The second edition of the Herald Goencho Avaz at Ravindra Bhavan saw a close fight of 22 participants singing old Konkani hits in solo category while five teams battled it out in the duet category of the competition.
The participants were given a list of songs to choose from which included cu cu ru ku, bottenchi bhaji, pixem, novem vhoros, mozo kortai and many others where the vocals, the highs and the lows in their voice, their presentation, style and so called throw and pitch were tested by the judges.
The crowds were ecstatic to hear the songs of Chris Perry, Alfred Rose, Rita Rose, Usha Uttub, Hema Sardessai, Asha Bhonsle and other legendary musicians who took Konkani music to the world. The young voices from Canacona to Siolim had a huge fan following since the competition has had preliminary rounds and friends and family came to support the participants.
Judge for the competition Siddanath Buyao who performed at the end ahead of the results asserted that he felt that all the participants are winners and won the applause from the crowd “Goemcho Awaaz is a very good platform given by Herald group to promote Konkani music and new talent. Today all participants were good and have chosen good songs,” stated Buyao who also engaged the crowds in an ending performance.”
The other judges included Fr Bernard Costa who pointed out that the participants have never listened to these songs since they are not of that era but still they have trained themselves so well to sing and throw their voices which is amazing.
Associated with All India Radio and performer Shakuntala Bharne pointed out that while this stays as a competition of well-prepared singers she hopes that these participants will keep the trend of singing in Konkani alive. While she was very happy to listen to participants singing in an unique style or particular vocals but she pointed that Goan music is not borrowed from the west or Indian classical and is unique hence she hopes the participants also develop a style of their own of singing Konkani Music.
“We changed the rules this year since last edition most participants sang Lorna only. This time we give them a list of songs to choose from and the outcome is great and a different side of Konkani music is getting publicized by great young talent from Goa.
The MC for the evening who entertained the crowds throughout Anthony de Borim reminded the audiences how people came with their own stools and chairs or pieces of cloth to sit on the floor and listen to Konkani music and tiatrs in their villages in the yesteryears and he hoped that these cultures continue and not become souvenirs on CDs or food menus of restaurants or only part of history. He urged parents to encourage their kids to sing and listen to Konkani music.
Similarly chief guest Narendra Sawaiker congratulated Herald for its efforts to find Konknai singers talent while guest of Honour, Damu Naik hoped that one of the 27 performers makes it to Bollywood to sing Konkanii or take Konkani to the national scenario.
Last year’s winner Cielda Pereira who sang in Bardroy Barreto’s Nachoim-ia kumpassar also performed . She sang a song on her journey as to how her belief in Jesus and her time in prayer and mass helped her achieve so much in just one year.
