Dubai: The long wait of the Konkani community of Jebel Ali, Dubai came to an end at 7.30 pm on Thursday, Feb 1, with the staging of the mega show ‘KONKAN DABAZO- 2018’ – A fun filled Konkani entertainment programme consisting of dances, comedy skits and live music. The programme was organized by Jebel Ali Assisi Konkani Community (JAKC), at the Parish hall of St. Francis of Assisi Church, Jebel Ali, UAE.
The program was kicked off with an introduction by Nisha Sequeira followed by a prayer dance by the children of JAKC. President of JAKC, Roydon Roche welcomed the gathering and spoke about the various activities of JAKC with the key objective of promoting Konkani language and culture. He thanked the audience for gathering in large numbers and invited them to enjoy the evening. This was followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp by Fr. Maxim Cardoza (Assistant Parish Priest and Spiritual Director of JAKC), Michelle Passanha (Chairperson of the Parish council), the event main sponsor Ivan Fernandes and co-sponsors Michael D’Souza and Clement Lobo.
Fr. Reinhold Sahner, Parish Priest addressed the gathering and highlighted the various contributions of the JAKC and how much he was delighted to be a part of the community. He blessed the event and wished them success. Spiritual Director of JAKC Fr. Maxim in his message spoke about promoting the Konkani language, culture and the hidden talents of the community and stressed upon safeguarding it for the future generation. He too wished success for the event. The event sponsors were then felicitated by JAKC.
JAKC also honored and felicitated a young cricketer Namita D’Souza (Daughter of Mark and Janet D’Souza) for her achievements in sports and for being selected for UAE’s women’s cricket team. She was honored with a memento by the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Reinhold.
The cultural programme began with the theme song ‘Dabazo’ sung by the members of JAKC which laid the perfect foundation for the event. Renowned MC Vernon D’Souza from Dubai kept the show going with his unique style of compering and good sense of humor by introducing every artiste, song and joke including the Konkani quiz to the audience. Vernon was supported by JAKC’s own MC, Nisha Sequeira.
The live band swayed the audience to their melodious music by playing popular Konkani songs with the band lineup consisting of Patrick Pereira on the lead guitar, Deepak Machado on the keyboard, Chris Menezes on Bass guitar, and Fred Roshan on the drums. Joyson D’Souza coordinated the band and also accompanied them on the drums.
Comedy skits were enacted by well-known actors of Dubai Joel, Joylene, Royston (Konkan Tharam, Dubai) and JAKC artists. The audience’s laughter resonated in the fully occupied hall with the various skits. The skits were supported with background music by Frankith.
A dance was performed by ‘Ocean Kids’ from Dubai and from JAKC artistes (adults and children) which added color and glamour to the melody of songs and were hugely appreciated. The dances of the JAKC members were choreographed by Azeem Khan.
Broadway Event Management provided the sounds and lighting for the event.
Roshan Chacko proposed the vote of thanks.
JAKC members along with the live band set the tempo with the hugely popular non-stop Mando and Baila to the delight of the crowd and there was no looking back as the mood just got better and better. The evening concluded with boisterous young and old dancing to their hearts content with beautiful memories to cherish for long.
The event came to a close with a family dinner.
