Doyen of Konkani Music World Wilfy Rebimbus fades away

Report by: Nina Rai

Mangalore : 09 March, 2010 The name Wilfy Rebimbus will undoubtedly ring a bell in every true-blue Konkani music buffs heart, those who have been regaled with his melodious voice for more than half a century. He was in-fact a living legend of Konkani Music World, a master of lyrics and tunes. Sadly no longer will this sweet voice be ever heard live again, as the doyen of Konkani folk music passed away into eternity, after a prolonged illness at Fr Mullers hospital here today, Tuesday March 09 at around 11 am.

The Konkani Kogul (Konkani Nightingale) as Wilfy Rebimbus was affectionately called, completed more than 50 years of composing and singing Konkani songs 3 years ago. He began singing at the tender age of 14 years age at the Sodality's Annual day celebration, wherein he sang his first Konkani song in front of a live audience. However, at that point in time all the songs by the band singers were sung in a ‘sinali’ voice, that is giving words and tune to the famous Hindi songs and converting them into Konkani songs. And later singing those songs in front of the audiences, which was the in-thing at the time.

By 1959, some talented youngsters between the ages of 17 to 20 years joined him and created one music group. After which he began to compose songs on his own and started to sing it. Thus in this way he began to work for the Konkani music finally reaching the milestone of 50 years, and simultaneously also completing 50 years of service towards Konkani music. In his own humble way he said recently “First of all I Praise and thank Almighty God for giving me the opportunity to work for Konkani music world in last 67 years with good health, good family life, peace of mind and dedication to work to achieve my goal. When I start to thank any individuals, one book is not enough to write their names and thank them,” he added gratefully.

It must be said about him that without having any other profession or regular job to fall back on he sailed through 67 years of his life through singing Konkani songs. He also began doing stage shows in different cities, in Mumbai and in the Gulf and thus became financially secure. As he often said “Because of the love and affection of Konkani music lovers and largely due to them only, that today I am able to raise my family and have a decent life. So I have to be grateful to all Konkani music lovers and well wishers. Due to them I have reached out to all Konkani loving people around the world, therefore I am ever grateful to them.”

All his life he had been composing music, singing songs and releasing cassettes. But unfortunately since last few years he had not been keeping the best of health. As a result he and his wife Meena decided to take a sabbatical from this profession two years ago. However, due to well wishers request he could not walk away totally from the field of their endeavor which was music and singing. So just before his end came, he has been singing randomly on and off. In fact had said in a recent interview “If the God permits me to improve my health and allow me to live for some more years I will continue to work towards the betterment of Konkani music by considering it is a bonus time given by God to me.” Unfortunately that was not to be and the beloved of Konkani music lovers Wilfy Rebimbus left for the heavenly abode, to be missed by multitude of his fans. However, he will forever be remembered for the wonderful Konkani songs belted out by him for more than half a century.

Funeral Details:

United Youngsters to oversee Wilfy Remimbus funeral

The onus of tackling the funeral arrangements as also supervising the final journey of the late Konkani singing icon Wilfy Remimbus, has been taken over by United Youngsters, inform sources here on Wednesday, March 10.

As per details given out by their volunteers, the mortal remains of Wilfy Rebimbus will be brought directly from Fr Muller Hospital to Jeppu Seminary ground at 2.00 pm on Thursay March 11, 2010. From 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm, the body will be kept for public viewing. This is to enable his numerous fans, well-wishers, colleagues and general to have a last glimpse and also for them to pay their last respects to their beloved Konkani Kogul.

The funeral mass will begin at 4.00 pm, in which Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza will be the main celebrant. Fr Victor Machado of Jeppu Seminary will deliver homily. After the mass, there will be short condolence addresses from Fr Denis D'Sa, Dr Edward Nazareth and Leslie Rego. This will be followed by burial at Jeppu church cemetery.

Thousands of people are expected for the funeral. They will not only be from in and around Mangalore Diocese, but also from all over India and abroad. Wilfy Rebimbus has a huge fan following. Already seating arrangements for more than 5,000 people have been made by the United Youngsters volunteers, who have taken care to oversee that all the arrangements are picture perfect. Many of Rebimbus fans and well-wishers from abroad are also expected to arrive before the funeral, inform United Youngster members. From the overwhelming condolences and outpourings of grief from all over, it is obvious that Wilfy Rebimbus will be sorely missed. He is and will remain an icon, who will always remembered for his melodious voice and soulful singing. He will in-fact be etched in the memory of every Konkani loving person and will be sorely missed.

May God grant eternal peace to his soul - A humble tribute from Mangaloremithr Team.

