The sapling of “GULF VOICE OF MANGALORE”-a prestigious Konkani singing talent hunt, was planted in Kuwait way back in 2008 by two like-minded social workers – Mr. Lawrence Pinto and Late. Mr. Louis Rodrigues. It was a dream and the brain child of these two gentlemen to create something new and different from the normal Konkani cultural programs conducted in the Gulf region. Though they weren’t any businessmen to finance a project of this magnitude but mere employees of reputed companies in Kuwait, they decided to offer their services to do something memorable towards their mother tongue Konkani.
To support and help them and to turn their dream into reality, two other noble people – Rita Rodrigues and Wilson Saldanha joined their team and post that there was no turning back. Hand in hand with unity they marched forward and approached the associations of other Gulf countries as well as the famous singer / composer / lyricist Mr. Wilfy Rebimbus.
Season 1:
After discussions, planning and six months of vigorous preparations throughout the Gulf countries like Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman, 10 finalists were selected. A troop of 5 musicians along with judges Wilfy Rebimbus, Joel Pereira, Melwin Peris, Meena Rebimbus and compere Leslie Rego travelled all the 5 countries to choose 2 finalists. Youth Recreation Center, Kuwait under the leadership of Mr. Lawrence Pinto & Late. Mr. Louis Rodrigues hosted the grand finale on October 17, 2008 at American International School Auditorium, Kuwait.
The Winner of this mega event and the most favorite amongst all the contestants who left the audience screaming for once more was Vinay Lewis of Kuwait. The first runner up was Donald Correa of Dubai and second runner up was Edward Roshan D’Souza of Doha.
Season 2:
In the year 2010, Saudi Arabia too joined GULF VOICE OF MANGALORE. Renowned judges Joel Pereira, Claud D’Souza, Reena D’Souza and compere Leslie Rego travelled all the 6 countries to choose 2 each finalists. The Grand finale was hosted by Mangalore Konkans Dubai on 23rd October 2010.
After lot of speculation, suspense, nail biting, nerve wrecking wait and a glittering final ceremony it was the voice of Kuwait Gladys Lorena and voice of UAE Ivan Fernandes who walked away with top honors emerging as the gulf voices of Mangalore 2010 by exhibiting the nerves of steel and by rising to the big occasion in their characteristic style. Preema Pinto of Qatar and Warren D’souza of Kuwait were the runners up in the female and male category respectively.
Season 3:
To continue the journey started by YRC, the third edition of ‘GULF VOICE OF MANGALORE’ was hosted by the Mangalore Cultural Association (MCA). The grand final was held on October 19, 2012 in Doha. After a lot of anxious moments and neck-to-neck competition between 12 Konkani singers of the Gulf region, meticulous judging in a fantastic gala finale, Voice of Oman Reena D’Souza and Voice of Kuwait Orson Albert D’Souza were crowned the winners of Season 3. While Voice of Qatar Preema Pinto bagged the first runners-up for the second consecutive time in female category, voice of UAE Jeevan Vaz was crowned first runners-up among the male contestants. Voice of UAE Sabita Mathias and voice of Oman Morvin Quadros bagged the second runners-up in the respective categories.
Season 4:
Mangalorean Catholic Centre of the Parish (MCCP), Oman hosted fourth season of GVOM. The grand final was held on November 7, 2014 at Al Falaj hotel in Ruwi, Muscat. After months of rigorous rehearsal, hard work and ultimately performances that won the judges’ hearts, Joshal D’Souza from UAE and Morvine Quadros from Kuwait were crowned the winners in the female and male categories. Sana Britto and Harry Correa from Qatar were the first runners-up and Pramila Rodrigues from Saudi Arabia and Sachin Lobo from Oman were declared the second runners-up.
Season 5:
Konkani Kutam Bahrain and Aangann Konknnechem Riyadh hosted fifth season of GVOM. The grand final was held on November 11, 2016 at The Bahrain Cultural Hall in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Voice of UAE Robin Sequeira and Voice of Kuwait Joylene Gonsalves were crowned the winners of Season 5. Carol D’Souza from Qatar and Sabita Mathias from UAE were adjudged first and second runners-up respectively in the female category, Clement Fernandes from Qatar and Ralph D’Souza from Saudi Arabia bagged the second and third places, respectively, in the male category.
Season 6:
Gulf Voice of Mangalore (GVOM) – Season 6, the most awaited event of the year for Konkani speaking people of Mangalore and biggest reality show for Konkani singing talent hunt across the Gulf is set to take off in a few weeks from now. Kuwait Canara Welfare Association in its 30th year of inception is proud to host the Grand Finale in State of Kuwait which will be held on 09 th November 2018.
