With the rehearsals going on in full swing
in Margao, the 24 solo singers and 6 duet singers are giving it their best,
preparing for the finals that will be held in Panjim on July 28, 2015 and
Margao on August 2, 2015. Many of the singers come with a background in music,
either as part of the local church choir or a one-man or two-man band, or even
as part of Mando groups.
The second edition of Goencho Avaz,
organised by Herald Group, is providing the much needed platform for young
singers. One such singer is Assenca Fernandes from Navelim who has made her
name in music and is hoping to reach greater heights through this state level
platform. Currently working in in Verna, she is also a part of Mando Mogi
Margao group which was awarded the Best Mando Group in 2014. “I started singing
right from 2001 in a church choir in Guardian Angel Church Sanvordem and also
the choral group Angels of Curchorem. I love Konkani music and Lorna’s voice in
particular, but I also listen to Rita Rose, Celine Dion and Shakira. Sharing the stage with the amazing talent is
a dream come true,” says Assenca who will be singing ‘Bhureantlo Munis’ for the
Finals and Mega Finals.
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Valerie Fernandes from Benaulim has just
passed out from Rosary College of Arts and Commerce, Navelim. “I have been
singing for shows with Andre Souza for the past five years and we call
ourselves ‘Jukebox’,” says Valerie. Speaking about her experience at the
competition, she says, “I’ve had a lovely experience so far. The contestants
are very talented. I’ll be singing ‘Novem Vosor’ by Delphin.”
Frenzie Vito Rodrigues started singing just
for the fun of it but this passion grew stronger over the years. The
25-year-old from Sarzora is presently working in Panjim, and despite the daily
commute, makes time for his two-man band, Eddie and Frenzie. He started singing
the tenor in the church choir and gradually started his own choir, playing the
keyboard, “The peak of my early music career was when our Mando group, Goenchim
Noketra, was selected to represent Goa in 16 countries. We were so excited to
sing and it was a completely different experience,” says Frenzie with a smile.
This is the first time he will be participating in a competition. “The
experience has been wonderful so far. The contestants are great singers and
they have selected a wide range of songs, originally sung by my all time
favourites like Alfred Rose, M Boyer and Lorna. You have to be careful while
selecting a song as it should have a punch with humour and entertainment,” adds
Frenzie, who will be singing ‘Goenchim Feni’ by Alfred Rose. Frenzie and his
cousin Anselm Fernandes will be participating in Goencho Avaz.
Loy D’Silva and Siyani Fernandes will be
performing ‘Lila ani Zila’, a song by M Boyer and Sophia, for the finals. The
two have been performing for almost a year as the band ‘Symphony Duo’. “I used to play for a major cruise line and
have even performed in Dubai. Now we perform as ‘Symphony Duo’ for restaurants
and hotel shows which require us to be versatile in English, Konkani, Hindi,
Marathi and Spanish songs,” says Loy.
“The auditions were a smashing success with
each contestant giving their best and the rehearsals were also good with top
musicians. Goencho Avaz is being organised during the off season, thereby
making it easier for the musicians to attend rehearsals. Goa has beautiful
music which must be taken to a new and international level,” concludes Loy.
