The last decade was a golden era for the Konkani language as far as Konkani speaking community residing abroad is concerned. In gulf, the major Konkani waves were generated through Konkani singer Wilfy Rebimbus's music....
PERHPAS LAST week was one of the most painful weeks spent in my life, as I had been in touch with Leslie Rego, a key member of Wilfy Rebimbus' troupe who co-ordinated and compered more than 100 shows of his in last decade or so. Ever since, we heard of Wilfy’s ill health about a year ago, we have been constantly enquiring about his health with his family members and close associates either when we met up or over the phone.
Niether Meena, Vishwas nor Leslie had any doubts on Wilfy's health and were hopeful that Wilfy will fight death to life with a successful surgery.
But soon we lost hope when Leslie called me last week and said, "I can't digest this. It’s all in God’s hands now". Until then even Meena and Vishwas were not prepared for the worst ever. But the news of Wilfy’s death I received from Leslie at 9.50am UAE time (11.25IST) today through the phone was the most shocking and unbelievable; nevertheless one has to accept the fact of life.
Our association with the legend Wilfy was not very old and dates back to a decade, which was formed after the creation of Daijiworld website. I also had got the opportunity to compere ten Wilfy Nites in the least in India as well as in UAE and Kuwait and elsewhere. One who knows him closely, for sure will first talk about his humbleness, down-to-earth nature and friendly personality. It was indeed a memorable experience to have compered his show for the first time in Kuwait, organized by Shirva Welfare Association in 2002, as until then I had only known him through his audio albums and live shows. First meeting, and his appreciation became an inspiration to me that brought me not only close to his heart, but to his entire family.
His songs, Mog Tuzo Kitlo Axelom, Maria Tuzo Moga Maka Maria, Philomena, are just a few among scores of his songs that created history playing millions of times worldwide right from the gramophone days to today’s internet age.
Wilfy's contribution to the world of music, literature and stage is an open book. A small child too is aware of his immense contribution. But what’s significant about his contribution is that the awareness of Konkani language that he created worldwide, especially among Konkani speaking community, through his works. It was heartening to note that, even a person who was shy to speak Konkani in public was a fan of Wilfy’s works that prompted the person to hum Konkani songs!.
The last decade was a golden era for the Konkani language as far as Konkani speaking community residing abroad is concerned. In gulf, the major Konkani waves were generated through his music. Almost every major function in gulf never went without Wilfy's music. That was the impact he created among Konkani music lovers.
Full report
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