12 SINGERS QUALIFY FOR GVOM5 SEMIFINALS
Pics By: Joyston D’Souza
Kuwait, May 13: Following the success of the mega Konkani singing talent hunt show ‘Gulf Voice of Mangalore’ during the last four seasons, ‘Kuwait Canara Welfare Association’ organized the preliminary rounds of ‘Gulf Voice of Mangalore Season 5’ on Friday May 13 at R.V. Party Hall – Avanti Palace Restaurant, Hawally.
After the final registration process, the event started at 10:30 am with prayer by Naveen Mascarenhas followed by entry of compere Anil Fernandes. KCWA President Albert Praveen Menezes extended a warm welcome to the audience and contestants.
Judges for the day’s competition – Kuwait’s famous and evergreen singer Mr. Gratian D’Souza of Paradela fame who has released 3 music albums, professional musician and trainer Mr. Joe D’Souza and singer, composer and music teacher by profession Mrs. Gladys Noronha were introduced by Anil Fernandes. All the three judges are well-known personalities of Kuwait in the music field. The judges were then escorted to the dais and presented with flower bouquets. Steevan Misquith – Coordinator for GVOM Season 5 handed over the judges mark sheets to the judges and briefed the audience and contestants about the competition rules, format and judging criteria.
The competitions were held separately for female and male contestants. The numbering sequence was decided by taking lots in presence of audience. Female singers were chosen to sing first followed by male. Compere Anil Fernandes thanked all the musicians for their voluntary service in training, practicing and playing guitar. Kuwait’s well known guitarist Joy Fernandes played guitar to most of the contestants voluntarily, as he has been doing in the previous four auditions of GVOM. His service was extended to such a level that out of 41 contestants, he has trained and played guitar for 26 contestants.
In his message, Fr. Blany Pinto, Parish Priest of Salmiya Parish, requested the contestants to take the results positively and appreciated the 41 contestants who were courageous enough to take part in the competition. Louis D’Costa proposed vote of thanks and grace before meals. The program was well compered by Anil Fernandes. Joyston D’Souza captured the event with his skills in photography and Alban D’Souza did the videography. Waves Evetns & Rentals provided the sound system. The event ended with sumptuous meals by Avanti Palace Restaurant.
It was a tough time for judges to choose 12 semifinalists among the total 41 contestants (14 male + 27 female). Names of the preliminary round winners, who will move on to the semi-final round of Gulf Voice of Mangalore, are given below (badge number wise):
Female:
Renuka Cutinha (#3)
Lavina Praphulla D’Souza (#7)
Joyline Gonsalves (#9)
Irene D’Silva (#10)
Renita Raina D’Mello (#13)
Cynthia Mable Pinto (#19)
Male:
Rilson D’Souza (#2)
Marcus Almeida (#5)
Roshan Olivera (#9)
Hywel Pinto (#11)
Glen Vas (#12)
Maxy Thomas Pinto (#13)
These singers from the preliminary rounds will be competing in the semi-finals which will be held on Friday, 30th September 2016 at The American International School (Kamil Al-Rayes auditorium) Maidan Hawally. One each successful contestant from male and female categories will be chosen to go to Bahrain for the finals to continue their hunt for the coveted title, along with ten other contestants from Oman, UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The finals will be held on 11th November 2016.
The main purpose of this show is to provide a platform to Konkani singers residing in the Gulf. There are many singing talents all over GCC who do not get the right opportunity to showcase their talents. This competition will open new doors for them and enable them to bring out their hidden talents.