THE GOAN NETWORK
The First World Konkani Mega Music Convention’s Guinness World Records attempt for the Longest Singing Marathon has reached a major milestone, completing 150 hours of continuous singing and crossing 50 per cent of its Guinness World Records target for the Longest Singing Marathon (Multiple Singers). The latest figures shared by organiser Mandd Sobhann show 150 troupes, 3,608 singers and 2,289 songs contributing to the attempt, with several Goan groups also taking part in the musical feat.
RECORD ATTEMPT
Global Konknni Forum (GKF), a registered organisation established in 2024, joined the convention following the announcement of the record attempt. The team began rehearsals on August 17, practising twice a week before increasing sessions to three times a week in October. Secretary and team coordinator Jose Salvador Fernandes said the members prepared with enthusiasm and team spirit. The group sees the event as an opportunity to take Goa’s Konkani musical heritage to a wider audience. “When voices unite, boundaries disappear. When Konkani voices sing together, a language becomes a celebration of identity, culture and unity,” Fernandes remarks.
PRESERVING KONKANI
Matias Creative Group, founded by writer, director, actor and singer Matias Mascarenhas, was established in 2016 and has since earned several awards and a following in the Konkani tiatr fraternity. The group recently secured first place at the 2026 All Goa Tiatr Competition organised by Kala Academy, Panjim. Mascarenhas says promoting and preserving Konkani has always been his passion, making the invitation to participate in the convention especially meaningful. Calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime privilege” to be part of the record attempt, he says, “For us, it is not merely about setting a record; it is about celebrating our identity, honouring our heritage and taking our beloved Konkani beyond boundaries and onto the world stage.”
MUSIC LEGACY
Goenchim Noketram, a Goan folklore and musical troupe founded by Marianela Gina in 2007, has performed in 19 countries, with 49 international shows and several performances across India. Its association with Mandd Sobhann dates back to 2008, when it performed at the monthly Mhoineachi Maachi in Mangaluru, followed by the organisation’s first World Konkani Cultural Convention in 2009. “The troupe is excited to be part of the record attempt and felt a responsibility to contribute to its success,” says Gina. The 23-member group will perform 14 songs, including seven compositions by Gina, three Goan folk songs, a mando, a song by Elvis Mascarenhas and two medleys of popular Konkani songs.
VILLAGE UNITY
MUC Melodians Majorda came together after Michael Gracias contacted the group’s representative in February 2026 about the record attempt. “Following a positive response from the village sarpanch and members villagers were invited to participate. The group now has 24 members, including youth, middle-aged participants and senior citizens from Majorda, Utorda and Calata,” shares Crescen Antao. The troupe has prepared 16 Konkani songs composed and directed by villager Edward Esteberio, with music by his son and vocal training by his daughter. After six months of preparation, the group said it was proud to represent Goa through the talent of its villages and hoped to contribute to the success of the event.
With half the target behind them, the focus now shifts to the hours ahead as more singers and groups take their turn on stage. For the participating Goan teams, being part of this attempt is also a chance to ensure that the state's music and language are heard as the marathon moves closer to its final goal.
