Even when one is completely engrossed in their work, it is not uncommon for a tune to subconsciously creep into one’s mind. Regardless of tune and rhythm, we sing to our heart’s content. Here is a chance to sing but with a tune and a good voice has a big prize is at stake.
For the first time ever, Konkani singers are given a unique platform to showcase their singing skills that can be judged from across the world by participating in ‘Aikat Mozo Tavo’.
Aspiring Konkani singers aged 18 and above can participate in ‘Aikat Mozo Tavo,’ a music competition led by Simon Rodrigues, director of Amigos Nite by uploading their songs online by visiting https://aikatmozotavo.co.uk/ and following the registration guidelines. The focus is on the Konkani language irrespective of where you are based. The competition has been receiving an overwhelming response and the organised, Simon Rodrigues is proud to showcase the versatility of Konkani through this platform.
Participants must be 18 years or older, possess proficient singing skills, and hold a valid passport. Registration is to be completed online, where applicants will provide their personal details and upload a passport photograph. The winner will receive a grand prize of 20,000 Pounds, the top 20 contestants will earn the chance to perform in the UK. This not only offers financial reward but also significant exposure and the chance to perform on an international stage.
Simon Rodrigues, the founder of Amigo Events, has been in the United Kingdom for the past eight years and has been organising events for Christmas, Easter, Carnival and Sao Joao since 2019, but all with an emphasis on Goan music and food. Simon moved from Vasco to Hounslow with his wife Risma and children. Coming from a musical family, Risma is the daughter of legendary tiatrists, Christopher and Meena Leitao. Simon and Risma had also organized ‘Chrismeena Ugddas Tumcho,’ a show in Goa in their memory in 2022 and 2023.
However, he is now offering a grander stage for Konkani singers through this competition. “We had opened the website on a trial basis and we immediately found contestants registering and uploading their songs. I was expecting a majority of contestants from Goa and Mangalore but we also received participants from other parts of the country including Ahmedabad. So far we have received contestants from countries across the world including USA, Israel, Ireland, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, UK and India. This is dream project which I started in memory of my late father, late father-in-law, and late mother-in-law, who loved Konkani music,” says Simon.
Konkani has always been close to Simon’s heart and he was proud to see the language reaching a wider audience. “The competition has been receiving new auditions every day and the voting lines are open throughout the day. The last audition date is August 15 and the last date for voting is August 31. The top 50 participants will make it to the Karaoke round, the second round. The next round will select the top 20 contestants from anywhere in the world who will get the chance to perform in the UK, and the winner will receive a prize of 20,000 Pounds. Once in UK, they will perform for four live rounds with the judges and the finale will be with the top 4 contestants in front of a live audience at the Harrow Leisure Centre, UK, which can accommodate nearly 3000 viewers,” informs Simon.
The competition will be judges by four judges from the Konkani music world. The judges are Hemaa Sardessai, Sonia Shirsat, Risma Leitao and Oliver Sean. Hemaa Sardesai has sung more than 100 songs in Bollywood. She is the only Indian singer to receive noteworthy compliments from five ex-Prime Ministers of India. Sonia Shirsat is a celebrated singer who has performed in 19 countries and 16 languages. The Fadista of Goa, Sonia turned her hobby into a successful career and is known for her inspiring journey in the music industry. Risma Leitao is the daughter of legendary tiatrist Christopher and Meena Leitao, known as Chrismeena on the Konkani stage. Risma has been immersed in the world of music and theater from a young age, continuing her parents' legacy through her artistic endeavors and active participation in Goan events in the UK. Oliver Sean is an internationally acclaimed MTV EMA nominated singer-songwriter and producer known for his unique blend of rock, blues, and world music.
What are the qualities that Risma is looking for a contestant? “The contestant should have a great voice, stage presence and the ability to interact with the audience with showmanship. After winning the competition too, the winner will be promoted by the organizers through the different shows,” says Risma.
The voting lines are open and one can vote for their favourite singers. “The website has so far received 2, 21, 500 visitors so far and it shows the response of Konkani lovers. I hope for Konkani to be recognized as a language throughout the world. Through the curiosity created through the competition, family and friends will want to know more about the language,” says Simon.