Sound of Music: Goan musicians abroad

Bands Played:

GOA: ‘Ultimates’, ‘Magic Touch’, ‘Human Status’, ‘Fantasy’ and ‘Four Seasons’

UK: ‘Break Through’, ‘Electric Dreams’, ‘Shades’

Challenge to enter the music scene:

It was very difficult to get things going here in the UK because everyone has to have a job and if you have time and if everybody is available, you can play gigs.

Types of shows:

We perform at Goan weddings, birthday parties, silver jubilees, etc.

Comparing the music scene in Goa, London:

The music scene here is getting better because many Goans are settled here and most like to celebrate weddings with Goan culture.

Scope for Goan musicians in London:

I think one can’t make a living here playing music, it’s just some extra pocket money. I just want to keep my passion for music alive.

REGGIE D'SOUZA

LONDON

Bands Played:

GOA: ‘Archies’

LONDON: ‘Simply Yours’, ‘Magic Snow’, ‘Reunion’, ‘Coastline’ and international musicians

Challenge to enter the music scene:

Because of the Covid Pandemic, most pubs and restaurants were shut. It was a struggle for all musicians here. But the good times have begun. It takes time to build a good market and that comes from dedication, practice and delivering the right music to the audience.

Types of shows:

Most shows are weddings, anniversaries, feast dances, birthday parties, communion, confirmation. Also at pubs in a different set-up like acoustic, solo, classic rock and retro.

Comparing the music scene in Goa, London:

The spirit of Goan music is the same here. Music which trends in Goa, rocks in the UK. Really appreciate our Goans for keeping this culture of music and traditions as fresh as it is in Goa.

Response to music of Goan musicians:

I think people are grateful to have live music back after a long break and audiences enjoy super-hit songs.

Scope for Goan musicians in London:

There are many Goan musicians in the UK who have built a great reputation in music (Konkani, English, Hindi). Life in London can be quite expensive. A 9-to-5 job is basically a huge support to pay most expenses. Musicians can go with the requirements and budget, such as solo, duo, trio and party band.

JOSEFATO VALES

MELBOURNE

Bands Played:

GOA: ‘Whitewinds’, ‘Black Slades’, ‘Emiliano and his Caballeros’, bass guitarist with Chris Perry in the nineties.

MELBOURNE: 5-piece band ‘Regeneration’, 3-piece band ‘3 Down Under’, duo with Dilip Chico ‘Rocking Joeys’, family band with son, Jovan, and daughter, Mylene.

Challenge to enter the music scene:

Not really, if you are experienced and talented, you can get into any good band and rub shoulders with professional musicians and get noticed. But the question is whether you want to take music full-time as a career or just part-time and earn some money on the side.

Types of shows:

Dances, weddings, parties, conferences, Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL), hotels, clubs, pubs and Goan Overseas Association of Victoria events. Also played for the World Goa Day celebrations in Adelaide for a few years.

Comparing the music scene in Goa, Melbourne:

Goan bands love to do covers and entertain guests, but in Melbourne, it’s a bit different. There is a demand for covers but if you really want to get noticed, work hard on original masterpieces and the sky is the limit.

Young audiences want modern music and the dancing crescendo is for masala or line dancing. Here, people have a choice of music, world-famous artistes come, perform and draw huge crowds in thousands, have repeat shows and it’s still a sell-out.

Response to music of Goan musicians:

It depends on which shows you perform. For example, if it’s a Goan Association show, the demand is for songs by Lorna and Chris Perry, who I was fortunate to perform with. But if you are performing at a RSL club, it’s a different genre of music that’s often requested.

Scope for Goan musicians in London:

If Goan musicians have a certificate in completion of 8th grade in Music from Royal School of Music or any other relevant qualification, they can make their way to the best bands in town and rub shoulders with highly skilled musicians and also learn from them.

SANIO FERNANDES

DUBAI

Bands Played:

GOA: Band led by Josephato Vales

DUBAI: ‘Nio’ (Sanio One Man Band), ‘Musica’ (Sanio & Nerissa duo band), Sanio Fernandes creations (production house for all audio-video production)

Challenge to enter the music scene:

In Dubai, it wasn’t difficult to enter the music scene, as I found a huge demand for musicians and singers when I started and till date. All you need is talent and your unique product to offer with passion and drive to serve others through your music.

Types of shows:

I started off as a bass guitarist in two six-piece live bands in Dubai, before starting my own one-man band and later duo with Goan singer, Nerissa Cardozo. Although I learned a lot performing with a live band, I chose one-man performance over a live band, predominantly due to my inability to make it for practices due to my job, studies (at that time) and of course, you earn more when you perform solo. I perform one-man shows or duo band shows based on requirements.

Now, there is a craze among Goans to invite a celebrity singer to sing their toast song for weddings or anniversaries. I was recently taken to the UK by a couple from Qatar who celebrated their silver jubilee to sing their toast song.

