Written by Tanisha Cardozo
At just three years old, Ramson Cardoso stood in front of a crowd for the first time—unaware that this small step in Lower KG would spark a lifelong passion. It was Miss Margaret from St. Anthony High School, Monte de Guirim, who first entered his name into a Konkani singing competition. Young Ramson went home, told his mother, and together they picked an old hit song. He performed it, won first place, and unknowingly began walking the path of a performer.
The roots of performance ran deep in his maternal family, already immersed in Tiatrs and Zagors. Naturally, Ramson joined in, performing year after year and consistently winning competitions from Lower KG through to 10th standard.
But talent alone doesn’t guarantee success—especially when you come from a non-famous, non-industry background. “I’m not a nepotism kid,” Ramson says plainly. “I had no connections. But I had the support of my family.”
That support, combined with a relentless drive, became his foundation. During the COVID lockdown, he found both inspiration and a creative partner in Brendon. Together, they began writing comic duets that resonated with audiences. This phase helped Ramson sharpen his skills as a songwriter and performer—and gave him the confidence to explore more original work.
Soon, he began writing Kants for college Tiatr competitions and was regularly approached by family members to create custom songs for birthdays and special occasions. Thus began his journey into toast songs.
The Art of a Toast Song
A toast song is not just about rhyming lines—it’s about capturing someone’s essence. Ramson begins with listening—really listening—to the memories, milestones, and emotions a family shares about a loved one. Then he begins to shape the lyrics, compose the melody, and builds the entire production from scratch.
What sets him apart? He does it all. From songwriting, to shooting to editing the final video, Ramson is a one-man production house. “I’m a perfectionist,” he admits. “I like things done a certain way.” He even collaborates with clients to include personal touches like family images or references.
Some songs come together in hours, especially when he’s in “the zone.” One song, for example, was written at night, confirmed in the morning, recorded and shot by 4 PM, edited overnight, and released the next day. Most of his work features original lyrics and melodies, though occasionally he finds inspiration from trending tunes—as in the case of Mogachem Ful, which borrowed from the popular Maan Meri Jaan.
Despite tight deadlines, writer’s block, and the emotional pressure of translating people’s lives into song, Ramson finds joy in creating music that connects. “People tell me my songs made them cry or gave them goosebumps—that’s what makes it worth it.”
The Busy Season and Beyond
Between October and February, the pace is relentless. It’s the peak time for weddings, events, and tiatrs, and Ramson juggles back-to-back projects. But he thrives under pressure—it fuels his creativity.
His academic background in Theatre Arts also deepened his understanding of storytelling and performance. Today, at just 23, he feels more confident in his craft than ever before.
If his life were a Tiatr, he says, it would be called ‘The Ba***ds of Tiatr,’ and he would play himself.
He doesn’t have a favorite song. “All my songs are special in their own way,” he says. But if you had to describe Ramson Cardoso in just three words? Talented. Systematic. Perfectionist.
And perhaps, that’s all you really need to know.
