|
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
Wilfyaab Speaks Heart
|
|
|
|
We can see a celebration through out the year when a person or a firm/organisation
completes 50 golden years of its existence. I was bit surprised when Mr. Lioyd Rego
and Mr. Andrew D'Cunha from Mangaloremithr.com came to me and asked me to write
an Introduction; suddenly I asked them on what subject they want me to write for
them, they insisted being a
celebrity, who completes 50 long years of service to Konkani music.
Is there any time frame for personal and own work? Until die we keep on doing it.
Anybody can put a time table for mothers love and work towards her children? Or
wife's service towards her husband? No she will do it until she can in her life.
People will celebrate her birthdays, marriage anniversaries, silver jubilees, golden
jubilees or any other jubilees but is there any jubilee or celebration for mother’s
restless service towards her children or wife’s service towards her husband? No
everybody considers it is her duty towards her family.
In actual terms I have completed 50 years of composing and singing Konkani songs
3 years ago. In my 14 years age sodality's annual day celebration i sung my first
song in front of the audiences. But at that time all the songs we were singing are
in sinali voice, giving words and tune to the famous Hindi songs, converting them
into Konkani songs and singing in front of the audiences it was the trend of the
time.
In 1959 some talented youths aged between 17 to 20 years joined me and created one
music group and I began to compose songs of my own and started to sing it, so this
way I assume I began to work for the Konkani music and now we have reached the milestone
of 50 years simultaneously I can say I completed 50 years of service towards Konkani
music, this is only for counting purpose not for any sort of celebration. 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. Without having any other profession or regular job in pocket I walked
through 67 years life because of the love and affection of Konkani music lovers.
Because of them only 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 because of them
today i am reached to all Konkani loving people around the world therefore I ever
grateful to them.
17 years of childhood days and 50 years of Konkani music brought me to 67 years.
I cannot guess what is next to me, it seems my health is not in my control, earlier
we were planning one year’s programmes in advance but now it is difficult to think
how it will be tomorrow. Me and Meena my wife, decided to take a retirement from
this profession two years back but due to well wishers request we couldn’t walk
away from the field I think God also was wishing the same.
|
Now my deteriorating health shows that God has changed His mind. Composing music,
singing it or releasing cassettes all these works possible when we are physically
strong. 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.
May God bless you all.
|
|
Wilfy Rebimbus |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
We are very much proud to write a few words about this great son of the Konkani
soil and considerably the Father of Modern Konkani Music.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 more
|
|
|
|
|
At the mere mention of the name of Wilfred Gerald Rebimbus better known as Wilfy
Rebimbus - "The Konkan Kogull", (the nightingale of Konkani) a soothing
musical melody of his song flows and reverberates in the mind of the Konkani music
lover. A genius who is credited with having taken konkanni music to new heights
with his unique compositions and singing style. Wilfy has relentlessly created Konkani
songs with his own music and lyric and has sung them personally casting a magical
spell on the audience.
He is a musician, a lyricist and a singer, all three characters gracefully blended
together in one! It is no wonder that in the Konkani world such a genius has earned
a myriad of titles and honors. In a career spanning about 5 decades, he has written
around two thousand eight hundred of songs and staged more than 245 ‘Wilfy Nights’
and released 50 albums and nealy 500 musical shows of 1 hour 7 C.D.'s, 6 devotional
cassettes, he has gone on air on Mangalore, Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi radios.
Besides he is a renowned Konkani story & concert writer. He has also contributed
songs to Konkani
films.
Wilfiab has completed 50 years of singing. Non stop singing from the past 5 decades.
When we went to meet the singers family it is notisable that physically he looks
tired he is already 67 years old, age is catching up with him but his interest and
dedication towords music is flowing like a river. When I see him I suddenly remembered
the words of great Rabindranath Tagore “Music is the purest form of art... therefore
true poets, they who are seers, seek to express the universe in terms of music...
The singer has everything within him. The notes come out from his very life. They
are not materials
gathered from outside”
50 Years Journey:
Mr. Wilfy Rebimbus is the youngest son of late Landeline Rebimbus and late Magdeline
Mendonca was born on April 2, 1942 , in Mangalore City . He is last one among his
5
siblings.
They are:
1.Late Mrs. Juliana Carvalho. Her family living in Jeppu;
2. Late Gration Rebimbus, Expired in 1982
3.Mrs. Christine Theodore, living with her children in Cascia, Mangalore;
4. Mrs. Annie Miranda, living with her
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
All the 40 albums of Wilfy Rebimbus in one pouch to mark his 50th year of Konkani
Music….
|
By: Richard DSouza
|
|
CLICK HERE FOR MORE REPORT
|
|
|
|
|
|
When we ask him…
|
|
|
|
|
 |
As per as Konkani music is concerned no other persons reached the heights like you.