There is currently no active one-man-band or two-piece duo in Dubai and it is just Nerissa and me who mostly cater to the Konkani community parties and shows as duo band ‘Musica’ in Dubai.

After the launch of my video songs on YouTube, I started getting invited as a solo singer for our Konkani community shows like ‘Sao Joao’, ‘Easter’, ‘Christmas Ball’, ‘New Year’, ‘Bandra Feast’ etc. I also do corporate shows for event companies as a solo artist.

Comparing the music scene in Goa, Dubai:

The live band music scene in Goa is more vibrant than in Dubai. Event companies or organisers in Dubai prefer electronic dance music over live bands, not only because it is encouraged by the discotheque clubbing nightlife but also because live bands cost much more than a single DJ.

YouTube has opened an avenue where your music outreach is not limited to only your area or locality, but YouTube will source the crowd for your music and eventually take you to a global platform. I guess that’s what happened to me.

Response to music of Goan musicians:

If you have a great product like a good song, good music, good video, good singing, good theme, the audience will automatically show their love. The Konkani cover song ‘Xezari’ by late Dominic Vaz produced by MoonByte Studio MD Abdul Mutallib, performed by our team, was the first Konkani song on YouTube to hit a million views.

I feel Goan Konkani music today has a much brighter future compared to the last two decades. Goan youth of today love to celebrate and dance to Konkani songs as much as they enjoy English and Hindi music.

A true testament to this is that Goan live bands in Goa or abroad now play more Konkani hits than other languages, as opposed to the mid-1980s and 1990s, where Goan live bands performed mostly English songs.

Scope for Goan musicians in Dubai:

If you are a professional music writer, composer and if you can play an instrument or several instruments, you can be hired by the best companies.

In the Gulf, many Goan professional brass musicians work for government police bands.

I think Goan youth who have the ambition to travel abroad to work as professional musicians should capitalise on the fact that Goa is the home of music in India, and the world is hungry for awesome musicians.

Since we Goans are privileged to put our hands on a guitar or violin at a tender age, either in churches or schools unlike other states in India, our youth have an edge over others to venture into professional music qualifications.

CARLOS FERNANDES

LONDON

Bands Played:

GOA: ‘Silver String’ with Mario (Babit), Glenn, Milburn and Joaquin.

LONDON: Moved to the UK in 1992, played with one Goan-African band in London, Goan live band ‘Breakthru’ with Francisco (Black Slade), Desmond (Cascades), Agnelo, Pascoal and Louis (Big City Band).

Challenge to enter the music scene:

London is often thought of as the birthplace of many music scenes and some of the most recognised acts in the world. You’ll find music seeping from every pore in the capital whether you’re into Latin or jazz. Our Goan Mando beat is a killer to the English audience, who love Goan culture and art.

Types of shows:

We perform at many concerts in the UK, the London Brough Summer festival, GOA festival, and many annual Goan village feast celebrations. We also play pub and corporate shows, including the British Legion Club, Conservative Club, Working Men Club, Lion’s Club and at English & Goan weddings across the UK. I also have a company ‘Goan Art and Culture Ltd’ to cater to theatre and music in the UK.

Comparing the music scene in Goa, London:

The music scene in Goa is great, however, due to the pandemic, our Goan musicians have suffered. The UK government has done a lot to support the music industry. Our Goan musicians are so talented and in order to progress, the Goa government needs to encourage our art and culture.

Scope for Goan musicians in London:

There is great scope to get involved in music in London. One can get a job in the music industry, TV channels, production houses or as music teachers. There are few Goans who have a full-time music career. Aspiring musicians can also undertake music degrees, as London has some of the best universities in the world, eg BA in music vocals, Trinity College, etc. Salaries are also quite good.

FABIAN FERNANDES

LONDON

Bands Played:

GOA: La Scala

DUBAI: Take5, Legends & Reunion

LONDON: SkyHigh

Challenge to enter the music scene:

Yes, it was a little difficult initially to find like-minded musicians who had time on hand and who were equally passionate.

Types of shows:

In Dubai, primarily for the Goan community, weddings, communion and birthday parties, various balls (dances), San Joao, SFX feast, charity fundraising events, fairs, fun drives, socials, Christmas/New Year balls, carnival dances, launches and corporate functions, opening band for foreign bands, boat cruises.

In London, playing for a Sri Lankan band, cricket festival, school socials, annual events and fundraisers charity shows, feasts, weddings, communion, birthday parties.

Also participated in a lot of church choirs/gospel music in Dubai and UK, weddings, funerals, communion and confirmation celebrations, prayer meetings, church Christmas socials and aged homes. I have also performed for Tiatrs, which has been a memorable experience.

Comparing the music scene in Goa, London:

The music scene in Dubai was much better compared to other Middle Eastern countries but not as big and glamorous as Goa.

In the UK, I got exposed to the international scene and the music scene is pretty big, diverse and the sky is the limit for young and smart talent which requires hard work, passion and dedication. The platform is huge and there are a lot of opportunities waiting to be explored and exploited for Goan musicians.

