No social event in Goa, whether a wedding or a party, is complete without the playing of long-time favourites such as ‘Hands Up’ and ‘Lambada’ that can instantly get you to your feet. So the news that Goan music lovers will now have the opportunity to catch the original artistes of these all-time favourites performing live in Goa is absolutely thrilling. Two of the most recognisable bands from the disco era, Ottawan and Kaoma will be performing at the May Ball Rewind that will be held at  Rajendra Prasad Stadium, Margao on May 1 at 6:30 pm.

“In the truest sense of the words ‘reliving the classics’, those of us who grew up during the ‘90s will have the pleasurable experience of watching Ottawan and Kaoma live in Goa. I still have some of those music videos etched vividly in my memory. It will indeed be very special to hear Kaoma perform ‘Lambada’. A truly nostalgic moment, to say the least. Music lovers wouldn't give this a miss,” says RJ Joed Almeida.

One of Goa’s leading artists, Sigmund De Souza, recalls how he was in his early teens when Ottawan's ‘DISCO’ took Goa by storm, as did ‘Hands Up’ a year later. “I was in my early 20s when ‘Lambada’ by Kaoma was playing at every dance and disco. I didn't really know the names of the bands that recorded these songs until recently. But these songs instantly take me back to that carefree, innocent time in my life. I danced these songs with a lot of my dates in those days,” quips Sigmund.

“Even today, when these songs are played by any Goan band, even the younger generations sing along. They actually know all the lyrics!,” adds Aurvile Rodrigues who plays the drum for the band Sky High.

Dr Carmo Gracias says that earlier, people would think of seeing them perform only at venues like the Royal Albert Hall in London. “Now countries like India, China and Japan have become attractions for these international bands as compared to European countries and it is fantastic that they visit Goa whenever they are in India,” says Dr Carmo, while praising Roussel de Miranda for having brought international bands like Bellamy Brothers in Goa recently, and now these two.

Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) President Francisco de Braganca adds: “Goa has become a hotspot for electronic dance music and trance, with Jazz slowly claiming it's spot. The success of the MLTR Concert in Goa proves that Goa is home to all music genres and artists like Kaoma and compositions of Ottawan which are basically Pop would invite music lovers from across the ages, cultural and geographical spectrum.”