Edwin D’Costa’s 93rd audio album, ‘Dr Jack Sequeira’, has a collection of 14 songs rendered in the form of solos, duo and a trio. The producer has roped in noted singers of the Konkani stage, besides some new budding singers.
The opening song ‘Old Goa’ by Manuxin speaks about various activities carried out in Old Goa, where the relics of St Francis Xavier is housed at Bom Jesus Basilica. He mentions that the cops harass those vendors, who make a living by selling flowers, but they ignore those involved in the sale of drugs. The singer also observes that there are huge structures coming up around the sacred place, which is indirectly an insult to the saint. If at all Goa is safe from various evils and disasters, it’s on account of ‘Goencho Saib’, he concludes.
Next is the title song, ‘Dr Jack Sequeira’, by Bab Andrew. It highlights the sacrifices made by the Father of Opinion Poll to avoid the merging of Goa with Maharashtra. He says that all efforts were made by Dayanand Bandodkar to merge Goa with the neighbouring state but Dr Sequeira fought tooth and nail for its separate identity. For all efforts put in, the singer says that the statue of the doctor should have been erected in the Goa assembly complex, besides various prominent places like the airport. Sarpanchs of various villages have to work in that direction, he says.
‘Miss World’, a solo by Bushka, throws light on the contest of the same name that is carried out worldwide annually. She speaks about the recent crowing of an Indian, Manushi Chhillar, and what helped her win the coveted prize. The singer also pays tribute to all mothers on earth, whose value is incomparable. The list of Miss Worldwinners from India over the yearsalso find place in the song. A hope that a Goan girl may also win that title someday and bring honour to the state is generated in the song.
The songs ‘New Bill’ by Dubai Trio and ‘Gabbar Singh’ by Tony de Ribandar focus on Narendra Modi, his present government and mismanagement at various levels. The former song is all about FDRI Bill and the consequences that will ensue if the bill gets a nod. The trio mentions that the immediate past PMs of India were highly qualified, but the present PM holds a degree only for sale of tea. They also mention about the assurance of Rs 15 lakhs to very citizen and allege that Modi is another Hitler in the country. The latter song compares Modi to Gabbar Singh of the Hindi film ‘Sholay’. The singer mentions about ‘Aache Din’ promised by Modi. But those good days seem to have dawned only for him with countless foreign trips and expenses beyond compare.
The songs ‘Oxygen’ by Avers Pereira, ‘Blue Whale’ by Cliffa and ‘Uzo Pettla’ by Edwin D’Costa highlight pollution, excessive use of mobiles and fire disaster at the Panjim bus stand, respectively. Avers takes note of pollution in metro cities like Delhi and if the same continues in Goa, then the use of oxygen cylinders may be a must as it is in China. Cliffa cautions about games on mobiles that misguide children and the disaster that follows thereafter. With regard to destruction of important documents by fire at Panjim bus stand, the singer insists that all documents should be documented and certificates should be made available online to avoid major loss and destruction.
‘Gharant Chori’, a duet by Jessica and Anthony de Nuvem, brings out the cons of Facebook. Quite often, information is provided on FB, least realising that it could lead to dire consequences. An example of theft is provided to support the issue on social media and what precautions need to be taken to avoid such untoward incidents.
Songs ‘Aeroplane Attack’ by John Pereira and ‘Dukor Dukhi’ by Luis Bachan speak about birds attacking aircrafts and stray cattle on roads and mishaps that follow respectively. The song ‘Bhavarth’ by Grina Pereira speak bout faith and how it helps to witness miracles in life.
The concluding two songs in the album also have relevant social themes, with a message. But more focus seems to have been laid only on solos rather than in a variety like duos, quartets and chorals. Their inclusion in the album would have made a big difference.
The album has been recorded by Chris Correia, with music by Norman Cardozo and Benny Cardozo.