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Pearl of Mangalore - Nightingale of Konkann: Wilfy Rebimbus

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USER COMMENTS

Name : Adolf Jayathilak, Location : Qatar	Date : 03/11/2010
I grew up listening to his songs… I became a so called ‘singer’ singing his songs… As a friend, a guide, a mentor he has been an inspiration in my life With his song in our hearts, I feel…. “He has gone but has never left us ”

Name : prakash shet, namma tv mangalore, Location : India	Date : 03/11/2010
We are missing one nightingale of konkann" Konkan Kogul no more…. Unbelieveable……great loss to Konkani world…… May his soul Rest In Peace.

Name : kundapur, Location : India	Date : 03/11/2010
Wilfy Rebimbus has left a golden mark in the history of undevided Dakshina Kannada. His contributions to Konkani will be ever remembered. May his soul rest in peace and let his loved ones get gods blessings to bear the loss. Gracie Vaz and family Kundapur

Name : Rashmi D Souza, Canara Homes, Location : India	Date : 03/10/2010
Dear Meena aunty family Please accept our heartfelt condolences. It s a sad news that Wilfy uncle is no more. We have lost a genius, soft spoken, humble, unmeasurerable legend of all times. May his soul rest in peace. missing u forever.

Name : Chicago, Illinois. USA, Location : United states of america	Date : 03/10/2010
I am very sad to hear the loss of a great icon. i grew up in india listening his music and after 24 yrs in america , to this day i could still remember some of the songs i heard and i listened whille i was growing up. i have no words to express my feelings and how i felt when heard his passing. i will always remember him in my heart.

Name : Thomas Felix Castelino, Mangalore, Location : India	Date : 03/10/2010
Wilfyab, nobody expected nthat you would leave us so soon. Your memory will no goi from our hearts for ever. You have satisfied all of us, the Mangalore Catholic Community, specially Konkani speaking people, here in Mangalore and all over the world, by you so many Wilfy Nights, songs thousands of them, and t5he Albums. When we play your CDs and DVDs we will shed tears, remering your good heart, soft sopken nature and and human kind. We will not find or meet very soon a person like you who had dedicated your 50 or more years of your life for the Society by your meaninmgful songs. Your every song has deep meaning and lesson filled in. Thanks be to God for giving us in our midst. May the Almighty God grant peace to your soul. R.I.P.

Name : Simon Francis Lasrado,Bangalore, Location : India	Date : 03/10/2010
Very very shocking news to hear the sudden demise of Wilfy Rebimbus It is a great loss to the entire konkani community worldwide Our heartfelt condolences to Meena Vishwas Veena and rest of the family May his soul rest in peace God give his bereaved family strength and courage to bear this great loss. RIP Wilfy With grief Simon Lasrado family Bangalore

Name : Carol Martis, Location : Kuwait	Date : 03/10/2010
Love Lasts beyond a lifetime, it lives forevermore…. A timeless flowing in the heart, like waves upon the shore…. And like the tide that comes And goes, hoping that you find, While memories of your loved one grow, the sadness fades behind May the thoughts of those who care, Comfort Rebimbus family during This time of sorrow May his soul rest in peace Konkan Kogul' no more…. Unbelieveable……great loss to Konkani world…… Deepest sympathies from Carol Martis and family 9.3.2010

Name : Joseph, Mumbi, Location : India	Date : 03/10/2010
The sad demise of legend Konkan Kogul is rude shock to all of us. No body can fill his place. No boday can step into his shoes. He had served konkani maatha for more than five decades. He has gave us rich gift of konkani songs and articles and we konkani peoples are highly indebted to him. May his soul rest in peace and may the lord bless give strength to Meenabai, Vishwas, Veena and family members to bear the loss.

Name : sudarshan .maindan, Location : Afghanistan	Date : 03/10/2010
god bless wilfy.

Name : Sr. Jane, Orisaa, Location : India	Date : 03/09/2010
Very sad news. It is a great loss to our community. We shall miss those lovely lyrics and tunes. God give him eternal peace.

Name : Vijay Demello, Location : India	Date : 03/09/2010
Our one and only star has left us, we may never ever have any one sing like him, his songs have become a part of every family and thier memories to thier occasions when people used to sing and play his music The legend is no more May his soul rest in peace

Name : Philip D Souza, Bangalore, Location : India	Date : 03/09/2010
Nice Article, Happy to see about stanitas talant. Gud Luck

