:::2..S#arp to play alongside BLACKSLADES::: Kuwait: Goan pop music has undergone a metamorphosis ever since its inception during the Portuguese era. Today, Western music has become engrained into the fabric of Goan culture. This foreign assault has resulted in the birth of a new creation of ultra-modern, dance-friendly remixes' with the Gen-X hypnotized to its beats. Contrary to the fast-paced music, Kuwaits ace musician Shahu (Francis) Almeida will provide some symphonic tracks at the NITE OROSES on 2nd October 2008 at Crowne Plaza, taking on the saxophone - an instrument almost forgotten by modern musicians. Shahu will perform with his band 2..S#arp. The Nite ORoses organized by Navelim Youth Centre under the leadership of President Agnello A.S. Fernandes has New Delhis famed BLACKSLADES as the main band in attendance. In recent years, a wide range of skilled ensembles have helped raise the profile of Goan music both nationally and internationally. Amongst the contemporary big names of musicians, the name of Francis Almeida popularly known as Shahu hailing from Macasana - Goa, shines amongst the stellar bracket of Goas top-notch musicians with his indispensable contribution towards the art. Shahu may be recognized more in the genre of dramas. But behind his simplicity, is the unmistakable halo of his talent as a star musician of Goan bands. With his past penchant and passion for innovative, brilliant music, Shahu has teamed up with Clevie Fernandes a young Goan crooner from Bombay (born in Kuwait), to continue on what he loves to do best hypnotize his listeners to a magical sway. Clevie, whose parental home is in Raia - Goa, has been a fan of Shahu right from childhood days. He was a member of Funky Heads, the famous event organizers in Goa where he was involved in hosting mega programs like Channel V Live, Bacardi Blast annuals, Radio Mirch, etc. Playing dance and party music is much simpler for me, reveals Shahu, Unlike in dramas where I have to play complex tunes, playing pop and party music demands minimum of efforts because I know what exactly I am going to play. Ofcourse we practice a lot and we are armed with the latest tracks of rock, pop, reggae, rhetro-pop and remixes of Hindi and Goan medleys. As noticed live, 2..SHARPs music spans a broad range of harmonies, from Goan and foreign-inspired music to more modern trends with mixtures of genres and ethnic elements. 2..SHARP have already done a number of shows. They have played alongside Goas topmost band Forefront and other local bands. Few however know that Shahu, a dynamic talent with his keyboard, began his tryst with music drumming his way into the hearts of his school-mates at his schools Annual Gatherings, propelling him into the musical horizon forever. He is the alumnus of St. Francis Xavier H. School Macazana and Guardian Angel College, Sanvordem. Evolving into an ace drummer, he had the rare and splendid opportunity of honing his musical skills under the baton of Chris Perry, the eternal icon and consummate genius of Goan music and playing alongside his son Errol Perry. With music flowing in his veins, his drum beats reverberated in many well-known Goan bands of the nineties such as Ultimate, Magic Touch, The News, Human Status, Black Lace, etc, to name a few. Shahu disclosed that he played in over 1000 weddings as a drummer with these groups. But it was his evolution into a keyboardist that shot him into instant fame. Interestingly, Shahu switched over to the keyboards not on his own volition but at the suggestion of Fr. Livio DMello under whose cudgel he played for the choir at St. Francis Xaviers church, Macasana. From then on there was no looking back. Shahu has indeed come a long way with his association with music spanning over a decade. His musical creativity was elevated further after his arrival in Kuwait in October 1999. He began with a bang in Kuwait-based director Jose Rods unmatched broadway hit Tujem Nanv Vhodd zaum which was staged all over the Middle East and back home in Goa. Shahu has also played in Muscat, Doha, Bahrain, Bangalore, Darjeeling, etc, and performed for top directors such as Prem Kumar, Roseferns, Jacob, Menino de Bandar, Pascoal Rodrigues, C.D. Silva, John D Silva, Ben Evangelist, Rosario Rodrigues, etc, apart from all the directors in Kuwait. He also did a short musical stint playing live music at Dubais famous Viva Goa restaurant. Speaking on his experience and performance Shahu said, I used to enjoy playing at the Rock Greenal annual musical show at Curtorim. Shahu says his most challenging one-man performance was in Mini Marios Kiteak Ho Bazar Cholta? staged in Kuwait in April 2007. I had to pick-up the notes on the troupes arrival on the morning of the show and I can proudly say that I played to perfection without proper rehearsals, Says Shahu, further adding, with musical notes handy, I can play non stop music for over 8 hours. Shahu can be aptly described as a consummate artist with an alluring passion and drive for music. Undoubtedly his heart thumps musical beats, for when it comes to music he is simply indefatigable, endowed with an amazing genius -- coupled with a prodigious memory for music. Shahu reached the highpoint of his career when he was roped in as a music composer by the doyen of Konkani stage, the legendary Rosario Rodrigues wherein his captivating rhythm set