How was it possible for you to do it? |
|
|
In the age of 17 itself I realized one truth, that is ‘talent of music is there
in my blood’ and the favorable atmosphere at home helped me to nurture my talent.
In addition to that, around the year 1960 Konkani dramas will be played regularly
on the stage and I got an opportunity to compose some songs for the dramas so it
helped me to sharpen my talent. Support of Konkani audience, organizations, my wife
and children have brought me to this height. Nothing compares the love and affection
showered by the people of this land who have made me what I am.
|
|
|
Your beginning in Konkani music and situation of Konkani music of those days? |
|
|
Konkani dramas have given the platform for Konkani music to improve. In the middle
of drama scenes, they were using Konkani songs attuned to Hindi songs and songs
were coordinated according the scenes of the drama. I got a chance to compose songs
which are suitable to the scenes of the drama to be shown in the middle of two scenes.
Gradually dramas by Chapra D’Costa started to display all around and people who
are watching ordinary dramas have not shown much interest in watching Chapra’s good
and popular dramas so to bring back the audiences around the stage I got a chance
to compose and sing some songs.
Situation of Konkani music was not encouraging at that time. Musicians were neither
getting their share of respect nor the remuneration in the society. Even in profession
I am a Technician but the love and affection of Konkani music could not allow me
to go to my profession, even though I faced so many problems during those days like
loan, tension, and all these leads me to alcoholism but nothing stops me to compose
and sing Konkani music songs.
After starting Wilfy nites and production of Konkani music cassettes, some sort
of relief I got from financial side in addition to that I started to give stage
shows in different cities, in Mumbai and in the gulf, by the grace of God financially
I was able to look after my family.
|
|
|
Who inspired you in Konkani music? And what is your opinion about the young Musicians
of the present time? |
|
|
Mr Jerome D’Souza is inspired me to compose music and during the days of flourishing
of my talents, he was coming to Mangalore to organize nights and I was giving him
musical instruments and other things sometimes even I send my musicians to work
for him. He was not showing too intimacy with me but the way he works, his lyrics,
his singing and his presentation I was very much influenced.
Present days we can see radical changes in the Konkani music and new faces arising
in the music industry, I do encourage them to continue the work from where we stopped
it. But in the midst of modernizing the Konkani music, neglecting or insulting the
senior artists or their songs is not good sign for the future of Konkani music.
Well talented and professional musicians are seems to be very less in present day
and we can see so may people are releasing music cassettes or organizing nites with
out having any talent, qualification or professionalism.
|
|
|
Konkani music is getting weaker day by day and when you see some people are stealing
the songs what would be the future for konkani music you think? |
|
|
It is true that now a days Konkani readers, writers, Konkani speaking people and
listeners of Konkani music is deteriorating rapidly, I had a same worry when I was
composing the songs but still Konkani not only exists but expands so Konkani was
there and will be there in future, I cannot see any problem for the years to come.
Even in Konkani music because of piracy and other form of entertainment is available
more easier than this people are showing less interest in buying C D’s or going
for a nite. In the mean time we can not keep quiet, we should try our best to reach
the people.
|
|
|
United Youngsters Association is celebrating its Golden Jubilee; can you give us
some information on this association and future projects? |
|
|
In the year 1960 to give a strength to nites some common minded youths come together
and formed a association called United Youngsters Association. Under this aspiration
of this association wilfy nites were organized and movies also being filmed and
have given consideration for social cause. All the founder members are not alive
now but with the members of new ideas and talents this association is still alive.
We have some future projects in our mind but, due to my ill health and considering
my age it is difficult for me to specify those plans, we are thinking of organizing
some music programmes in the near future along with this there is a book Mrs. Stelly
D’Costa planning to write about my songs and having one website also under consideration.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuing dad’s work is my duty - Vishwas Rebimbus
|
|
|
 |
Wilfy Rebimbus is a familiar name to every Konkani speaking people. From 17 years
of age to 68 years of age, he continuously worked for Konkani music without any
tiredness. At present due to poor health conditions his energy level has received
a beating.
He has lot of plans for the future of Konkani music and to fulfil his dreams he
has a strong support system in the form of his son. When approached Vishwas, his
son said that he will support his to carry on his dad's work and shared some thoughts
about his dad with us. |
|
|
more |
|
|
I am very proud of my dad. His talent, his dedication towards Konkani music, his
professionalism and his concerns, I have been a witness to all of it as I have lived
with him all my life. It is truly an honour for me to be the son of such an icon
of Konkani music. Despite many difficulties he has dedicatedly served music. Yet
some of his dreams are still dreams. He has given me guidance, encouragement and
passed on his love for Konkani from the day I have seen this world and therefore
I feel it is my duty to continue his work from the point where he stopped. It is
also my heartfelt wish for through this I can befittingly honour my father. Konkani
music lovers too expect a lot from me and therefore I will continue to work with
my dad to fulfil his dreams, he said.
