Mega Konkani Musical Concert - Mango Bonanza draws record crowd in Kuwait

By Gasper Crasto
Pics by Alban D’Souza
Bellevision Media Network

Kuwait, 05 Oct 2015: A record audience turned out to watch the Mega Musical Concert – Mango Bonanza presented by Al Mulla International Exchange Co. KSCC, in association with Kala Mogui Kuwait at American International School auditorium, here on September 24 during Eid holiday. 

 

Kala Mogui Kuwait (KMK) is a non-profit organization formed in 2002 to promote Goan art, culture and linguistic issues. The main aim of the organization is to support Konkani language. Since its establishment, KMK has organized and participated in numerous events in Kuwait.

 

 

The mega show indeed brought together some talented Goan and Mangalorean artistes who have entertained the packed hall for over 4 hours. 

 

Credit for the organizing the ‘dream project’ goes to KMK president Domingos Caetano Araujo alias Dominic and its Event Co-ordinator Gabriel Felix Fernandes. The budding organizers were seen on their toes all throughout the show.

 

Internationally acclaimed Al-Mulla International Exchange Co., pioneers in money exchange, ensured a free invitation event for Al Mulla International Exchange customers of Konkani speaking community. Mirage Media productions gardened a colorful stage, super sound and electrifying lighting to add to the glamour of superstars from Konkan world. To top it all, the capacity crowd was treated to sumptuous snacks during the break. 

 

The show was presided by John Simon, Group Manager - Marketing, Corporate Sales and Event Management - Al Mulla International Exchange, Rajesh Gairola, Divisional General Manager – Al Mulla International Exchange. 

 

James Bloomer, assistant regional security officer (US Embassy) was the chief guest on the occasion. 

 

A K Srivatsava, Second Secretary (Information, Press & Culture) – Indian Embassy was also present. 

 

In a brief ceremony hosted by Gasper Crasto, the dignitaries were introduced on stage and presented with a bouquet of flowers in the presence of Mr. Domingos Araujo, president – Kala Mogui Kuwait and Gabriel Felix Fernandes, Event Co-ordinator. 

 

A memento was also presented to Al Mulla International Exchange by the chief guest James Bloomer which was received by Gairola.

 

Tony Gonsalves – (Wembley UK) and Anthony De Varca (UAE) were the other counterpart organizers specially flown for the occasion. 

 

Simon Dias, Managing Director, Dias Events, Goa – India was also present. 

 

The show adhered strictly to time with Al-Mulla’s John Simon beginning the introduction of the show sharp at 5.30pm. 

 

James Bloomer spoke on the occasion and highly commended Kala Mogui Kuwait for upholding Indian art and culture in a distant land, and bringing the vibrant Konkani speaking Goan and Mangalorean communities together in unity. 

 

Domingos Araujo in his speech wholeheartedly thanked Al Mulla Exchange on behalf of the full-house. 

 

A K Srivatsava and Rajesh Gairola also spoke on the occasion. 

 

Mango Bonanza mega musical concert comprised of a blend of Mangalorean and Goan singers and musicians. 

 

The show began with live performance by Kuwait’s famous band Classix comprising of Lennon Blasco D’Silva, Francis X. D’Souza, Gavin Pinho, Gary Pinho and the evergreen youngster Alidio Gomes. 

 

Goa’s top fusion pair - Johnny B Gud on keyboards with the ever-popular Bushka were sensational. The duo belted out some catchy songs, Bushka made it all the more attractive with her elegant presence and dance steps. 

 

Mangalorean pop singer Kevin Misquith and Gulf Voice of Mangalore fame Shaila Lobo sang interesting songs to great applause. 

 

The style and concept of upcoming Goan singer Juje Fernandes was interesting to the audience, he was much diverse from the customary Goan singers.

 

Rosario de Benaulim was perhaps the pick of the audience as far as moralistic songs and the voice of singers was concerned. He sang on the ethics of life, spirituality and religion. All his songs were superb - highly captivating and meaningful. Rosario is perhaps among the few brand of top singers to be so popular without singing ‘political’ songs. 

 

Saby de Divar sang some aggressive solos which received great applause and encores. 

 

Goa’s stand-up comedian Manohar Bhingue, performing first time in Kuwait, entertained everyone with his rapid narratives in Hindu accent. He was so good, many in the audience felt he should have been given another slot. 

 

Sheikh Amir sang two songs. His song imitating other Konkani stars was a hit with the audiences; he was called up to sing again and again -- at least 8 times. 

 

Olinda and Simon Dias sang a duet Chandneache Rati which was beautifully presented. Simon later rendered a solo called Margarita which was equally splendid. 

 

Famous Kuwaiti singer Mubarak Al Rashid paired up with Bushka to sing an extraordinary Konkani and a Hindi duet. 

 

Music for the show was provided by Johnny B Gud on keyboards, Ramiro Mascarenhas on Trumpet, Antonio Azavedo on Saxophone, Semy Braganca on Trombone, Francis D’Souza on Drums and Gary Pinho on Base Guitar, other members of Kuwait band were Lennon D’Silva, Gavin Pinho and Alidio Gomes. 

 

Teotonio D’Costa of Prudent Media, Goa – India, compered the event; he also had time to sing a solo. 

 

The event saw a few launch-pads as well. ‘Tumkanch Lagon’, a sparkling DVD of songs and comedy by Kuwait-based singer Agnelo Fernandes was released at the hands of KMK President Domingos Araujo, while an audio-CD ‘Vomp’pi ani Bieam’ by Rosario de Benaulim was released by Tony Gonsalves. Title of the Juje Fernandes’ forthcoming album was also unfurled by the dynamic heroes of the day – Domingos Araujo and Felix Fernandes. 

 

Pearl Vaz and Albano D’Souza were official photographers of the event.

 

In statement to the press, KMK has thanked all the artistes, singers, musicians, technicians, members, well-wishers, supporters especially Jesarico Dias, Agnelo Fernandes, Arun Pinto, Mervin Nunes, William D’souza, Armando Mergulhao and above all Jeffery Fernandes. 

 

Al Mulla International Exchange 

Al Mulla Exchange is the leading money-exchange company in Kuwait. 

 

Established in 2001, Al Mulla Exchange currently has 65 branches in Kuwait. It has pioneered in server-to-server technology that enables transfer to accounts in India within split seconds. 

 

Al Mulla Exchange also offers a lot of value added benefits to their customers such as round the year exciting promotions, free insurance on every transaction and free invitation to various events organized by them such as the Mango Bonanza presented in association with Kala Mogui Kuwait.