By Daniel F de Souza

MARCUS VAZ is all set to entertain the Kuwait Goans with his latest tiatr ‘Almanchea Disa’ on 10th Sept 2004, at the Hawalli Governorate Auditorium in Kuwait under the banner of MBM Production. Incidentally this is his fifth production, he has earlier staged successful tiatrs like, ‘Mutt Bhor Mati’, ‘Rogtacho Fator’, ‘Xim vo Ximiter’, ‘Rogtak Rogot’ in Kuwait and in Goa too.

Marcus Vaz, the son of senior tiatrist Master Vaz, is well known in Kuwait for his composing and singing abilities. Marcus, together with Cajetan de Sanvordem and Xavier Gomes, formed the famed  trio Cajetan-Xavier-Marcus, which enjoyed tremendous popularity in the Gulf States. After the departure of Xavier Gomes from Kuwait the trio is now known as  Cajetan-Marcus-Mario.

Renowned Konkani stage artists from Goa namely; Master Vaz, Prince Jacob, Comedian Humberto, Antonette de Calangute, Xavier Gomes, Annie Quadros, and Marcelino de Betim have been specially flown to Kuwait to participate in ‘Almanchea Disa’. Besides the Goan artists other popular stage artists from Kuwait include Cajetan de Sanvordem, Mario de Majorda, Querobina Carvalho, Manuel de Santa Cruz, Simon Gonsalves, Katty Carneiro, Rosary Ferns, Sandra Fernandes, Sanny de Quepem, Eusebio, Lawrie M, Victor de Calangute, Sylvester Vaz, Simon Gonsalves, Jonathan-Terence-Clifford, Kevin, Clinton Vaz, Martha Vaz, Conchita Cardoso, Adrian, and Marcus Vaz.

Goa’s music Maestro Josinho will provide the musical scores along with Kuwait-based Shahu Almeida and his troupe. This tiatr promises to give total entertainment with good thrills and comedy as well as good number of songs.

‘Polkem Vhoddponn’ released
Francis de Tuem a popular Konkani stage singer has just released his first new Konkani album ‘Polkem Vhoddponn’  under the banner of Ronny Socorro Productions. The album has 12 tracks well balanced with solos, duets, and trios. Among the 12 tracks, 10 of the songs are composed by Francis de Tuem himself whereas the remaining two songs have compositions by singers Lawry Travasso and Xavier Gomes .

Francis de Tuem has carved a niche for himself on the Konkani stage by being the member  of  the famed ‘Trio Kings’ for some time earlier before moving on to form other combinations. Blessed with a clear and pleasant voice, this young and promising stage artist has the advantage of composing his own songs, which is a basic necessity now-a-days to become a successful ‘tiatrist’.

The album begins with ‘Polkem Vhoddponn’ rendered by Francis, which highlights the practice among many catholic families to celebrate feasts, birthdays, anniversaries and wedding occasions even by taking huge  loans and the consequences that follow theeafter. ‘Cricketer-footballer’ a comedy duet by Comedian Domnic and Xavier follows next. Lawry Travasso sings a touching solo ‘Phonak Lagon’ (lyrics by Lawry) highlighting the tragedy in a poor family on account of the exorbitant phone bill. This track has some soothing music. Felcy joins Francis to sing a funny duet ‘Bhurgim Dev Ditolo’ on a folk tune.

Xavier de Moira better known to tiatr goers as ‘Paklo’ the effervescent drummer lends his silky vocals together with Peter de Macazanna to sing ‘Pozodponn’. Paklo’s foray into singing is a welcome sign.   ‘Modko’ is an interesting trio sung by Joaquim (trio kings fame) Domnic and Francis. The title is suggestive and need not be elaborated. Melodious singer Xavier Gomes sings his own meaningful composition ‘Kuskeponn’. ‘Accident’ another trio by Joaquim, Bab Andrew, and Francis has some good lyrics by Francis in a lighter vein.

‘Amchem Devosanv’ by Francis and Andrew singing in first second  voices makes pleasant listening on a very relevant topic reminding us of our religious obligations. Comedian Domnic sings in his usual style a comedy song ‘Ankvar Kazari’.  ‘Jaundice’ is a duet sung by Felcy and Lawry though the lyrics and the message is good, the singers too do full justice, the topic however sounds a little out of time considering the   jaundice scare is no longer in the air.

The album has music composition and arrangements by seasoned Maestro Josinho De Souza who is now become synonymous with konkani music albums. This being the first album of Francis de Tuem, he seems to have done a neat job and his lyrics too are fairly good. The CD is reasonably priced at Rs.125 and that’s what makes it a good buy.  (Goan Observer)