In a dazzling event organised by Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA), led by Hilary Stevan Rego in its 30th year of inception, Sabita Mathias from UAE and Clement Fernandesfrom Qatar were crowned winners of the 6th season of the prestigious GCC-level Konkani singing contest Gulf Voice of Mangalore. The grand finale held amid a huge gathering on Friday, November 9 from 2 pm onwards at the Sabah Al Salem Theatre, Kuwait University Campus, Khaldiya.
Teena D'Souza from Bahrain and Christelle Pinto from Qatar were adjudged first and second runners-up respectively in the female category, while Shelton Pinto from Kuwait and AensonMathias from UAE bagged the second and third places, respectively, in the male category.
The event started with prayer and welcome song by previous GVOM winners followed by introduction by MC Deepak Andrade. The event was formally inaugurated by lighting of the lamp by Chief Guest Austin D’Souza Prabhu, KCWA’s Spiritual Director Fr. Noel D’Almeida, KCWA President Stevan Rego, GVOM Founder Lawrence Pinto, Walter Nandalike Managing Director of Daijiworld, GVOM Season 6 Convener Steevan Misquith and event sponsors Naveen Ranjith D’Souza of Keentech Electrical & Contracting Co., and Mahesh Nayak & Mohandas Salian of LandTrades builders & Developers Mangaluru.
President Stevan Rego welcomed the guests, sponsors, and audience on behalf of KCWA. To remember the event for life, a souvenir was released during the event after the cake was cut to mark the 30-year celebration of KCWA. Tributes were paid to GVOM founder, the late Louis Rodrigues, and 2008 finalist the late Dolphy Vaz.
Leslie Rego, the master compere entered the stage soon after the GVOM theme song with dance from kids amid live music. Judges of the event Melwyn Peris, Joyce Ozario, Alwyn Noronha and Cajetan Dias were introduced and judging files were handed over by Steevan Misquith. Finalists were called on to stage accompanied by kids who handed over flowers to all finalists. With his signature mix of great poise, style and wit, Leslie took charge of the entire competition, keeping the audience engaged throughout. The first round consisted of songs chosen by the singers, for which they had prepared well in advance, followed by performances in chord round as per judges choice.
After two rounds that thoroughly tested the prowess of the contestants, four each from male and female categories made it to the third and final round. They were Gloria D'Souza of Kuwait, Sabitha Mathias of UAE, Christle Pinto of Qatar, TeenaD'Souza of Bahrain in the female category; and Qatar's Clement Fernandes, Kuwait's Shelton Pinto, UAE's Aenson Mathias, Bahrain's Anugraha D'Souza in male category. For the final round a common song was given to the contestants in each of the categories
The winners were crowned and felicitated in the presence of Dr.Austin D'Souza Prabhu, Walter Nandalike, Mahesh Nayak, Lawrence Pinto, Fr Noel Almeida, core committee members of KCWA, and GVOM Season 5 winners Robin Sequeira and Joylene Gonsalves.
Dr. Austin Prabhu was bestowed 'Konkan Karavali Veer' title by KCWA for his enormous service to Konkani language, culture and society. Elias Sanctis was honored for his support to KCWA and GVOM – 6. In a note of gratitude, KCWA thanked philanthropist and NRE entrepreneur Ronald Colaco for extending strong support to Gulf Voice of Mangalore Season-6.
Event Sponsors Naveen Ranjith D’Souza of Keentech Electrical & Contracting Co. Kuwait and Land Trades builders & Developers Mangaluru were honored by Fr. Noel D’Almeida and Walter Nandalike
GVOM Season - 6 convener Steeven Misquith delivered vote of thanks. Sponsors, finalists, musicians, organizing countries, Daijiworld, Radio Daijiworld, judges and compere were felicitated with mementos. Linette D’Souza conducted GVOM – 6 Quiz Mega Draw. During the course of the event, a WhatsApp contest sponsored by Unimoni was held for the audience, Three top winners were presented attractive prizes.
Event sponsors of GVOM were Land Trades Builders and Developers, Mangaluru and Keentech Electrical & Contracting Co Kuwait
Main sponsors of the event were Vermont Builders & Promoters and Bliss Signature Professional Unisex Salon.
Gold sponsors Caesars Group of Restaurants, Al-Rathat Est, and Crown Logistics Co.
Pearl Sponsors Unimoni Exchange, United Steel Factory.
Silver sponsors Khorafi Plastic Industries Co, Al-Habshi Est, Al-Diyab Mohd Haji Est, Golden Line Construction Materials Co, Khalil Bahman & Partners, Royal tech Electrical & Contracting Co. And TVS Hyder Group.
Travel Partner- Jet Airways