Doha Qatar: Preema and Rupert rock into Gulf Voice Finals

By Victor DSouza, Doha
Bellevision Media Network

Doha, 02 October 2010: It was a fantastic show of great music talent in Doha. Certainly for the twelve semifinalists their dream came into reality as Mangalore Cultural Association (MCA) Doha Qatar, hosted the Gulf Voice of Mangalore semifinals on Friday, 01 October 2010 at Doha Cinema hall.  Doha Konkani music lovers filled the hall in huge numbers. The twelve artistes’ performances were mesmerizing and to add to their tunes were the truly talented and professional musicians flew specially for this occasion from Mangalore.

 

The event started at 05.30 pm with the singing of MCA anthem by Vinay Lewis and Babitha Pinto, followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp by guests of honour Fr. Anand Castelino, Ronald Colaco, Felix Lobo, Wilfred Fernandes, Jerry Pinto, Jochim D’Souza and Walter D’Souza. In his speech Fr. Anand appreciated MCA and all the supporters of Konkani music for making such an event possible.

 

The performances of the 12 participant star singers, 6 females (Preema Pinto, Nina Fernandes, Jovita Pereira, Eva Wilma Pinto, Sunitha Tellis, Prameela Monteiro) and 6 males (Naveen Pinto, Rupert Sunil Lobo, Vincent Fernandes, Peter Rasquinha, Remy D’Souza and Wilson Mendonca) who were selected from the preliminary rounds of 11th June 2010, were highly appreciated by the gathering.

 

Felix Lobo offered Shradhanjali to legendary Konkani Musician Late Wilfy Rebimbus. MCA felicitated Eric Ozario of Mandd Sobhann, Walter Nandalike of Daijiworld, Norbert Pereira, Alfred Crasta, Dolla, Leslie Rego, Reena D’Souza and Claud D’Souza. Beautifully designed MCA souvenir was released.

 

The whole event had a rocking effect to the audience who saw the best of music and entertainment. The event was compeered by Leslie Rego with his humor and professionalism, keeping the audience active throughout the show. All the 12 talented participant singers rendered their magical voices and it was a tough job for the Judges to give their judgment.

 

 

President of MCA Harry Lobo welcomed all the guests, dignitaries, all the artists, judges, participants and the large audients. He also spoke on the activities and charity work MCA has been doing. Chief Guest of the evening HE Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa, Ambassador of India to Qatar, in her speech appreciated MCA for organizing this event and mentioned that it seemed like a tough singing competition.

 

The event also included plenty of entertainment such as, Rib tickling comedy by Dolla and songs by eminent Konkani music artistes Claud D’Souza and Reena D’Souza, and Norbert Pereira, a well known renowned artist from Doha. Konkani music lovers watched a fierce competition among participants and also the entertainment extravaganza that followed the competition.

 

All the semifinalists performed with extremely professional manner and were greeted and admired by the panel of Judges which consists of Konkani musicians Joel Pereira, Reena D’Souza and Claud D’Souza. At the end it was Preema Pinto in the female category and Rupert Sunil Lobo in the male categories that were qualified for the Finals to be held in Dubai on 22 October 2010. To wrap-up the event, most deserving two candidates won not only, prizes but also hundreds of hearts of the fabulous audience at the Doha Cinema hall.

 

Veena Rebimbus Pias was the Local coordinator of Gulf Voice of Mangalore (GVOM) programme at Doha. Arthur Pais was the stage coordinator for the event. Jason Quadros, Vice President of MCA in his vote of thanks, thanked all those who worked hard to make this event an unprecedented success, along with those who supported the event. He also thanked the advisory committee, the members, the guests, dignitaries, all the artists, judges, participants and the large live audients who were cheering and supporting the participants.