aflame many of the unforgettable hits like Hanv Kallukant Sandlim where Shahu pioneered the unique one man band concept providing the entire spectrum of music on a single keyboard! Under the ace directors able tutelage Shahu had a free rein toying with refreshing, innovative ideas which enabled him to break new grounds by pushing hard the frontiers of Goan music. With sky being the limit, Shahu went on to produce innumerable chart busting scores for numerous hit dramas and musicals which gained him popularity of a household name. Music apart, Shahu is an intensely endearing and an adorable human being who attaches great value to friendships and family ties. Blessed with a wonderful wife and a cherubic son named Aerosmith, and a daughter born in August this year, Shahu is a devoted husband, a doting father and a dutiful son. Sensitive and devout to the core, Shahu faithfully plays for the Holy Family Cathedral Church choir (Kuwait) for the 8.00 a.m mass every Friday since 1999. Time and experience have greatly enriched his remarkable musical abilities and today Shahu continues to add increasing complexity and refinement to his astounding gift of music which is sure to hold the audience in a thrall for years to come! www.goa-world.com
:::Other News::: :::North Goa's famous compere Xavier Fernandes to hostNite O'Roses on 2nd October at Crowne Plaza::: "Good evening ladies and gentleman..!" The words are quite synonymous at the start of every party and program. And the person who draws full attention of everyone is the host and centre of attraction -- the MC. Traditionally, a MC uses rhyming verses, whether pre-written or freestyled, to introduce everyone he works with, and hype up the crowd. Kuwait Indians will have an opportunity to see and hear the unique glib of international fame Master of Ceremonies and Event Manager Xavier Fernandes at the NITE O'ROSES being organized by Navelim Youth Centre on Thursday 2nd Oct 2008 at Crowne Plaza starting 8pm onwards. Hailing from Candolim, Bardez - Goa, Xavier has hosted numerous product launches, conferences weddings, parties, etc, since 1983. The Master Compere is best seen shining at Christmas and New Year Eve shows in Goa, Valentine Nite shows, other Dine & Dances, Beat shows, Fêtes, Theme Nites for Hotels & Clubs, and even local festivals like Sao Joao, Sangodd, etc . The famous Master of Ceremonies is also actively involved in educational institutions, social, cultural and pastoral activities. :::Jive Competition at Nite O'Roses::: If you don't know to dance, blame the floor. Thats a popular phrase which goes well in Konkani. Well, among the current genre you dont need to know 'dancing'. Just get on to the floor, and as they say -- Hip-Hop. Navelim Youth Centre Kuwait (NYC-Kuwait) is geared up to make sure that the culture of 'delicate' steps remain popular among the youth and old. NYC's last dance nite in Kuwait featured a Cha Cha dance contest. This year s Nite O' Roses will see NYC organize yet another competition - a Jive Competition. Excellent Prizes for the Winners Nite O'Roses is being held under the leadership of newly elected Navelim President Agnello A.S. Fernandes. :::BlackSlades for Nite O'Roses::: Kuwait: What do you get if you get India's best drummer, the most talented guitarist, a bass guitarist like none in the country, an equally impressive guy on the keyboards and a vocalist who is as young at heart as he is talented at the task ..... ??? Makes for a lethal combination, doesn't it? That's how you would describe the BlackSlades once you've seen them perform. By any standards one of the best Goan bands around. This group of guys are based in Delhi but are very much Goans at heart. BlackSlades will rock Kuwait at the Nite O'Roses on Thursday 2nd October 2008. Kuwait's upcoming band 2#Sharp is the other musical group geared up to feature at the Nite. Michael Almeida ( Keyboards ) - Nephew of Kuwait's famous musician Shahu. Ronald ( Vocalist ) is like a firecracker exploding endlessly. He comes from the coastal village of Benaulim and is the most charismatic of the lot. Ronald is also the youngest in the group and started singing professionally at the age of 19. One look at Ronald and you may take him for a walking, talking billboard for a style magazine, with accessories and a haircut as vibrant as his personality. Menino ( Guitarist/Vocals ) is a very humble person and easy to get along. Six strings on a piece of wood with Menino's fingers is a sure way to make magic that maybe cannot be seen but definitely can be heard. Menino is originally from Colva and is a very good cook as well. Succoro ( Drummer ) - This guy's looks are deceiving - he may look like a scientist about to discover something big, but give him a drum set and you will feel the bass kick in a pulsating rhythm that is sure to leave you asking for more. Succoro is the quietest member of the band but when he speaks everybody better listen. He is originally from Colva. Anthony ( Bass Guitarist ) comes from the beautiful village of Velsao. Anton as he is called by those close to him, is a very down-to-earth person, the kind who would only take as much as needed. He is an amazing player of the Bass guitar. Anthony is also into martial arts (taekwondo). His aim is to release an album in Konkani. ==2nd October 2008== :::50 Years of Tradition::: ::::NITE O'ROSES::::
