There’s something that’s very alluring about musicians playing on the streets. It has a
mystique charm. Their performances can capture the attention of passers-by and
a simple video of it can draw in millions views.
For Goans, the absence of a vibrant street
culture, where such impromptu live performances are common, make such sights a
‘must share’ on social media, whenever they spot this on their trips to foreign
lands.
So when a Goan boy, who is popular in
Panjim and hails from Sangolda, took a spontaneous decision to sing on the streets,
at a corner on Bankside, London, he impressed the audience that happened to be
there and soon had a crowd. There were people taking videos of Levis Mendonca
crooning some of their favourite songs and it was a moment he will always
remember.
“The feeling of random people joining in
the singing and being filmed by strangers is nerve-racking yet completely
amazing. Especially when the sun is out, Londoners automatically are on a happy
high and the energy is simply beautiful. Also, in a place full of diversity,
music does have a wonderful way of bringing people of different backgrounds and
cultures together,” says Levis.
The fact that it happened near the
riverside reminded him of Goa as well. “It’s the perfect setting to rejuvenate
at after a long week at work: down by the river side. I make it a point to meet
up with a few of my Goan friends once in a while in the city, usually on
Fridays; we go have a few beers by the River Thames. It’s a nostalgic feeling
and makes you feel less homesick. A close friend of mine, Joel Monserrate,
insisted one day that I jam with a busker and it was the most amazing
experience ever. The rest is history,” adds Levis.
Levis, who studied at St Xavier’s College,
Mapusa, is currently working with the National Health Service (NHS) and plays
music over the weekends as a duo with his wife, Kirsten, and also with his band
Treble Makers. The band was co-founded by Seton Almeida and Reagon D’Souza,
with Jules on drums, Ralph and Roland on lead guitar. Kirsten joins him on
vocals. “Our vision to create Treble Makers was to bring what we do as a band
back home, to new shores. We are lucky to have a great mix of musicians each
with an eclectic taste in music; when this all comes together, it brings us
sheer joy. Not only are we allowed to do something we enjoy but we also have
the pleasure of entertaining a diverse audience.”
Speaking about the popular style of music that has garnered a
huge following, Levis points out that he will always be old school at heart,
and that the music he plays and loves is the kind he was raised listening to:
Motown, rock and roll, blues, country and reggae. “We play a mix right from
Jazz standards, the golden oldies to country, a lot of rock and roll, reggae,
socas, motown, disco, club classics and rock anthems,” says Levis, adding that
the band plans on creating some original music soon.
Levis has become a hit in the party circuit in the United
Kingdom, especially among the Goan community. Their rendition of Konkani
classics of iconic Goan musicians is another speciality. “When we drop those
tunes to the Goan crowds, the nostalgia that fills the place is always amazing.
We want to attract more youngsters to Goan feast and community events though
our music,” he adds.
Speaking further about his UK experience, he says that he is
positively surprised by the response he has received. “I am blessed to be
surrounded by friends and family here. It has encouraged me to pick up the
guitar and take my passion for music to the audience in London. One of my first
solo gigs was performing at the UK-Goa Day in 2015, from then on, it was no
looking back. Seeing over 10,000 Goans dance to the music we love was pure
happiness,” he says.
When he was in Goa, Levis used to perform at several gigs
regularly, solo as well as with his duo band, Music Fever. He used to also
frequent national college festivals and is grateful for the the guidance he
received from his friends, who were part of Goa’s top bands like Alcatrazz and
Tidal Wave. “The best part about being Goan is that music runs in our blood. My
entire family is into music, we have our own little family choir and grab at
any excuse to have a party jam session,” adds Levis.
He also feels that the time he spent as a child, learning music
and various instruments – be it his time at Kala Academy, Trinity College
London, Goa State String Orchestra, Sunday mass at St Diago Church or under the
tutelage of his St Anthony High School Monte de Guirum music teacher – helped
shape who he is. His biggest influence is his mother, Melina, who encouraged
him and got him to take part in various talent competitions as a youngster. “My
mom used to put together a group of us from our village called ‘Fultim mogri
Sangoldechi’ for the all Goa Mando competition, I still sing some of the mandos
with my band today,” he adds. On a similar note, he expresses his gratitude to
all those who have supported his career as a musician and his musical journey
so far.
Coming
to the present day, besides his job and his gigs, Levis also devotes time for
charitable events. Earlier this month, he performed for an open garden event to
raise funds for St Christopher’s Hospice. “I was approached by a few of our
neighbours who heard us practising in the garage, about doing some charity work
in the neighbourhood. I jumped at the opportunity and got the boys on-board.
Fund-raising for charities is a big part of British culture and as a band, we
felt that we should do our part. It is always a privilege to do something for a
good cause in our diverse community,” says Levis.
