PANAJI
Goemchem Saibachem Exposition 2024,’ a Konkani song dedicated to the exposition of relics of Saint Francis Xavier in November, has been released recently.
The singer Anle Barbosa’s composition captures the essence and significance of the exposition, celebrating the cultural and spiritual importance of Saint Francis Xavier’s relics.
The Exposition of the Relics of St Francis Xavier is scheduled to take place from November 21, 2024, to January 5, 2025. This event, held every 10 years, holds profound significance for spiritual preparations and pilgrimage arrangements, particularly for overseas visitors to Goa.
Studying in standard X at Perpetual Soccouro High School, Navelim, Anle was inspired by her headmistress Sr Libia Fernandes, music teacher George Gonsalves, and other teachers Winnie and Saviola to initiate a singing career on the Konkani tiatr stage. She garnered attention on social media with her melodious voice, drawing thousands of viewers to her songs.
Anle performed in the tiatr ‘Khol Khol Baim’ at the 12th Children Tiatr Competition, where the song received a tremendous response from the audience. Its inclusion in the competition highlighted Anle’s talent and the song’s ability to connect deeply with the audience, particularly in capturing the essence of the upcoming exposition of the relics of St Francis Xavier.
The lyrics have been penned by lyricist and Konkani singer Soccoro de Santa Cruz, and the music composition has been crafted by the musician Norman Cardozo. Says Anle: “After receiving such an overwhelming response from Konkani music enthusiasts and viewers, I feel like my dream has truly been fulfilled. The love and affection shown by the audience are truly amazing.”
Anle’s journey began with active participation in various school-level programmes, where her musical abilities were first showcased. Her debut in ‘Zhadda Tengxer’ at a children’s tiatr competition, where she sang a duet and clinched the first prize, marked a significant milestone in her budding career.
“Sister Liberata Fernandes, headmistress of Perpetual Succour Convent High School, and Sir George Gonsalves, besides several others from the teaching fraternity, were among the few who encouraged me to flourish in my talent for singing and music at the school level. Their support was a significant boost for me, especially after participating in choirs at Padre Pio Chapel, Moddi Navelim,” said Anle, who was among the students regularly featured in school programmes and also represented her school at the state level. Her active participation in school events showcased her dedication and talent in music, paving the way for broader recognition of her abilities beyond the school’s boundaries. She had performed in several Konkani musical shows across Goa, alongside top artists.
“Getting the opportunity to sing in the children’s tiatr titled ‘Zhadda Tengxer’ and later in ‘Khol Khol Baim’ at the children’s tiatr competition was a real test of my talent, and I succeeded in winning not only the prize but also the hearts of many. Afterwards, singing a duet with famed Konkani singer Jose Mascrenhas in the ‘Hunvar’ tiatr at the Kala Academy’s ‘B’ group tiatr competition and winning the first prize made me more serious about nurturing my talent,” said Anle.
Rev Fr Patricio Fernandes, SJ, Rector of the Basilica of Bom Jesus, expressed his appreciation for the efforts of Anle for her Konkani song dedicated to the exposition of the relics of Saint Francis Xavier. “I have extended invitations, especially to tiatrists and Konkani singers, to compose and perform songs on the exposition to raise greater awareness. Anle deserves a big round of applause for her beautiful rendition of the song. We truly appreciate everyone involved in creating this song,” remarked Rev Fr Fernandes.
