With everyone talking about the rains, Sanio Fernandes, who is usually introduced as ‘the
sensational internet Konkani star’ , decided to do what he does best – sing a cantar.
Donning a Sao-Joao-style floral copel, he, along with a friend,
played an acoustic cover of ‘Pavsachea Tempar’ (originally sung by
Lorna, with lyrics by Neves Oliveira).
There was something earthy about the way the duo sang the song,
mixed with conversations in Konkani about the weather, the kind of
conversations Goans have on their balcãos. It’s no wonder that the song
resonated with many – from Goans dealing with the first rains and petrichor to
those like Sanio and others, who are living abroad and missing the rains in
Goa.
This is not the first time Sanio Fernandes and his group of
musicians have used simple melodies to create a yearning among Goans for an era
when these Konkani classics were composed and ruled the radio waves.
He has since sung many songs such as the World Goa Day remix,
Konkani covers like ‘Mhozo Patlav Korunk’, ‘Sao Joao’, a cover of ‘Feliz
Navidad’ and ‘Shezari’. The list is endless but it also includes the
popular ‘Despacito’ cover ‘Sovkas Nachumia’. He also has originals
like ‘Konkani Maim Bhas’ and ‘Goa Mannik Udentichem’ and now, he
is set to launch his latest single.
“The name of the song is ‘Tin Kallzam’, and this is the
first time I have personally composed the lyrics and also arranged the music
for this song. The topic is a sensitive one,” says Sanio.
For this, he worked with his team of musicians, dancers,
cinematography and editing. He credits his friend, Abdul Mutallib , who hails
from Loutolim, for working on all his videos till date and claims it was a big reason
for putting him on the globe via his YouTube channel called MoonByte Studio.
“Our multi-tasking team members include Aquino Azavedo, Dexter Furtado, Nerissa
Cardozo, Vicente Allende, Rodney Vaz, Fernandes Franco and Inacin Travas. Also
in this video are my friends Tony Kizomboy and Hasten Tavares, who featured as
dancers in my first video, ‘World Goa Day’, 10 years ago,” adds Sanio, who
truly believes in the power of team work.
Sanio feels that his desire to create videos that connect with
the Goan diaspora was a result of the requests he got from listeners during his
live performances. He reminisces how, after performances, guests would come to
him and say ‘that song you just sang touched my heart, do you have it in a CD
somewhere?’.
“So my musician friends were consistent and persistent in
encouraging me to record songs and upload them on YouTube so that many could
watch,” he adds.
Speaking about how he feels about the overwhelming response he
has received, Sanio says he will be eternally grateful. “I’m grateful because I
get an opportunity to use my God-given gift to shape hearts and minds for the
better. Our Goans are hard-working, simple, generous and loving people. Our
people deserve great music and songs to be happy. Our full team intends that
our music, lyrics and videos will also serve as chicken soup for the soul for
many Konkani lovers,” he says.
It is important to note here that his interactions with global
audiences are not just restricted to YouTube. Besides his live performances,
where he meets a lot of Goans, he is invited to a lot of countries to perform,
especially at Goan themed functions. Elaborating on how he feels about
performing for Goans in a foreign land, he says that he cherishes that personal
connection. The ability to help Goans to enjoy their music, irrespective of
what they may be going through, even for a moment, is something he truly
values. “I can’t help but recognise that when we sing or perform, it is all
about serving our audience and allowing them to have a great time. I have so
far been invited by our Goans to perform in Bahrain, London and California and
I will be travelling to Australia in July for their World Goa Day show in
Melbourne,” says Sanio.
Speaking about his future plans, Sanio points out that they will
continue writing songs and spreading soul stirring messages. “What drives me
and my team is that we get an opportunity to use this powerful platform of
Konkani entertainment and we want to use it to do good – to spread love, joy,
principles, values and togetherness amongst our families and communities,” he
says.
His Goan identity is a big influence on this Seraulim lad, who
studied at Loyola High School, Margao and pursued his further studies in the
aviation industry in Australia and USA. Though music is is calling, he also
works for the airline Emirates in Dubai as a Standards Quality and Procedures
Controller.
While his parents, Luisa Maria Succorina and Antonio Fernandes,
pushed him in his studies, the also made sure he had a strong musical
background from a very young age and he recalls the days he learned the violin
under the late Dominic Dourado, a Bollywood violinist who, he feels, gave him
the best basics in music.
“My musical journey begins from playing the bass guitar in a local
village band during my teens, to performing one man shows at friends’ private
parties in Dubai when I started work. I play the guitar and keyboard,” says
Sanio, who is also known to arrange music well.
On
a concluding note, when asked if he has any message for his audiences, Sanio
states that on behalf of his team, he would like to thank one and all for their
support and encouragements.