She began on beaches, was discovered in whispers, rose through smoke-filled jazz lounges, and paused — for decades. But when she returned, she sang as if nothing had changed. And somehow, nothing had. Her voice still cut through the noise. It still knew how to hurt and heal in equal measure.
Her songs weren’t about polish — they were about power. Raw, honest, Konkani soul. “Bebdo.” “Nachomia Kumpasar.” “Tuzo Mog.” Names of songs, yes. But for many, they were entire chapters of life.
She didn’t chase fame. She lived in music. And music, in return, made her eternal.
Today, we don’t just wish her. We thank her. For giving a language a rhythm. For giving a region a sound. For giving every broken and dancing heart — a song.
Panaji | August 7, 2025: In a heartfelt tribute to Goa’s vibrant musical past, Communicare Trust — the Dona Paula-based cultural organisation — is rolling out a special initiative titled ‘Cantaram for the Community’. As part of its 20-year anniversary celebrations, the Trust will host two live campus concerts blending rare archival vinyl recordings and live performances to rekindle student interest in the rich Konkani cantaram tradition.
The first edition will be held on August 8 at Carmel College, Nuvem, and the second on August 12 at St Xavier’s College, Mapusa, with both events kicking off at 10:00 am. Entry is free for students, but seats are limited.
Celebrating Forgotten Voices
The concerts will spotlight the songs and stories of iconic Goan composers and singers such as C. Alvares, Joe Rose, Frank Fernand, Ophelia Cabral, and Antonette Mendes — artists whose work defined an era, but who are now often unknown to the younger generation.
The performance will feature the dynamic ensemble Entre Nós, led by musician Omar de Loiola Pereira, with Nadia Rebelo and Ginelle Fernandes on vocals. Their repertoire includes rare compositions and beloved hits, carefully chosen to transport the audience back to Goa’s musical golden age.
Interspersed with these live performances will be curated vinyl sessions by Leaxan Freitas, a passionate record selector and Art Deco researcher. Leaxan’s segments will introduce students not just to vintage audio formats, but also to the history of how Goans once listened to music — from shellac discs and gramophones to the digital age.
More Than Music
To enrich the experience further, the concerts will also include photographs, lyrics, and biographical snippets, making the sessions both musical and educational.
“Many children today have never seen vinyl, tapes or shellac discs. ‘Cantaram for the Community’ aims to show how music and technology evolved while reconnecting youth with Goa’s cultural roots,” said Nalini Elvino de Sousa, Manager at Communicare Trust.
“Many of the original composers are no longer with us, but we’re in touch with their families, who often share lyrics and stories that we incorporate into the concerts to honour their legacy,” she added.
A Cultural Milestone
The initiative is supported by the Maria Crescencia Menezes Memorial Educational Trust, which has played a key role in enabling Communicare’s mission of preserving Goa’s linguistic and cultural heritage over the past two decades.
For two decades, Communicare Trust has championed language learning, cultural revival, and creative education, and this musical outreach is a natural extension of that legacy.
How to Attend
📌 Dates & Venues
August 8 – Carmel College, Nuvem (South Goa students)
August 12 – St Xavier’s College, Mapusa (North Goa students)
📨 Schools interested in group attendance may write to: communicaretrust@gmail.com 🎟️ Entry is free, but seats are limited.
In the vibrant state of Goa, where music is an integral part of the culture, Mukesh Ghatwal stands out as a renowned music composer and producer. With a career spanning multiple genres, Mukesh has been instrumental in shaping the Goan music scene. His inspiring journey, creative process, and insights on the music industry make for a fascinating story.
Mukesh’s musical journey began with playing others’ music, but he soon felt the urge to create his own. A turning point came when he watched an interview of his mentor, Remo Fernandes, on Doordarshan. Remo’s home studio setup and DIY approach to music production inspired Mukesh to pursue music as a full-fledged career.
Mukesh’s musical background is rooted in classical training from his father, who also taught music at the Kala Academy. He simultaneously learned Western music from Anton Xavier Mendes, which helped him develop a fusion style that blends Indian and Western elements.
Mukesh’s first break came when Mr. Tomazin Cardoso hired him as a music arranger and programmer. Tomazin gave Mukesh the freedom to experiment and create something unique, which resulted in a revolutionary sound in the Konkani music industry. This success paved the way for Mukesh to work on various projects, including films, documentaries, jingles, and theme songs.
Mukesh’s composition and production process involve understanding the theme, choosing the right instruments, and selecting the perfect singer. He enjoys working on various genres, including Indian classical, Western, hip-hop, spiritual, Latin, jazz, and folk. Currently, he’s more focused on folk fusion, which allows him to experiment with traditional Goan sounds.
Mukesh believes that the Goan music scene has progressed significantly, with many talented musicians emerging. However, he also acknowledges the challenges of working with limited budgets and the importance of mixing and mastering in music production.
Mukesh is currently working on Goan folk fusion projects and music for films and documentaries. He enjoys collaborating with other musicians, citing a recent experience with an Assamese singer as a valuable learning opportunity.
Mukesh’s advice to aspiring music composers and producers is to take music seriously, listen to various genres, and strive to create something unique. He emphasizes the importance of professionalism, continuous learning, and preserving one’s cultural heritage.
As the music industry continues to evolve, Mukesh remains open to change and challenges. He believes that embracing new technologies and trends will help the industry bloom to its full potential.
Mukesh Ghatwal’s story is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and creativity in the music industry. As a renowned music composer and producer, he continues to inspire and contribute to the vibrant Goan music scene.
