ERWIN FONSECA
MOIRA: No one is born a genius, but through perseverance and struggle, some rise to become legends in their own right. One such figure in Goa’s rich musical tapestry is Xavier Minguel Fernandes from Attafondem, Moira—better known simply as Xavier de Moira, but most famously called “Paklo” on the Konkani stage.
Born in 1964 into a struggling family, Xavier’s childhood was far from easy. Financial constraints forced him to abandon formal education after the seventh standard, a reality he openly acknowledges. “I must be frank in admitting that my education was only up to Std VII. Somehow, I could not pursue further education due to family compulsions,” he says. However, fate had other plans, as his destiny was to be shaped not in classrooms but in the rhythms of music.
From a young age, Xavier found solace in beats, fashioning makeshift drums out of tin cans and playing them with sticks. “I would instinctively beat on anything I found, and it felt like I was born to do this,” he recalls. His raw talent did not go unnoticed. One day, Salazar D’Sa, a renowned mouth organ artist of the time, happened to hear the young Xavier’s drumming and saw potential. “He stopped and asked me if I’d join him in playing for celebrations and All India Radio. I instantly agreed—it was a big break for me,” Xavier recounts.
Xavier first performed as a drummer in 1980 at the age of 16. Six years later, in 1986, he played for All India Radio, marking a significant milestone in his career. “I consider myself lucky because that was the year Pope St. John Paul II visited Goa. Unlike today, where everything is broadcasted instantly, back then, people relied heavily on All India Radio for information. It was a huge blessing for me to start performing on such a grand platform at that time.”
Xavier’s stage name, ‘Paklo’ was humorously bestowed upon him by Aniceto from Santa Cruz, a common practice in Konkani theatre, where performers often receive nicknames that stick for life. Over the years, he collaborated with legendary music directors such as Ambrosio D’Souza, Agnelo Dias, Sebastian Araujo, Jose Cota, Antonio D’Souza, and Fr. Martin Fernandes.
Working with Xavier became a rite of passage for Konkani tiatr actors and musicians. “There is no Konkani stage actor or music composer who has not worked with Paklo,” he says with pride. His performances extended beyond tiatros, playing for weddings, funerals, anniversaries, birthdays, Carnival shows, feast bands, and even the traditional Roce ceremony.
Despite his success, Xavier nearly walked away from drumming early in his career. During one performance, overwhelmed by the presence of senior tiatr stalwarts, he lost rhythm on the drums. “The audience began mocking me. At the interval, I sat in a corner, deeply depressed, convinced that I should quit.”
It was ace comedian Jacinto Vaz who changed the course of Xavier’s life. “Jacinto Vaz came to me and asked what was wrong. I told him I wanted to quit. He smiled and said, ‘Don’t worry, when you were playing while I was singing, people loved it. Your mistakes were hidden beneath my success. Just keep going—you have a bright future ahead.’”
That encouragement lit a fire in Xavier, pushing him to perfect his craft. Years later, he was chosen to play for the grand exposition of the relics of St. Francis Xavier, a moment he considers one of his greatest honours.
With a career spanning over 200 tiatros and countless other performances, Xavier has transitioned into a mentor, determined to pass on his knowledge to the next generation. He now teaches drums to aspiring musicians, traveling to various places, including Guirim and Siolim, ensuring that the art stays alive. “Many of my students have become teachers themselves, which is the biggest proof that they have grasped the art and are now sharing it with society.”
For 32 years, he has also led the Our Lady of Lourdes Choir, further
cementing his legacy in Goa’s musical world.
Even at 60, Xavier remains as passionate as ever. “As long as the
Almighty keeps me safe and healthy, I will continue to play and add ‘essence’ to the Konkani stage,” he declares.