Dad has created so many songs and I want to choose and sing some songs which are
untouched so far. I also have plans to present Wilfy Nite with the new concept.
Work is on to bring out the CD of first audio cassette and songs of all the CDs
will be published in the form of a book. We have also plans to develop a website.
Additional songs too will be introduced and sung on stage. Stella D’Costa has written
a book on dad’s songs which will be published on the occasion of Golden Jubilee
Celebrations of United Youngsters Associations. And There are more plans in the
pipeline, he said.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wilfy, the master Konkani song-craftsman
|
|
|
 |
Wilfy, the father of modern Konkani songs, is an inspiration to many like me. I
was born in the same vicinity as Wilfy and grew up listening to his enchanting songs.
Being fond of music and sadly not inheriting the rich treasure of Konkani folk songs
(as my parents were converts), Wilfy's songs were all that we had to quench our
musical thirst and enrich ourselves, culturally. Wilfy was our only hero.As I grew,
my interest in music grew and so did my admiration for Wilfy. But, as I always thought
differently, I preferred to tread my own path rather than imitate his style and
pattern (like so many others after him have done). Due to this, people began to
consider me as his rival.Wilfy is the tallest giant among all the modern Konkani
song makers, both for the quality and the quantity of |
|
|
more |
|
|
|
songs he has composed. If song-crafting is an art, then he is the master craftsman.
None ever comes close to him in the entire Konkani world.I have seen the pains and
hardships he had had to undergo to come to where he is today. The journey has been
arduous, but he never gave up, and he has achieved his unique position, thanks to
his abundant talent and also the support and patronage of people. I thank him for
his unparallelled contribution to Konkani. Congratulate him for all his great achievements.
Wish him health, long life, happiness and pray that he continues to inspire many
like me for generations to come. |
|
- Eric Ozario, Gurkaar Mandd Sobhann, Mangalore |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wilfy's greatness lies in his simplicity
|
|
|
 |
Our friendship dates back to 1965 when we both were pursuing ITI in Jeppu Workshop
in Mangalore. In the year 1967, I got an opportunity to take Wilfy along with me
to Mumbai when Sri Giri’s famous drama “Kalki Rat” was staged in which I was playing
a comedian. He got an opportunity to sing for the drama and beginning from the day
till date our friendhip has been going on strong. Though we had petty fights due
to alcoholism, it was he who determined to come out the habit and inturn encouraged
me too to do so.Wilfy is a very simple man by nature and a good thinker also. His
greatness is witnessed in many songs wherein he has been able to put the right words.
Though today people are aware that he created around 3,000 songs, I would differ
with it and say that he has created three times
|
|
|
more |
|
|
more than that for when Wilfy sets out to create songs he creates three songs and
chooses one out of it. The way he creates songs is very different from others. Before
creating every song he goes deep into the subject and gathers all necessary information,
only after which that he comes out with his songs. That is the reason why his songs
are so special. I still remember, once when we were flying to Gulf, he on knowing
that organisers were gutsy enough to serve pork along with other dishes as it is
not permitted on their soil, created “Hasteliank Hasonk Asa” while on flight.
This is just one example on the things or instances that Wilfy draws inspiration
from. Wilfy is good with good people and has always been ready to help them. But
once he is unhappy with somebody, then it is for life. He will never go back to
the person. The word Wilfy is synonymous with the name United Youngsters. From the
day it was formed he has taken its responsibility and worked for its success all
these years.He lived for Konkani and will continue to live for it. It is Konkani
music that gave him bread and butter and indebted to it he will serve it all his
life. God made him great for he is so simple. |
|
- Dolla, Mangalore |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Golden wishes to the Golden association and to its Golden Hero
|
|
|
 |
Golden wishes to golden association and its golden hero! Hearty congrats to the
‘United Youngsters, Jeppu and their team leader ‘King of Kings of Konkani music,
Wilfy Rebimbus on the occasion of their Golden Jubilee celebration. At the mere
mention of the name of my ‘Sangeeth Guru’ Wilfy Rebimbus, Konkan Kogul, a soothing
musical melody of his song flows and reverberates in the mind of the Konkani music
lover. For the past five decades he has relentlessly created nearly 3,000 Konkani
songs lending both music and lyrics. Further his soulful rendition of the songs
have cast a magical spell on the audience. |
|
|
more |
|
|
Wilfy is a musician, a lyricist and a singer, all three roles gracefully blended
together in one! Wilfy’s every song is a story wrapped in music. Every song has
a distinct message to convey. Every verse expresses an idea and every word contains
a meaning. When Wilfy renders his own songs, his expressions do full justice to
the meaning of the song! Therefore, it is no wonder that in the Konkani world such
a genius has earned a myriad of titles and honours. Wilfy is a man of unbelievable
simple character and down to earth personality.
