Herald: Over time, the name Carlos Gonsalves has become synonymous with being a brand ambassador for Goan music, especially in the area of percussion and drum. Is this a pressuring title or something that you feel you can live up to? Is a figurehead the need of the hour, in order to uplift the Goan music industry?
Carlos Gonsalves: Goan music has long since been in need of a brand ambassador. It is truly, long overdue. Folk music like Bhangra has had ambassadors promoting culture through music with great success. At its core, Goan music has a very catchy beat, and it is fair to say that it has also been noticed by Bollywood since the early 1970s. However, Goan music has never made it in the mainstream industry. In my opinion this is purely due to lack of a youthful brand ambassador who can elevate the catchy Goan beat to an international level. When it comes down to it, I can see myself playing the role of the brand ambassador of Goan music all over the world. I hope I live up any expectations anyone may have of me in this role.
Herald: How do you believe that, as a solitary individual, you can solely undertake an endeavour of such magnitude?
CG: I have performed at various international forums and always paid tribute to my native soil through my music and will continue to do so. This has been particularly expressed in my album of original compositions, which features not only the music of Goa but also fully-fledged melodies of Konkani songs. As a purely percussive musician, this is not easy to achieve.
Herald: Given the magnitude of your journey over time, both geographically as well as musically, there have been many key moments that have played an important role in forming who you are today, as a musician. What do you feel was the biggest of them all?
CG: In summation, I think that one could refer to the IPL as a successful marriage between the thrill of cricket and the joy of music. I was selected to cheer (via drum) for the Royal Challengers, Bangalore which led to my being selected by BCCI to cheer for the Indian Cricket Team for the T20 World Cup which was held at Sri Lanka 2012. I remain the only Goan to receive the honour and privilege of being a part of such a massive event.
Herald: Fresh on the back of a trip to China where you showcased your music, share with us a few thoughts on your latest venture promoting your music.
CG: I have, this year, been handed the responsibility of being the musical brand ambassador of Goa as far as sports is concerned. Having heard of my contribution to RCB’s IPL campaign, the organisers of the ISL roped me in to promote football in a similar vein. Raising the roof through my drumming in order to boost morale for FC Goa was one of the proudest moments of my life.
Herald: With aspirations to leave a Goan mark at a global level, one certainly can’t help but wonder what the future holds in store for you as an entertainer as well as a representative of the State’s music.
CG: The future is going to be bright and busy for me as I have an up-coming tour of Europe, where I am planning to exhibit a taste of Goan music and culture through my own musical concepts.
