Edwin D’Costa’s 90th album, ‘Zabab Dhi Mr Modi’, dedicated to his brother, late Simon D’Costa, carries 12 songs on varied themes and is rendered in the form of solos, a trio and choral.
The opening song, ‘Bishop-ak Marlo’ by Anthony San, highlights the atrocities against Christians, especially the church leaders. Highlighting various incidents across the country, the singer makes a mention about the special committee formed to keep a check against those involved in crime and also provides the contact number. ‘No matter how much one may try to wipe out Christianity, Christ is deeply rooted in the hearts of Christians,’ he concludes.
The next song, which is the title track ‘Zabab Dhi Mr Modi’, is by Dubai Trio (Edwin, Anthony and Mauxin) and speaks about the faulty policies of the Prime Minister and the hardships caused to the common man. Citing various instances wherein the common man has been inconvenienced, they seek a valid answer to all queries. Demonetisation, cashless transaction and other issues have been highlighted in the song.
‘Jennachem Mez’, a solo by Martha, speaks about the practices that prevailed in families in the yesteryears and the current familial trends of the modern world. She notes that yearning that children had for their parents to return from work isn’t there anymore as the former are busy with their mobiles and gadgets. ‘The dining table is supposed to be a sacred place where love and care for each other grows,’ she concludes.
The solos – ‘Padr Agnel Sant Zata’ and ‘S Lemos’ by Bab Joao and Edwin D’Costa respectively – speak about two different personalities. The former seeks sainthood for Fr Agnelo, while the latter brings to light the works of late S Lemos, who was noted for his songs on stage.
‘Mobile kor dial’, a choral by Mauxin and Mini Mario, throws light on the modern gadgets like computers and smartphones and their ill effects on society as a whole. Although the mobile has its own benefits, people just can’t part with their phones, taking them everywhere. While kids would rather play on their phones than eat or study, adults would rather stay away from their spouses than stay away from their mobiles.
‘Election Committee’, a solo by Anthony de Nuvem, speaks about the elections that dawn once in five years and how they divide people on the basis of different parties. An incident about a plumber is related to emphasise on the hardships faced by the general public.
‘National Flag’ is another solo, by Mauxin, that speaks about the weapon of respect. When our national anthem is played in theatres and those who disrespect it are punished, why is this same rule not applicable to noted people like singers and actors who are disrespectful. Why are they not booked for the act, the singer inquires.
‘Ghadikaran Filu’ is a solo by comedian Joana that throws light on the ban of bars along the national highways. She speaks about earning a living and educating her children by selling liquor. ‘First it was the reclassification of coconut as grass, now it is the forceful closure of liquor shops, and tomorrow it could be the conversion of Goa into Gujarat,’ she states.
All the songs carry good, appealing music, but instead of several solos, if duos and duets had to have been included, it would have enriched the album. Music for all the songs has been provided by Norman Cardozo, while Cris Correia has assisted in recording the album at Magic Touch Studio, Margao.
