When on holidays in Goa, Craig Fernandes, loves the scenic drive from Divar to St Estevam, often crossing two ferries. He enjoys cycling through Divar’s idyllic roads and finds time to play football with the young boys and occasionally spends time fishing in the village waters and conversing in Konkani. But once this 13-year-old student of Gems Winchester School in Dubai is on stage with his favourite trumpet, he is an explosion of talent and energy. And he proved just that at the recently held World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA), in California, USA where he was declared the World Champion in the Junior Instrumental category.
However, it was not an easy journey to find a place in the 20 team member delegate from UAE to make it in the USA. Craig has been honing his skills right from the age of eight years to perform with such confidence to dazzle the audience.
Born in the UAE, Craig is the elder son of Franky Fernandes from Naroa, Divar and Sharon Fernandes from St Estevam. Following his mother’s musical footsteps, who plays keyboard and violin in St Mary’s Church, Dubai for St Mary’s Goan Community Choir, Craig started learning violin at the age of four. As an 8-year-old, he formally took lessons in playing the trumpet. He is going through formal training in music in a prestigious institution in UAE as well as from professional coaches. Craig is also a trained vocalist and sings in Konkani, English, and Latin.
After performing live at different events across the UAE, Craig participated in the WCOPA, that too winning big. World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) is an annual international meet which is often cited as the official ‘Talent Olympics’ for aspiring performers and entertainers, and the only event of its kind held annually in the ‘Hollywood area,’ in Anaheim, California, entertainment capital of the world. Apart from acting, the other categories for juniors included vocal group, dance solo, instrumental, variety, variety group, female model, male model, dance group, vocal solo and grand performer. The 27th annual WCOPA saw participants from 75 registered countries including the United Arab Emirates, Craig’s current home.
“This journey was amazing. It was a great experience and, of course, a lot of learning and fun. Meeting people worldwide, seeing their performances, and showcasing their culture was a great learning and a treat to watch. There were so many fantastic talents,” says Craig, who was accompanied by his parents and his four-year-old brother Kyler for the competition.
Craig was awarded the golden medal and a memento for the most prestigious award, the Junior Grand World Champion – Instrumentalist of the World. He had to go through the preliminary round, semi-final and final round. “For the preliminary round, I performed a classical song ‘The Prince of Denmark’s March’, a contemporary song, ‘Flowers’, a jazz number, ‘All Of Me’, an open song, ‘La Bamba’ and an original song, ‘Bluesy Steps’. For the semi-final round for jazz, I selected ‘All of Me’ and for the finals, I again performed ‘All of Me,” says Craig recollecting the exciting time on stage.
As an enthusiastic and dedicated musician, he excels in playing both the trumpet and the violin, showcasing his talents in various musical concerts, including the enchanting ‘Season of Light’. Besides his musical talent, Craig has a YouTube channel, where he broadcasts Konkani hymns on important occasions.
He is also certified in professional modelling and acting. Craig’s foray into modeling and acting has been met with great success. A student at Diamond Model School for Modelling & Acting and Drama Scene (LAMDA) for Acting, he has graced the runway at Emirates Fashion Week 2021 and the World Fashion Festival Awards – Dubai Seasons 4 and 5.
He makes time for these extra-curricular activities and artistic pursuits while also focusing on his academics. Speaking about his teachers’ reaction after his recent win, Craig says, “They are very happy and proud of my achievements and dedication to hard work. Overall, the teachers appreciate my simplicity alongside my God-given talent.”
Craig’s involvement with prestigious organizations like the Emirates ‘Youth Symphony Orchestra and the International Trumpet Guild highlights his dedication to his craft. He has performed at numerous events across the UAE including the Street Food Festival at Burjuman, Family Feast at St Mary’s Church, and the Fusion Festival at the American Consulate Dubai.
Craig loves to add joy to a diverse range of music listeners. “During his holidays in Goa, Craig performs alongside the local feast bands, village cross litanies, and other charity functions. He also plays solo in senior nursing homes, reputed Goan restaurants, and for senior home-bound family and friends. He enjoys seeing a smile on everyone’s face,” says Franky Fernandes, Craig’s father.
