Networking seems to be the key word that is propagated in the modern day. Linking up, sharing views, uniting for causes and even sharing in each other’s joy and fun is what is called for. This fact is reinforced by the success of various social networking sites in the virtual world.
This concept holds true in real life too. Networking is not just about the internet. There are so many social networking groups around, that ‘live’ networking takes place with greater enthusiasm. Almost every field of work has a group where they can network. The musicians and entertainers of Goa lacked such a group, until recently.
Every Association has an aim. “Goa Entertainment Association” (GEA) also has come to be with a clear and determined goal in mind. The Association will provide a forum for musicians, performers, Karaoke Disc Jockeys (KDJs), Disc Jockeys (DJs), Radio Jockeys (RJs), Compères and Music Writers to network. These are groups of people that are mostly involved in music and entertainment. Another very important goal of the Association is to promote, encourage and provide resources in the preservation of Goan music and culture. Goan culture is today an almost forgotten entity. Except for a few programmes here and there, like the Mandó Festivals, there are no avenues to showcase our culture. Besides other plans, GEA has also decided to help musicians who have retired from active performances in whatever way possible.
Music in Goa is a big time happening. It has been since the times of our forefathers. Today music adds value to tourism and is a major entertainment source. There is talent sprouting up on a daily basis. But the competition is so stiff, a good musician who is a rookie, does not usually get a chance to grow in the right direction. The Association is determined to put this right. Formation of the musical character of a musician is of prime importance. It is only then that his performance will build to a crescendo.
GEA has been formed with many plans in mind. But the first and foremost of those is to bring musicians and entertainers together on one platform in a strong bond of friendship. There have been umpteen attempts made in this direction, but none was successful for various reasons. This attempt has always had one goal, to see the light at the end of the tunnel. In fact the Association got moving on many counts in the first few days of its existence itself.
The ‘Sunday Brunch’ was an occasion that put the plan into action. Soul Soufflé, the delightful restaurant in Verna, came alive with music. GEA and the musicians decided that there would be a jam band on stage. Somehow, if the musicians on stage have never played together or have not even rehearsed together and yet make music together, the melody seems to come from the heart. There were no rehearsals, no coming together before that. On stage the musicians just call a song, call a chord and take off.
The starting line-up at the Brunch were musicians who have been on the scene for very long. Seby Fernandes (Seby and the Wings fame) was on lead guitar and vocals. Seby has come back to his beloved land Goa after spending 26 fruitful musical years in New Delhi. Andrew Ferrão, another Goan who makes his music in New Delhi, was on keyboard. Allan Moraes, the drummer who made it big in the jazz circuit in Mumbai and who is one of those who has also relocated to Goa, was on drums. The musically evergreen Brian Bones played the bass-lines. The music began with a bang and the enjoyment started right from the first note played.
This was meant to be a jam and so it was. Ignatius (Iggy) Rodrigues (Rhythm n Blues) then took control of the keyboard while Ashley Fernandes (Music Oasis) held forth with the lead guitar. There was also Felipe Neri Fortes (Rhythm n Blues) on bass guitar, Sergei Godinho (Pure Magic) on bass guitar, Agnelo (Pure Magic) on drums, Anton Braganza (Black Slades, Delhi) on bass guitar and Joe (A26) on drums. Emmanuel, the one-man band from South Goa sang a few songs. Erlic Almeida of Music Oasis lent his melodious voice to the occasion. There was also Nirmika Singh from Delhi who joined in on vocals. Three youngsters livened up the brunch even further. Krishna, Navin and Sheldon gave the rock dimension to the session. Francis Paul Menezes took a break from being a Karaoke DJ and revisited old days while he compèred the event.
GEA plans to have many a musical occasion for the people of Goa to enjoy. There is a plan to celebrate World Music Day on June 21 in a big way. GEA promises to dish out entertainment at its best, in the times to come.
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