He likes to encourage the talent in others and help the poor in every way, even
financially. He has founded Gratian Rebimbus Memorial Education Fund and through
this he helps needy and deserving students pursue higher education. He encourages,
teaches and helps the budding artistes and help them hone their skills. Many youngsters
have joined the ‘Wilfy Group’ and in turn enriched their musical talents. ‘Wilfy
Rebimbus’ is not just a name, he is an institution in himself! |
We wish ‘United Youngsters’ and their super hero’, Wilfy Rebimbus all the success
in their future endeavours. Long live ‘Konkan Kogul’ Wilfy Rebimbus! Long live United
Youngsters!
|
|
- Gerry D Mello, Bendur |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wilfy Rebimbus – An Institution!
|
|
|
 |
An institution called Wilfy Rebimbus completed 50 long years of service in Konkani
World. What an achievement, what an accomplishment and what a history of its own
kind! About 50 years ago Wilfy began to compose his own songs and sing it in front
of the Konkani and Konkani music lovers. He has a magnetic charm– his words attracted
listeners and raised their eyebrows. People gathered in huge numbers at the Don
Bosco Hall in Mangalore just to listen to his mind boggling songs. These songs and
music travelled all over the Konkani World and for any programme like wedding, First
Holy Communion, picnic and gatherings. Wilfy’s songs became a must to sing and dance
and also very popular. Young kids, youth and elderly loved his music and lyrics
and were seen dancing to the tune of his music.
|
|
|
more |
|
|
Today, we can see hundreds of his followers, walking on his steps with their own
Konkani songs all over Konkani World. He was an inspiration, leader and a challenger
to these youngsters, who rose above the crowd to become a singer, composer and musician.
Nobody can even dream about beating his record in Konkani. His love, sacrifice,
dedication and determination to write, compose and sing songs to houseful crowds
took him to the top of the mountain. He is the king of Konkani songs and there is
no doubt about it in the minds of Konkani speaking people all around the world.
In his songs, Wilfy covered every sphere of life, culture, religion, tradition,
great people, etc. His thoughts are like sand on the ocean shore– countless. With
the help of his wife Meena, Wilfy created records by setting high standard. Even
I wanted to become junior Wilfy during my younger days and composed 35 songs which
were sung by Bendurites during my youth days!
Wilfy is my hero and I want to salute him today for his greatness as a humble person–
a friend of all generation and a lover of young and old. Long live Wilfy and his
Konkani songs!
|
|
- Austin Prabhu, Chicago - USA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
Wedding Celebration of Wilfy - Meena |
|
|
 |
|
Wilfys first cassette recording at Manipal |
|
|
 |
|
Wilfys music group with Upendra Kumar
|
|
|
 |
|
50th Nite, 26 january 1981
|
|
|
 |
|
100th Wilfy Nite-Babita, Meena and Wilfy
|
|
|
 |
|
1988- Wilfy, Meena and George Fernandes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name :
Gilbert Serrao,
Location :
Valencia, Mangalore
|
|
‘Wilfyaab’, no words are enough to describe your contribution, dedication, humor, entertainment and sacrifices that you have given to the society whether they were Hindu, Muslim or Christians in Mangalore or all over the world and your name is always there on their lips, heart, soul and mind. Every song of yours is a story and has a theme and a lesson. You fit the definition of “Think Original”. Your composition, tunes and singing is unique and unparalleled. We are thankful to God for giving us such a wonderful artiste who has been part of our daily life and responsible for the paradigm shift in konkani music. Every artist suffers in his life time to achieve the best and you have faithfully done everything you can, saying tomorrow could be better and there you go. You were kind and humble to the people and you have opened their minds and you remained as a inner voice to many. I wish you all the best and good health. Your family, friends and the well wishers are the strength and pride of your career. Happy Birthday ‘Wilfyaab’, May God bless you always.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name :
CGS,
Location :
Valencia,Mangllur
|
|
Xekddeantlo Mahan Konkani Kovi,Podam Ghodpi,Gaupi,
Sangitkar,Kannio Borovpi,Natakist Konkani Maecho
Suputr Konkan Kogull WILFY GERALD REBIMBUS,hannim
aplo 68-vo zolma divos acharoon korchea hea suvallear
tankam Bhagi,Sukhi,Sontosbhorit,khuxalbhorit Zolma
Divos magtam.Sorv Podvedar Dev tankam rakum,samballum atam ani sodanch!
|
|
|
|
Name :
Rohan Pinto,
Location :
Kuwait |
Dear CGS. Dev barem karum. I remember reading Wilfys Umallo edited by you. Why cant you give new life this Umallo. Wishing happy birthday to Wilfy and we would like to hear more and more songs from Wilfy. Thanking mangaloremithr for great work.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|