From a reluctant music student, forced by his parents to attend a music school which he did but without any enthusiasm, to a person who is inspiring many Goan children in Qatar and guiding them in their musical journey, has been a fascinating one so far
DOHA
Every time Bonaventura (Bonny) Viegas steps in to run his fingers over the keyboard and the guitar there is incomparable electric energy in the air.
Every chord, lyric and melody he puts into his music is a painful and self-taught journey. It has shades of his life experiences, as well as his eclectic musical influences that range from Goan music to Gospel classics and folk songs, all of which take you on a sonic journey.
From a reluctant music student, forced by his parents to attend a music school which he did but without any enthusiasm, to a person who is inspiring many Goan children in Qatar and guiding them in their musical journey, has been a fascinating one so far.
In Qatar, Bonny is one of the select few dedicated Goans, who is ready to step in to provide his services to a Goan cause.
Like all Goan musicians, Bonny’s journey began as a member of the church choir in Candolim village in North Goa.
“In Goa, I started playing for the Candolim Church Choir in the year 1997. I was then called to play at other Charismatic groups and later I was approached to play for the Candolim Parish, school activities, Candolim parish youth services and Masses. “
He continued with the spiritual journey with a church choir in Qatar.
“In Doha, I started playing for a Charismatic group in the year 2007 and joined the Ablaze Church choir in the year 2009,” said Bonny who works as an administrator in a logistics company and devotes a lot of his weekend time to the musical cause.
“Generally I give time to my music over the weekends as during the week it gets a bit difficult to set out time,” he says about his musical and work schedule in Qatar.
Bonny has now turned down offers by bands, both in Goa and Qatar to play for commercial bands and has since devoted his time and energy to the church choir and community functions.
“I was approached by a few bands both in Goa and here in Doha, but I have dedicated my music to God so I play mainly for His glory,” he said, having done his studies in UAE and completed his graduation in Goa.
Like all things Goan, the musical bug hit Bonny in a big way while he was in Goa during his days.
“In Goa, I got exposed to the cultural side of Goan music like Mando’s and wedding songs. I played with my College Principal (St Theresa's College, Candolim) Anthony Vaz who was a famous flute player and received great recognition from there on,” said Bonny about his initial foray into music at social gatherings and public functions.
Interestingly, Bonny’s baby steps in his musical journey were not with much enthusiasm but those which were compelled by his parents.
“My parents had enrolled me for music classes in the year 1993. But I was not at all interested in learning music, so I was half-heartedly attending the classes. Later in the year 1995, I was invited for a youth retreat. And there was a small group that required a keyboard player, and my friend took me over. From then on, I started getting attracted toward music and went on various functions like Mando festivals, cultural events at Kala Academy and choir’s and youth retreats and events,” Bonny said who has played for Mando Festivals at Kala Academy in Goa and Christmas Carolling, in Doha and Goa Day programmes.
“I consider my music talent as a gift from God as it was only after I played for a small prayer group that I grew in this field. I have been blessed and mainly sing and play by the ear,” said Bonny who has trained himself till Level 2 in music.
“I was inspired by Swapna from Divine Retreat Centre, I mostly play only religious songs, I also play when invited for Christmas carolling and other social events at the church,” said Bonny, whose musical idols are Don Moen and Steve Kuban.
