Panaji: Konkani has long been the language of Goan music, expressed through traditional forms like dhalo, mando, and kantar, and finding devotional voice in hymns and Bhakti geet. It has also embraced ghazals and rap songs. Now, a 27-year-old from Vasco has given a completely new musical expression to Konkani words.
Nawab Gaffar Shaikh: A Unique Fusion
Nawab Gaffar Shaikh, a singer with a Bachelor of Science degree in geography, has adapted Konkani lyrics to the tune of a qawwali. His recent performance surprised famous Indian fadista Sonia Shirsat, who was taken aback by the innovative blend.
The idea was first pitched by All Goa Catholic Association president Cyril Fernandes, who suggested using Konkani lyrics in a Sufi song. Nawab's singing talent was discovered by a school teacher when he was just 10 years old. Following the teacher's advice, his parents began his training with guru Sharad Mathkar in Indian classical music.
Musical Journey and Inspiration
Nawab has been part of the Marathi band Nishad Creation and also sings for Kutumb, a band with which he performs Bollywood and Konkani songs. He has sung many Konkani songs at various events. However, when Cyril Fernandes proposed creating a Konkani Sufi song, Nawab asked for time, went back, and thought about it.
After much contemplation, Nawab selected words from M Boyer's song that he felt resonated most with Goa today. The lyrics say: 'Goa pokrun bhitorlean ritem, magir goemkarancho fudar amcho kitem' (If Goa is dug hollow today, what does the future hold for Goans?). He set these lyrics to the tune of Adnan Sami's qawwali 'Bhar Do Jholi'. He first sang it for Cyril Fernandes and, after some brainstorming, made changes and performed it at the Catholic Association event 'Goem ani Goemkarponn'.
Creating a New Musical Expression
With a foundation in Indian classical music and familiarity with the roots of qawwali, Nawab was able to create this new musical expression in Konkani. He emphasized that the message was about Goans standing together and working for their future. Although the original song is very fast-paced and he was initially skeptical about how people would receive it, he was pleasantly surprised by the audience's appreciation at the event.
This fusion of Konkani lyrics with qawwali music represents a fresh direction for Goan music, blending traditional and contemporary elements to convey a powerful message of unity and hope for the future of Goa and its people.
