Siolim-born Reginald Fernandes, one of Romi Konkani’s greatest writers, is popularly known as Romanxincho Patxai (father of romantic novels) for he penned nearly 200 novels in Konkani in his lifetime. These novels, called Romanxeo, sold like hot cakes and were sought after by everyone who enjoyed Konkani literature. Reginald left a lasting impression on his innumerable readers with his interesting plotlines and incredible twists and turns.
Though famous for his novels, Reginald was
also a musician and composer. He has to his credit over 85 songs which were
broadcast then on Emisora de Goa, now All India Radio (AIR) and were
rendered by noted singers of yesteryears, including Allan da Costa.
On the occasion of his 103rd birth
anniversary, Reginald’ son, Salvador Fernandes, has taken the initiative to
come out with an audio CD comprising some of his father’s popular songs.
Salvador acknowledges that his father was
more popular as a novelist than a professional musician and lyricist. “It was
late Joel D’Souza from Assagao who conceptualised and initiated the move and he
was very keen to make Reginald known among the Goans as a musician,” he says.
“For my father’s 101st birth anniversary,
Joel along with Alister Miranda and cartoonist Alexyz formed a group called
‘Friends of Reginaldo’, even organising a cultural function at his residence in
2015,” reveals Salvador. He said that many people across Goa, including
Reginald’s fans, journalists, writers, musicians and tiatrists, came together
and paid rich tribute to the noted novelist and musician.
“This year, I am releasing this audio CD of
my father’s original compositions. It features 12 songs rendered by noted
singers like Olavo, Tomazinho and Irene Cardozo, Xavier Gomes, Mario Menezes,
Rosy Alvares, Sharon Mazarello, Juvencio and Rosy Carvalho, Braz Ferns, Jessie
Dias, Rabin D’Pietro, Queenie and leading cardiologist of Goa, Dr Francisco
Colaco,” informs Salvador. “All the singers have honoured my father by
contributing generously and dedicating their precious time, without any
monetary gains,” he adds.
Among the varied songs in the album, the
popular song ‘Adeus Korchea Vellar’ has been rendered by Juvencio and his mother,
Rosy Carvalho, while a mando has been contributed by Dr Colaco.
Music for all the songs has been arranged
by maestro Babush, who, in fact, worked with late Reginald, having played
together on many occasions, including Alfred Rose’s musical shows, orchestras, ‘dance
bands’ and tiatrs.
Salvador states that his father’s preferred
instruments were the violin and the trumpet. All the songs in the CD were
composed during the period 1956-58 when he (Salvador) was just 5 years old,” he
adds.
Dwelling upon Reginald’s songs, Salvador says
that they were not merely solos, but also duets, duos, quartets, including mandos
and dulpods. As he was a permanent employee at Emisora de Goa along
with noted singers Jacinto Vaz and Young Mendes, his songs were more often
broadcast on AIR.
Salvador specifically states that the audio
CD will not be for sale, but will be distributed free of cost to all Reginald’s
fans and well wishers.
The CD release will take place today,
June 14, 2017 at 4 pm at Tiatr Academy of Goa Conference Hall, Campal Trade
Centre, Campal-Panjim