Name : P. Archibald Furtado, Muscat - Barkur, Location : Oman	Date : 03/09/2010
LEGENDARY WILFY LIVING IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER Once the shocking news saying ‘Konkan Kogul Wilfy Remimbus ceases to sing’ flashed in ‘Daiji world’ this morning, it unfolded innumerable feelings at one time, mostly with almost all Konkani lovers. There are many Konkani speaking populace who hardly read any books or literature in Konkani but surely we can vouch there will be none who have not heard of Wilfy’s songs For us Barkurian’s Wilfy the ultimate ‘King of Konkani Songs and Voice’. Yes our heart and soul would like to cherish those countless melodious numbers. But Wilfy you are matchless and unparallel, extremely enviable blend, both in composing and singing and coming to presenting them on stage, its a committed perfection – you are the one and only capable of filling the full stage, of any magnitude, that too anywhere in the Konkani world, in terms of your extreme dedication, class in every song you choose, with that gifted voice inbuilt in a towering personality, with authority It is early 80’s we come close to you in Mumbai. St. Peter’s Catholic Association Barkur – Mumbai SPCYA had that proud privilege to sponsor full packed record Wilfy Nite at St. Mary’s Hall, Mazgaon, thereafter it’s the turn of St. Peters Association SPA to invite you thrice at ultra modern Bhaidas Maganlal Auditorium at Vile Parla……all grand shows. Then in Brahmmavar in aid of Barkur Church renovation Fund, then never forgetting ICYM – Silver Jubilee Finale at Barkur Church open ground on Christmas Day in the year 2002, in the presence of all time record spectators. Last three decades you are at the zenith of your fame as a live performer, and during this period, we are fortunate to have you and your troupe midst of us more than a dozen occasions. The last we witnessed the Wilfy Nite at ‘Makkala Mantapa, Brahmmavar’, organized by our own ‘The Expressions Group’ in December 2007, to the full entertainment of more than couple of thousand admirers. The Wilfy’s musical ocean full of passion, love, punch, expression, appeal, moral with modulating expertise Yes out of every 10 songs you composed, might have sung one by yourselves and the rest of the nine for others…….you are the only one, groomed and trained scores of artists, singers for us…… We consider Wilfy Remimbus as a ‘versatile genius’ with so many unique facets – a dramatist, story writer, composer, musician, in one man, dedicated more than 50 years to Konkani culture both as an addition and as a service and thereby earning a livelihood Any amount praise is surely an understatement, yesterday the living legend and now onwards ‘great legend’ long live this voice, for years to come and beyond……….Wilfy Remimbus will not be there physically, but we always remember you many times, everyday, because you and your songs become part of our busy life, at times gives us a sacred healing, and many a times smile, happiness in this so called modern uncomfortable and confused world. We pray to Almighty Lord to grant the departed soul rest in eternal peace and strength to his beloved wife and children – ek adarsh sangeeth kutam to bear this irreparable loss. On behalf of Barkur on line Team ICYM Barkur Ex Members Association, P. Archibald Furtado, Muscat – 09th March, 2010.

Name : Alwyn pinto Mangalore, Location : India	Date : 03/09/2010
The legend is no more,The death of Konkan kogul We lost a Precious Pearl of the Earth.he touched every konkani hearts with meaningful songs with beautiful Music.May God almighty grant eternal peace to his soul. heartfelt condolness to his family members.

Name : Edward D souza, Bangalore , Location : India	Date : 03/09/2010
I am speechless and shocked to hear about the demise of great personality ‘Konkan Kogul’ Mr Wilfy Rebimbus. Konkani and Tulu community has lost a strong pillar who has lightened hearts of millions through his Konkani and Tulu songs. We condole his sad demise and offer sympathies to his wife, children and dear near ones.

Name : Austin Prabhu, Chicago, Location : United states of america	Date : 03/09/2010
I have no words to express as I shocked to read this sadest news of my life after my parents. May his soul rest in peace and may God Almighty grant Meena, Veena, Vishwas and their family members enough strength to bear this great loss. Konkani World lost a legend

Name : Thomas F Lewis , Location : United kingdom	Date : 03/09/2010
I Shocked to hear the sad news of our KONKAN KOGUL We lost a storng pillar of konkani songs.Wilfy may not sing personaly anymore,but his sons will be remberd for ever. The legend is no more, long live wilfy in the hearts mind of konkan people. our heartfelt condolances to his whole family, My his soul rest in peace.

Name : Victor Rodrigues, Angelore, Location : India	Date : 03/09/2010
The death of ‘Konkan Kogul’ Wilfy Rebimbus is a great loss to “Konkani singing world”. I pray for the repose of his soul and offer condolences to his family members.

Name : stephen Lewis Barkur, Location : India	Date : 03/09/2010
Tuja sangeetan amka santos matr nai jiniyek bharvoso dila kedinch visarche na tuje navm

Name : Fr Ronald Cutinha Fr Pius F. Pinto, Samanvaya, Mangalore, Location : India	Date : 03/09/2010
In the death of ‘Konkan Kogul’ Mr Wilfy Rebimbus, the Konkani world has lost a strong pillar of Konkani songs. We feel that this void cannot be filled immediately. We condole his sad demise and offer sympathies to his wife, children and dear near ones.

Name : Maxim Moodubelle, Location : India	Date : 03/09/2010
Shocking news. A great loss to Konkani Music World. May his soul Rest In Peace.

Name : Anil John Karvallo, Basrur, Abu Dhabi, Location : India	Date : 03/09/2010
Very Sad news. May his soul rest in peace. And heartful condolence to his family members.