When a group of friends and musicians hailing from Goa decided to form a band in Canada in 2003, ‘Goa Amigos’ was the most appropriate name for the band.
The ‘Goa Amigos’ band, North America’s leading Goan-Canadian band, will complete 20 years in the entertainment industry on May 3, having served the community through music and also by giving back to the community through fundraising for various causes.
The ‘Goa Amigos’ will mark its 20th anniversary with a special event at Pearson Convention Centre on May 13 from 6 pm onwards. Renowned guest performer Mark Revlon will come all the way from Goa and music will also be provided by Goa Amigos and DJ Danny.
The band comprises proficient and accomplished musicians with their own unique styles: Logan Rodrigues (drums/vocals), Lyle Fernandes (bass guitar/vocals), Daryl De Souza (keyboards), Selwyn Collaco (rhythm guitar/vocals), Marcus Vernum (lead guitar/vocals) and Filipe Menezes (lead guitar).
Since 2003, the band has performed for various dances, festivals, weddings and corporate events. The band is known for its versatility to perform in different languages such as English, Konkani, Hindi, Swahili, Spanish and Portuguese. Standing proud behind the name ‘Goa Amigos’ represents their true identity and Goan heritage.
“‘Goa Amigos’ was primarily formed on May 3, 2003, to represent our Goan identity and Goan heritage through music and cultural performances, and has done so successfully and consistently over the years,” said Selwyn Collaco, the band leader who is also president of the Goan Overseas Association, Toronto.
“Goa Amigos stands in pride behind its name representing its true identity and heritage - the first band in Canada to sing Goan songs on the streets of Toronto and having represented Goa at most South Asian Festivals since 2003.”
Collaco said ‘Goa Amigos’ takes pride in having represented Goa on an international stage such as the CNE Grounds, Young/Dundas Square, Celebration Square, Masala Mehndi Masti, RBC Mosaic, TD Canada Trust Festival of South Asia, Hungama, Panorama India, India Food Festival, Viva Goa, City of Mississauga, City of Markham, Pan-am Games Global Fest, Carassauga etc.
Besides having a strong presence in Toronto, Goa Amigos has also performed in Vancouver, Calgary, New York, New Jersey, Washington and Florida. Goa Amigos has also performed for various corporations such as CIBC, BMO, Huskey etc.
Goa Amigos has performed at numerous events and has backed renowned artists such as Lorna Cordeiro, Norman Cardozo, Henry De Souza, Sonia Shirsat, Esther Noronha, Lawry Travaso, Sharmila Dias, Palomi Ghosh, O’luv and Seby Fernandes.
“Many thanks to the musicians who have been part of our 20-year journey and contributed to our success over the years since 2003: Nezi Dias, Errol D’Mello, Connel Jacinto, Elvis Antao, Rusell Francis, Alex Heynes, Richard Heynes, Catherine Mitchell, Joe Rebello, Mark De Souza, Stephanie Braganza, Naomi Zaman, Victor Rodrigues, Frank Camilo, Mack Dias, Lawrence Rodrigues, Oliver Sequeira, Logan Rodrigues, Lyle Fernandes, Lester Rodrigues, Marcus Vernum, Daryl D'souza and Filipe Menezes,” said Collaco.
“We would like to take the opportunity to thank all our fans, supporters and organisers for their encouragement and support that has kept us going for 20 years today,” he added.
