Of 170 entries judges had shortlisted 32 solo and duet contestants who performed at Kala Academy on Tuesday. The same performances will be seen at the Mega Finals on August 2 at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao.
The contestants sang selected Konkani hit classics of yesteryears with a live band backing them. St Andre MLA and Kala Academy chairman Vishnu Surya Wagh was spotted in the audience singing along. Special guests Neeraj Prasad SBI, AGM Region II Zonal Office, Prasanna Kumar, AGM Region I and Prince Jacob, Tiatr Academy Chairman were also present.
Although some participants were facing a big crowd for the first time they appeared confident. The event kicked off with Margao-based Rutuja Lotlikar singing ‘Cu Cu Ru Ku’. Participants belted out some of Konkani’s most loved songs. Among the soloists were Raiza Pereira from Sanvordem who sang ‘Bottateanchi Baji’; Divya Naik from Curchorem who crooned ‘Pixem’, Ancy Gonsalves from Majorda with ‘Sukkhnem’ and others.
Second year Arts student of Rosary College, Everleigh Preniel Mascarenhas, who sang ‘Mog ani Raag’, said, “I am confident and looking forward to performing in the mega finals.”
Another contestant, Alita Gonsalves who sang ‘Rocky chut chut’ said, “I had never heard ‘Rocky chut chut’ before as it’s a very old song. Yet I took the challenge to sing. I had never thought of participating in an event like this.”
There were six duets. Loy D’Silva and Siyani Fernnades sang ‘Lila and Shila’, Rayna Azavedo and Nevil Cardozo (‘I am a crooner’), Peviolla Dais and Jesmond Clemente (‘Ek Chedu’) and others.
Cielda Pereira, who won the first edition of Goencho Avaz, said, Herald Group is doing a brilliant job by hosting such a Konkani singing competition. Personally, post winning the title of Goencho Avaz, wherever I have been going people identify and refer to me as ‘Goencho Avaz’. It makes me proud.
The host for the show Agnelo de Borim said, “Herald Group wanted to revive Konkani classics to remember the yesteryear singers and composers. Therefore, the team decided to give recognition to other artistes those who have contributed and brought about a Konkani movement.”
The judges were Anthony San and Dr Bernard Cotta. There were guest performances by Anthony San, Sidhanath Buyao, Cielda Pereira and Scully D’Souza. A dance performance by Dance Illusions on ‘Nach Kumpasar’ was presented. The sound light and stage décor was done by Dias Events.