The Goan community music scene is getting better, but because of time and place constraints (job/shift work/practice place) most musicians are limited to what they can offer but they still keep the ball rolling and give Goans a mini-Goa experience of various festival traditions.

Response to music of Goan musicians:

When the right music is played at the right time it elevates the audience, fans and party makers spirit to a different zone of happiness, excitement, memories and ecstasy. When the right boxes are ticked, the good times start rolling in and generate good memories and most seasoned Goan musicians I have come across abroad recognise it and are pioneers in their area of expertise.

Scope for Goan musicians in London:

The scope is pretty wide, especially in the UK, the hub of entertainment, music, art and theatre. The Goan beat group market is very seasonal and can only be done part-time. The Tiatr market is bigger in the UK compared to the beat group but again not enough to keep one going. If Goan musicians want to have a full-time music career abroad in the UK, they should first be willing to be versatile, adapt to a wide genre of songs and styles of music, play more than one musical instrument, do a one/two/three-piece band and sing as well as busking, willing to do gospel music, compose and have knowledge of recording software, studio and audio visuals, teach music or be a music tutor (jobs available in schools for music teachers with little local academy training). Goan musicians coming abroad should be goal-oriented and generate passive income until they get "their feet on the ground". Being good is not enough, they should be able to market themselves on social media and have a fan base. This is key and vital to a musician’s success story.

DILIP CHICO

MELBOURNE

Bands Played:

GOA: Solo or duo artistes

AUCKLAND: ‘Velocity’

MELBOURNE: ‘MP5’

Challenge to enter the music scene:

I moved to New Zealand in 2002, started marketing myself at the local Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL), a club for ex-servicemen. They didn’t mind me singing and playing once a week. Was a bit difficult as there was not a single known face. After singing in a church choir, I was asked to join a cover band ‘Velocity’ of Bombay musicians.

I moved to Australia in 2007 and met a drummer from ‘Top Ranks’, a band which played in Kuwait and Niranjan asked me to join his band ‘MP5’ as lead vocals and rhythm. The World Goa Day organiser from Melbourne Oscar Lobo asked me to do a solo gig slot for his Goan dine/dance.

Types of shows:

I play and sing at various Goan clubs. Sometimes, do a gig as a Solo or Duo. Also, do private shows and even New Year’s Dine and Dance for limited groups.

Comparing the music scene in Goa, Melbourne:

Goan music scene is totally different from what it is in Australia. Here, we have large communities of different nationalities and they have their own people to perform their ethnic music. Goan and English cover music appeals to Goans, so it is accepted at Goan associations, clubs and functions.

Response to music of Goan musicians:

Generally, people in Melbourne like to hear something different and they will respond well if we keep it short. That is the key to getting appreciation for ethnic Goan music. The Melbourne Goans, however, don’t mind if the same music goes on a bit longer.

Scope for Goan musicians in Melbourne:

I know a few Goan musicians who read music and play various instruments. They have a lot of scope in orchestras, operas and choirs. For a musician who does not read music, going overseas for music can be a bit harder. But if one is confident, it is possible to market oneself. When I did a gig with a band, each band member had the responsibility of getting a gig and marketing the band. Finally, it all boils down to “sales”.

MANUEL FERNANDES

ABU DHABI

Bands Played:

GOA: ‘Crossroads’, ‘Creations’

ABU DHABI: ‘La Vida’

Challenge to enter the music scene:

I did not find it difficult to enter the music scene in Abu Dhabi. I was invited to see some budding Goan musicians rehearse and I jammed up with ‘La Vida’. I was included, considering my experience and exposure in Goa for eight years. I enjoy mentoring them, arranging the music and chordwork.

Types of shows:

We perform at most Goan shows and have been the regular house band for the Goan Carnival and ‘World Goa Day’ for the last 7 years in succession, thanks to the Abu Dhabi Goans Committee. We also play at Goan weddings and private functions.

Comparing the music scene in Goa, Abu Dhabi:

The music scene here, as compared to Goa, is very limited, especially in Abu Dhabi. For one, Goan functions are very few and those who want to organise a function in a hotel, which is more than often, the only option, have to pay a fee of Dirhams 500 to get a license for each musician on stage. For a 7-piece band like us, it works out to quite a bit, which would deter anyone from booking a band. Nevertheless, the Abu Dhabi Goans Committee has enabled us to perform live on stage at all their events.

Response to music of Goan musicians:

The response has been tremendous over the years, and we have quite a fan following. Having these events at hotels helps our music a lot, as a lot of hotel guests tend to join in the festivities and really have a good time. Not surprising, most light up at the very mention of Goa!

Scope for Goan musicians in Abu Dhabi:

Musicians who go abroad have to make it happen by looking around for like-minded guys to continue Goan traditions, dances, and keeping Konkani language alive. It takes a lot of time, sacrifice and effort, as it is difficult for everyone to find the same time to rehearse. However, if everyone can do it, you can be successful.