SHAHU & YOUNG CHALLENGERS OF SALMIYA BAND:

Francis Almeida, popularly known as "Shahu", is a well known Goan musician in Kuwait. He is one of the best organists among Indians. Before arriving in Kuwait, some 8 months back, Shahu was the band leader and provided music for several Konkani non-stop shows. He is on record to provide musical score alone on his organ for Philip Almeida's non-stop drama in Goa.

Shahu has got very good ears for music and knows to write and read solfas. With the help of a teenager, Rochelle Gracias and a young boy Clevie Fernandes, in early March 2000 he formed a musical band.  Shahu plays the organ and the duo Rochelle & Clevie do crooning in English, Konkani and Hindi. Currently their rating is good and their services are utilized for many Goan functions and parties. They beautify their performance by playing and singing some of the best Konkani oldies which are rarely heard by the present generation.  Both the crooners are very good and keep the audience spell bound and entertained throughout while Shahu delights with nice musical score.

Young Challengers of Salmiya, as the band is known, aims to get themselves recognized and established in Kuwait among the Goan community in particular.

The band is seen more and more by Goans for Goan functions and Goan parties, and their provide a fill-in for the taste of Goan music.

Besides, Shahu has joined the Holy Family Catholic Church Choir, where he plays regularly for 8.00 a.m. Mass on Fridays.

(A. Veronica Fernandes/GoaNet)