MYOLA JOANES
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BENAULIM: At 61, Dominic Cruz Rodrigues of Mazilvaddo, Benaulim, isn’t just playing music—he’s preserving a legacy. As a self-taught keyboardist who later refined his skills with formal training, Dominic is a one-man band known for bringing life to birthdays, roce and other wedding-related ceremonies, and all kinds of village functions with his unique playlist of traditional Goan deknis, Konkani hits, and classics by legends like Alfred Rose and Lorna.
“I’ve always felt that music is more than just entertainment—it’s a way to preserve who we are as Goans,” says Dominic.
His love for music runs deep, but it’s no surprise given his roots. Both his parents were active in tiatr. “My father was a well-known songwriter and actor, famous for portraying hilarious female characters on stage,” Dominic shares. “Even after he retired, he’d write a new song every year for our parish priest’s birthday. My mother was also a tiatr actor. Growing up, music and performance were always around me. It’s in my blood.”
Yet, Dominic didn’t dive into music during his youth. After studying civil draftsmanship, he joined the Electricity Department in Margao. For 18 years, football was his biggest passion. “I represented Goa in inter-departmental tournaments and even captained the State team at the All India Civil Services tournament in Gujarat in 1992,” he recalls. “Football gave me discipline and teamwork—lessons I carried into my music career later.”
But the grind of a 9 to 5 job left him longing for more. “I wasn’t enjoying it anymore, and music was calling out to me,” he says. “I had always been self-taught, but I wasn’t confident enough to take the stage until a close friend pushed me to give it a shot.”
He started small, using second-hand equipment to perform at family functions. “The feedback was amazing. People loved the nostalgia of the old songs, especially Konkani deknis and classics. It gave me the confidence to keep going,” he says. To hone his craft, Dominic enrolled for formal keyboard training. Today, after eight years, he’s one of the most sought-after performers for intimate occasions across South Goa.
Dominic’s performances are a blend of old and new, tailored to suit his audience. “I love playing songs that take people back in time—Alfred Rose, Lorna, deknis. But I also make it a point to stay updated on newer music because you have to cater to younger crowds too. It’s all about reading the room and connecting with them,” he explains.
For bigger events, Dominic’s 23-year-old son, Mayven, joins him, transforming his one-man band into a duo. “Mayven is part of the Goan band ‘Clay Jars’, and when he performs with me, it’s like we’re blending two generations of music,” Dominic says with pride.
One of Dominic’s favourite memories is a recent performance at a restaurant where Keith Vaz, a prominent British politician with Goan roots, requested a song. “I wasn’t prepared for the specific song he asked for, but I improvised with a dekni. After I finished, he came up to me and said, “You’ve brought so much soul to this place tonight.’ That moment stayed with me—it reminded me why I do what I do,” he shares.
Despite his busy schedule, Dominic’s mornings are dedicated to practice. “I spend hours at the keyboard,” he says. “It’s not just about getting better; it’s about respecting the music and the audience. For me, this isn’t just a job—it’s about keeping Goa’s identity alive.”
