xavier, Fr Agnelo, the churches, the feasts, our Goan bakers, farmers, toddy tapers, the first rains, meeting up with friends, dances in Goa, good old school days, it is all well presented especially the olden times. It was a pleasure to be a part of this project. It took me through memory lane. Anthony and Anjilu Reniy put in their hard work and dedication to make this song happen. They involved their grandparents’ names in the song which touched my heart. They have done a depiction of St Joseph Vas as well so nicely. I pray that their songs prosper.”
Divino Almeida sings about childhood memories including playing traditional games and eating delicious Goan sweets. He says, “I had the honour of singing dulpods alongside talented artistes, weaving traditional Goan vibes with modern flair. The lyrics by Anthony were pure magic, capturing the essence of Goan life and love. Prannoy’s music added that scintillating touch, making our spirits soar. Alan’s videography took us on a visual journey through Goa’s scenic beauty. A dream collaboration that’ll leave you tapping your feet.”
Antonio Pires thanks Anthony for giving him the opportunity to sing two dulpos in his dulpods collection. “I sang a dulpod on St Anthony which reminds me of olden days when we used to take out procession of St Anthony, when it did not rain. I also sang another dulpod on the importance of education. All the dulpods are very good and remind me of our olden golden days in Goa. It was very exciting because my brother Batu De Siridao also sang two dulpods. Anthony Dias always encouraged me to sing,” he says.
Tomy Pereira says, “It was an absolute pleasure working with Anthony on his song. It’s amazing how he penned down those nostalgic moments of our childhood, from learning how to play the guitar to dancing at weddings and beatshows to the tunes of our favourite 90s bands. It was amazing to be a part of this project.”
‘Ugdass Adlea Tempacho, Adlea Disancho (Goa)’ blends nostalgia with creativity, honouring both past and present. The singers highlight the spirit and diversity of the collection, making it a heartfelt tribute that resonates with Goans worldwide while keeping the vibrant tradition of dulpods alive for future generations.
SINGERS FEATURED IN THE SONG:
Abigail J Picardo
Agostinho R Picardo
Aldrea J Picardo
Anita Travassos
Batu De Siridao
Derin Mascarenhas
Jenifa Pereira
Jose Colaco
Sanford Araujo
Shyna Pereira
