By the time you start reading this article, the chances are someone would have already whatsapped you the ‘Panchvem Amche Mollem’ music video. And as you will agree, the four and half minute music video conceptualised by Patrick Lobo is at once engaging and riveting.
The Konkani song, ‘Panchvem Amche Mollem’ (How green is our Mollem!) jointly written by Patrick Lobo and Bianca Rebello is based on traditional Konkani words. Local collegian Naisa Lotlikar, is the lead singer and while she enchants you with her warm, lilting voice, she is backed up by a strong team of singers and dancers in Reizel Vaz, Russel Da Cruz, Astrid Athaide, Jason Da Costa, Diasa Da Costa and Emmanuel Menezes.
The musical score has been provided by experienced guitarist, Rocque Lazarus and has been further embellished by noted keyboardist, Mukesh Ghatwal who has recorded and mixed the same.
Speaking to Café, Patrick says, “Our little Goa does not need these big infrastructure projects, especially if they are going to destroy our forests. We, therefore, wanted to convey a message through our song. It is our small contribution to the on-going legal battle and the voices raised by many activists against the project.” Fellow lyricist Bianca Rebello is of the opinion that Goans must stand up and fight. “If we do not fight for our forests, who will?” she asks.
Young singer Naisa Lotlikar, easily the face of the music video is extremely happy to have been given this opportunity. The articulate collegian said that her musical journey began at age six, as part of the Se Cathedral choir. “I learnt to sing and play the keyboard in this choir. Nowadays, I record songs every day for the Basilica de Bom Jesus choir.”
Says Naisa, “I was very happy to work with experienced musicians like Rocque Lazarus and Mukesh Ghatwal. It is a very powerful song and I am hoping it moves our people into action. This project has been a good opportunity for youngsters like me to stand up and make a difference.”
Diasa Da Costa, one of the dancers in the music video is also very happy that she could contribute her creative might to the project. “I come from the island of St Estevam, where we regularly took part in protest rallies organised by the Late Fr Bismarck. Nature is very close to my heart and I do not want our government to construct these infrastructure projects in our forests,” she said.
Musician Rocque Lazarus, who has provided the foot-tapping music says that he was influenced by the traditional music of the Kunbi tribes of South Goa. “Our music is similar to the music played by the tribals and also similar to the kind of music we hear along the Konkan coast of India. I have made use of traditional instruments like the ghumot, harmonium, bamboo flutes and bells,” Rocque explains.
While Rocque is very impressed with Patrick-Bianca’s lyrics, he is equally impressed with young singer Naisa. “Naisa is infinitely talented. Being a regular choir singer, her intonations are flawless and impeccable. She will go a long way.” The musician is hoping that the general public will like their music video and identify with it. “This is our small contribution to save Mother Nature,” he says.
