THE GOAN
PANAJI
From the familiar melodies of Konkani to original compositions written for the occasion, Goa’s musical talent is finding a place on a global stage in Mangaluru. As the First World Konkani Music Mega Convention enters its second day, Goan singing teams are preparing to add their voices to a 12-day, 12-hour and 12-minute marathon, in an attempt to set a Guinness World Record.
The team led by Kreutzer Svilen comprises 26 singers and three musicians, mostly young performers from Quepem and other parts of Goa. Svilen’s association with the record attempt goes back to 2008, when his father, Elvis Goes, led the Goan group Kepemchim Kirnnam at the previous world record event in Mangaluru. His mother, who could not participate then as she was pregnant, is now joining him at the convention. “I was very young when the previous world record was set, but I was excited about the achievement,” Svilen said. He described the present opportunity as a once-in-a-lifetime experience and said the record would help give Konkani music greater global recognition.
St Michael Socio-Cultural Association, Taleigao, formed in 2004 by Peter Vaz and Rafael Fernandes to promote tiatr, will perform under its Taleigao Dramatic Troupe, ‘Tallganvchim Nokhetram’, on November 4 at 4 am. Led by music conductor Felicio S Fernandes, the group has won several awards over the years. Vaz said the team was excited to present Taleigao’s singing talent on the international platform. “We are making efforts to showcase our rich heritage and our mai bhas, Konkani, at the world level,” he said.
The Velim Constituency Sports, Cultural and Eco Club will perform on November 4 at 5 am. Team coordinator Felipe Norman Fernandes, also known as Normandez, has trained 26 singers and composed all 15 songs, including their lyrics and tunes. Thanking Mandd Sobhann for the opportunity, he described the participation as a proud moment for the constituency and Goa. “I have personally composed all 15 songs for this special performance,” he said.
The Lenoy Gomendes Musical Troupe, which has been promoting music and singing for several years, has expanded into two groups for the convention. Led by Gomendes, the team will present 24 of his original compositions. He said training 37 singers for the event was both a responsibility and a privilege. “It is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our own creative work on such a prestigious platform,” he said.
Another tean, Pio Agnelo Fernandes Musical Troupe brings together 20 artists, comprising eight women and 12 men, united by their love for music and Konkani culture. The group will perform original songs written and composed by Fernandes, with Melroy Rodrigues handling the music arrangements. Fernandes said the members had come together as one family despite their different musical backgrounds. “If we become part of this world record, it will be a moment of pride for every Goan and every Konkani-speaking person across the world,” he said.
For all five teams, the convention is more than an attempt at a world record. It is an opportunity to bring Goan voices together, celebrate Konkani through music and introduce the state’s talent and cultural heritage to audiences across the world.
