Tag: GoanMusic

Music

Paul John Single Malt Whisky Becomes Official Pouring Partner for ‘Tribute to Human Bondage’ Concert Series in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

India’s rock legacy is set to resonate across Goa as Paul John Single Malt Whisky comes on board as the official pouring partner for Tribute to Human Bondage, a nostalgia-soaked concert series celebrating the iconic 1970s rock band Human Bondage. The series brings together founder member Henry Babu Joseph and the contemporary sound of the Rajeev Raja Combine, with Air India Express supporting the initiative as the travel partner.

The tribute honours Human Bondage’s enduring influence on Indian rock music, uniting Henry Babu Joseph with Rajeev Raja, Adrian D’Souza, Paul Santiago, Hitesh Dhutia and John Thirumalai. The Goa leg of the multi-city tour unfolds across three venues — Cohiba, Candolim on January 22; Take 5, Candolim on January 24; and Goa Chitra Museum, Benaulim on January 25 — offering audiences an immersive live music experience rooted in memory, musicianship and cultural continuity.

Paul John Single Malt Whisky’s association reflects its deep connection with art, culture and craftsmanship. Drawing parallels between music and whisky, the brand highlights how both are shaped by patience, precision and authenticity, with each note and every cask carrying character refined over time through Goa’s tropical climate.

The collaboration builds on Paul John’s cultural presence at the Serendipity Arts Festival Goa 2025, where it unveiled an immersive Paul John Experience Centre celebrating Indian single malt whisky as a cultural craft. Through guided tastings and storytelling, the installation positioned whisky alongside art, music and creative expression.

Speaking about the tour, Rajeev Raja described Human Bondage as a formative influence on his musical journey and credited Babu Joseph as a mentor. He expressed gratitude to Paul John Visitor Centre and Air India Express for supporting a tribute that brings alive a defining chapter in India’s rock history.

Through Tribute to Human Bondage, Paul John continues its commitment to supporting Indian music, live performances and cultural storytelling, reinforcing the shared language between whisky and music — both born from tradition, elevated by creativity and perfected through time.

The series also aligns with Air India Express’s ongoing engagement with India’s cultural landscape, including its ‘Tales of India’ initiative that showcases indigenous art across its aircraft fleet. Together, the partnership celebrates craft, culture and creativity, reaffirming Goa’s place as a vibrant hub for live music and artistic expression.

International

Leicester Goans Rock the Ekvottachem Fest: A Celebration of Unity and Culture

Tanisha Cardozo

On August 23, 2025, Leicester came alive with the sights, sounds, and flavours of Goa. The Ekvottachem Fest, meaning “Festival of Unity”, made its debut in the UK city, bringing together hundreds of Goans for a joyous celebration of heritage and community.

Organised by Festacar Marius Fernandes, known for his community-led events, the festival marked his third event in Leicester and his 103rd people’s festival globally, showcasing his unwavering commitment to keeping Goan culture alive beyond borders.

The day kicked off with Fr. John Tavares lighting the ceremonial lamp, a powerful symbol of unity, faith, and shared culture. The crowd then welcomed the exciting launch of Salcette Beatz, a dynamic band of young Goan musicians from Leicester, setting the tone with infectious rhythms that blended tradition and youth energy.

Festival curator Marius Fernandes led a unique Pasoi — a traditional walk where he engaged the audience with vibrant stories of Goa’s past. Highlighting instruments like the Ghumot, he brought to life the forgotten narratives that define Goan identity.

This wasn’t just a stroll — it was a walk through memory lane.

The cultural stage lit up with performances that tugged at the heartstrings of every Goan in attendance. The Kottiacho Nach, a traditional dance using coconut shells, mesmerized the crowd with its rhythm and grace.

Local chefs and home cooks served homemade Goan food, including a hands-on workshop on Atol, a traditional Goan sweet that had both young and old rolling their sleeves up.

The energy peaked when Manjit Singh, Leicester’s very own Guinness World Record holder, performed his iconic stunt — lifting a 50-kilo weight with his ears. The crowd gasped, cheered, and celebrated this fusion of strength, identity, and performance art.

The Ekvottachem Fest wasn’t just another cultural event — it was a reminder of what happens when community comes together with pride, passion, and purpose.

As Goans danced, ate, and celebrated together thousands of miles from home, the message was clear:
Unity lives on, wherever the heart of Goa beats.