24 Jun 2017  |   03:33am IST

Goa meets Brazil to celebrate Sao Joao in Parra

Over the years, the Sao Joao celebrations have undergone changes of modernity, leaving the traditional revelry confined to the interiors of Goan villages. Goan percussionist Bondo and celebrated singer Carlyta Mouhini are coming together for the first time ever to perform in Goa and interpret the true essence of Sao Joao in their own special way

Kishore Amati

It is a homecoming of sorts for two talented musicians, and the unifying force is a festival that is all about coming together to have a good time – Sao Joao. One, is a son of the soil and a genius musician, and the other firmly believes that she has a Goan soul although her roots trace her to Brazil. Ace percussionist Bondo, and celebrated singer Carlyta Mouhini best known for having sung ‘Senorita’ from the Bollywood flick Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, are coming together for the first time ever to celebrate Sao Joao the traditional way. Bondo, especially, is thrilled to be performing in Goa after a hiatus that, he says, lasted longer than he expected. He says, “Sao Joao is a traditional festival and I’m joining other Goan musicians after many many years. It is time to bring out my Goan fire! (laughs)”

Carlyta Mouhini too, is excited to be performing in Goa around the Sao Joao festival for the first time. Carlyta says, “In the past, I have been around the world on this day, but this year I will be performing in Goa where things are not going correct somewhere. I think that the festival and the music bring in a positive vibration and it will be fantastic to have peace around. Music comes with no disability. Goa is about soul, sea and music. This festival is a special thing; it is my first time.”

Although the festival is about coming together and reveling in the traditional Goan celebrations, the essence has been lost somewhere. Carlyta feels that the Goan youth, especially, is oblivious to the actual traditions surrounding Sao Joao. She says, “This encouraged me to go on the stage and cater to a large gathering and send across a message. Me, having a Goan soul whilst not being a Goan, can take the unadulterated essence of Sao Joao to the people of Goa. The present youth needs to know about the important festivals in Goa that have positioned Goa very prominently in the world.”

Percussion has always been associated with Latin music, and hence, it should not come as a surprise that Carlyta and Bondo will be presenting a Latin rendition and making the audience ‘sway to the music’. Carlyta says, “Even if you do not understand the Spanish language, the sound of the language is so amazing that it breaks all the barriers and touches the soul.” There would be Konkani singers as well and therefore expect a lot of traditional Konkani songs to be revisited at this grand affair in Parra.

'Sao Joao Fest' concert with Carlyta Mouhini, Bondo and some of the leading musicians of Goa will be held at Emerald Lawns, Parra on June 24, 2017.