Konkani Music

O’LUV RODRIGUES

Fresh from his recent successes, in Amsterdam and then here, upcoming singer Olavo Rodrigues a steady climber in the popularity charts, it is his ‘Konkani Pop’ that has really caught the pulse of the younger crowd. Here is a vocalist who works hard to bring in the crowds. Progressively improving, and constantly re-inventing, the man has us humming his tunes and will probably be doing so for the coming generation too. Olavo’s last performance at the ‘Rain or Shine, Konkani Rocks’ concert in Panaji was a huge success where belted out hits got the crowds lively, and singing along in high spirits. Prior to that it was another big triumph at the ‘International Jazz Festival’, Amsterdam where a 2000 strong crowd made of locals and Goans from all over Europe were charmed by the singer kicking off in a Dutch song. It was a tribute show to music legend ‘Chris Perry’ on September 27 and 29 followed by travel to Doha for another gig “World Goa Day 2011”. From then on it is a regular stream of work until Amsterdam again next year for the 2012 jazz festival. Olavo Rodriguez (also known as O’luv), a name synonymous with Konkani pop, is also the pioneer of pop music in Goa. Discovered by the celebrated late Chris Perry, O’luv knew he was meant to be a musician from an early age. He started singing at local competitions at a tender age of seven and his quest for performing with a winning streak was never diminished. O’luv participated in various Singing Competitions until senior Goan tiatrist Alfred Rose, organized a competition where O’luv won the opportunity to lend his voice for Rose’s album but the album was shelved for unknown reasons and by the time he was called upon for the album’s production, O’luv had already moved on to greater avenues by doing albums produced by M/s Dinfa Productions and performing at popular musical shows. Renowned Chris Perry had organized a talent contest where O’luv bagged the winner’s trophy and was offered a chance to sing in Chris Perry’s upcoming album as well as to perform at his live shows across Goa. This boosted O’luv’s morale and he continued to perform for audiences while honing his singing and guitar playing skills under the torch of the great musician Perry himself. O’luv stands apart from the other range of musicians in Goa with his ability to make sweet music from a self-made contraption, a combination of a mere comb and a piece of paper. The sound that emerges bears an uncanny resemblance to that of a saxophone. This is O’luv’s signature move to enthrall the audience and is an instant and distinct crowd stunner. His first professional album ‘Poilo Kiss’ produced by Chris Perry propelled him to the topmost category of Goan singers and all his songs were instant hits. His very first pop album ‘Kor Kantar’ produced by Jess Louis catapulted him to greater heights and his songs would regularly broadcasted all over the radio. This also gave him the momentum to perform at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in 2004 and the Food Festival, both events held in Goa. After Kor Kantar, there was no looking back for this Wonder Boy and he went on to do more amazing works such as Hey Hey Moga, Feliz Natal, Ooh Vah Veh and the recent Baby You’re My Love, having had the privilege to work with legendary greats like Lorna, Sudesh Bhosle and Sadhana Sargam. Musicians of international repute have acclaimed his albums including well-known members of the Bollywood fraternity. In his article in the Navhind Times- Goa’s local daily, talented tiatrist and journalist John Gomes quoted that O’luv is Chinchinim’s precious gift to the Konkani stage’. In 2007, he also featured in his first Bollywood venture “Damaad Ke Intezaar Mein” and worked as the lead protagonist playback singer. In addition, he recorded the theme for the Asia-Pacific Conference on pro-life titled ‘Hail Human Life’, which was praised by domestic and international delegates alike. April 2010 saw the change in avatar for O’luv and he performed his first live pop show in Margao. Seen as one of Goa’s greatest Pop Artists, O’luv is an inspiration to the new wave of pop artists emerging out of Goa. This honor and tribute, however, has humbled him and he continues to train under Joaquim D’Souza till date.