The Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG), has declared the results of its 16th Konkani Kantaram Singing Competition – “Kantaramchem Daiz” at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao.
The event, held on Monday, witnessed impressive performances from both junior and senior participants across duets, duos, trios, quartets and choral songs.
Chief guest Ulhas Tuenkar, MLA of Navelim, praised TAG’s contribution to tiatr.
“Tiatr has contributed immensely to protecting the identity of Goa and Konkani. Days are not far when original Goans will be in the minority compared to outsiders, and hence we must preserve Konkani through platforms like tiatr. The government is committed to supporting tiatr, and we have recently extended full backing to secure the UNESCO heritage tag for it,” he said.
Guest of Honour senior tiatrist Anthony San encouraged the younger generation to focus on their artistic talents while safeguarding kantar.
Famed singer Edwin D’Costa pledged his assistance in composing new songs. Marcos Gonsalves, Vice-President of TAG, welcomed the gathering and urged youngsters to also attempt writing and composing Konkani kantaram, assuring TAG’s full support.
The competition was judged by Edwin D’Costa, Chitra Afonso e Shirvaikar, and Elias, and attended by senior tiatrist C D Silva, along with TAG members Avito Pires de Menezes, Jesus Antao, Simon Rebello, Antonio Rodrigues, Joaquim Dias, Peter Vaz and others.
In the junior category, Best Duet:1st prize – Daylon Souza & Delphia Souza (Tuitionak Vetam); 2nd – Roshmer Cruz Fernandes & Rheanna Fernandes (Jojo Ani Meena).
Best Duo:1st – Naira Livia Fernandes & Nyssa Gretchen Fernandes (Bhoinni Bhoinni); 2nd – Ruben Lui Fernandes & Mezioh Alexius Gomes (Maincho Rinnkari).
Best Trio:1st – Nyssa Gretchen Fernandes, Naira Livia Fernandes & Nevan Agnelo Fernandes (Goa Garbage Free); 2nd – Jazzelle Vailankanni Fernandes, Nashwa Neves Fernandes & Cassius Fernandes (Soirikkarn).
Best Quartet:1st – Roshmet Cruz Fernandes, Rheanna Carmen Fernandes, Shauneen Azavedo & Rizia Janely Silveira (Maim Ti Maim); 2nd – Abiel Borges, Jania Juel Pinto, Vanaisha Elrikah Vaz & Angel Fernandes (Ami Bhurgim Dhakttulim).
Best Choral Song:1st – Abiel Borges, Jania Juel Pinto, Shauneen Azavedo & Vanaisha Elrikah Vaz (Io Re Io Re Pausa); 2nd – Jolynn D’Silva, Janet Natty Fernandes, Sheldon D’Souza & Sancia Fernandes (Nimanno Suskar Tancho).
Best Lyrics:1st – Fr. Milagres Dias (Goa Garbage Free); 2nd – Marcos De Cunha (Iskolak Vochonam).
In the senior category, Best Duet:1st – Jonas Albert Regan Vaz & Anle Barbosa (Kudd’ddo Pai); 2nd – Ashben Agnelo Cardozo & Andrea Pearl Silva (Toch Pavtolo Tuka).
Best Duo:1st – Esther Joshua Rodrigues & Shayan Rodrigues (Monisponn); 2nd – Anzia Maria Fernandes & Mercy Dias (Maim Hanv Kazar Zatam).
Best Trio:1st – Aaron Rovin Dias, Lezio Rebelo & Priyanka Dias (Moronn Ani Jivit); 2nd – Ashben Agnelo Cardozo, Dinora Barreto & Andrea Pearl Silva (Mog Ekleacho).
Best Quartet:1st – Maria Estrocio, Twinkle D’Souza, Mercy Dias & Shannon Sequeira (Fancy Dress); 2nd – Sebastiao Richard Rebelo, Alisha Pereira, Ansh Sai Bandekar & Cosia Nikita Oliveira (Tin Vozar Square Metram).
Best Choral Song:1st – Cosia Oliveira, Alisha Pereira, Joyson Faleiro & Holly Rodrigues (Axea); 2nd – Natasha Pereira & Marisha Gonsalves (Golden Jubilee).
Best Lyrics:1st – Big Mac Mathew (Gõyam Nokrio Nam); 2nd – Ashben Agnelo Cardozo (Toch Pavtolo Tuka).
The competition, which received a tremendous response from upcoming singers, once again highlighted the importance of kantar in preserving Goa’s cultural and linguistic identity.