Young Talents Shine at 16th Konkani Kantaram Singing Competition


MARGAO: The Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) announced the results of its 16th Konkani Kantaram Singing Competition “Kantarachem Daiz” at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao on Monday, with young and senior performers alike showcasing their vocal prowess in duets, duos, trios, quartets and choral categories.

Chief Guest Ulhas Tuenkar, MLA of Navelim, praised TAG for its consistent efforts to promote tiatr and Konkani culture.

“Tiatr has contributed immensely to protecting the identity of Goa and Konkani. Days are not far when original Goans will be in the minority compared to outsiders, and hence we must preserve Konkani through platforms like tiatr. The government is committed to supporting tiatr, and we have recently extended full backing to secure the UNESCO heritage tag for it,” he said.

Guest of Honour, senior tiatrist Anthony San, encouraged the younger generation to nurture their artistic talents while safeguarding the legacy of kantar. Famed singer Edwin D’Costa pledged his assistance in composing new songs, while TAG Vice-President Marcos Gonsalves welcomed the gathering, urging youngsters to attempt writing and composing Konkani kantaram, with TAG’s full support.

Junior Category Results
Best Duet: 1st – Daylon Souza & Delphia Souza (Tuitionak Vetam); 2nd – Roshmer Cruz Fernandes & Rheanna Fernandes (Jojo Ani Meena).

Best Duo: 1st – Naira Livia Fernandes & Nyssa Gretchen Fernandes (Bhoinni Bhoinni); 2nd –Ruben Lui Fernandes & Mezioh Alexius Gomes (Maincho Rinnkari).

Best Trio: 1st – Nyssa Gretchen Fernandes, Naira Livia Fernandes & Nevan Agnelo Fernandes (Goa Garbage Free); 2nd – Jazzelle Vailankanni Fernandes, Nashwa Neves Fernandes & Cassius Fernandes (Soirikkarn).

Best Quartet: 1st – Roshmet Cruz Fernandes, Rheanna Carmen Fernandes, Shauneen Azavedo & Rizia Janely Silveira (Maim Ti Maim); 2nd – Abiel Borges, Jania Juel Pinto, Vanaisha Elrikah Vaz & Angel Fernandes (Ami Bhurgim Dhakttulim).

Best Choral Song:
1st – Abiel Borges, Jania Juel Pinto, Shauneen Azavedo & Vanaisha Elrikah Vaz (Io Re Io Re Pausa);
2nd – Jolynn D’Silva, Janet Natty Fernandes, Sheldon D’Souza & Sancia Fernandes (Nimanno Suskar Tancho).

Best Lyrics: 1st – Fr. Milagres Dias (Goa Garbage Free); 2nd – Marcos De Cunha (Iskolak Vochonam).

Senior Category Results
Best Duet: 1st – Jonas Albert Regan Vaz & Anle Barbosa (Kudd’ddo Pai); 2nd – Ashben Agnelo Cardozo & Andrea Pearl Silva (Toch Pavtolo Tuka).

Best Duo:
1st – Esther Joshua Rodrigues & Shayan Rodrigues (Monisponn);
2nd – Anzia Maria Fernandes & Mercy Dias (Maim Hanv Kazar Zatam).

Best Trio: 1st – Aaron Rovin Dias, Lezio Rebelo & Priyanka Dias (Moronn Ani Jivit); 2nd – Ashben Agnelo Cardozo, Dinora Barreto & Andrea Pearl Silva (Mog Ekleacho).

Best Quartet: 1st – Maria Estrocio, Twinkle D’Souza, Mercy Dias & Shannon Sequeira (Fancy Dress); 2nd – Sebastiao Richard Rebelo, Alisha Pereira, Ansh Sai Bandekar & Cosia Nikita Oliveira (Tin Vozar Square Metram).

Best Choral Song: 1st – Cosia Oliveira, Alisha Pereira, Joyson Faleiro & Holly Rodrigues (Axea); 2nd – Natasha Pereira & Marisha Gonsalves (Golden Jubilee).

Best Lyrics: 1st – Big Mac Mathew (Gõyam Nokrio Nam); 2nd – Ashben Agnelo Cardozo (Toch Pavtolo Tuka).

The competition, judged by Edwin D’Costa, Chitra Shirvaikar e Afonso and Elias Fernandes, attracted a tremendous response from budding singers. The event was also attended by senior tiatrist C.D. Silva and TAG members Avito Pires de Menezes, Jesus Antao, Simon Rebello, Antonio Rodrigues, Joaquim Dias, Peter Vaz and others.

The event once again underscored the importance of kantar in preserving Goa’s cultural and linguistic identity.