The
stage is set. The finals are
about a week away but the time seems just not enough for the shortlisted
finalists to prepare for the D-Day to their heart’s content. Goencho Avaz – All
Goa Konkani Singing Competition, presented by Herald Group and Ulhas Jewellers
is back in its fourth year and the finale promises to be bigger and better. For
the uninitiated, Goencho Avaz is Herald Group’s humble attempt at
hand-picking the supremely talented from a sea of good singers in Goa. Goencho
Avaz serves as a platform for these talented singers to showcase their
talent in front of the Goan audience and is a stepping stone to making a career
out of this gift of talent.
To ensure that no deserving voice is deprived of an opportunity
to be heard, the auditions for the fourth edition of Goencho Avaz were
conducted in four cities – Panjim, Margao, Quepem and Vasco. According to the
organisers, the response was been overwhelming, to say the least, with over 250
registrations from singers in the age group of 15 to 25 pouring in from the
cities and remote interiors of Goa. Team Goencho Avaz had the perfect
recipe to ensure that only the best made it to the next level in the form of
able judges such as Fr Dominic Alvares, Sharon Mazarello and Anthony San who
meticulously analysed each participant on various parameters and made sure that
only the deserving made it to the finals. In the end, 21 singers in the solo
category and 14 singers (seven pairs) in the duet category were selected for
the finals.
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The preparations of
all the finalists are in full swing and they are leaving no stone unturned to
display the best of their talent and ability. Michelle Rebello, 20, believes
that this year, the competition has a few really talented singers who can pose
a threat. But Michelle is no mood to back down. This girl from Canacona who
looks up to her role models such as Sonia Sirsat and Lorna, says, “Goencho
Avaz is a very big platform for me to showcase my talent. I’m going to give
my best. I am going to be singing a song that will allow me to show my
variation in singing.” Much like Michelle, Melcia Lobo, 20, from Mapusa, is
also practising hard for the finale. This young vocalist, who looks up to her
father, as well as singers Lorna and Usha Uthup, for inspiration, believes that
her strength lies in singing songs that require a punch, and a good display of
vibrato and modulation.” Another young voice from Quepem, Flodie Goes aspires
to become the next Shreya Ghoshal whilst maintaining her originality. Flodie,
21, says, “I’m preparing to give my best for the finals. This includes
practising in front of the mirror to express the emotions in the song. I am
confident about my variations and I feel I can sing any kind of song. I don’t
imitate anyone and try to make every song my own. I have been auditioning at Goencho
Avaz for the last three years but I didn’t get selected. This time I made
it and it has been a dream come true, mostly for my parents because they have
been supporting me and always wanted to see me perform on the stage.”
The
finals in Panjim will be held at Kala Academy, Campal on August 4, 2017 whereas
the grand finale will be held on August 6 at Ravindra Bhavan in Margao
