FANFARE MARKS KONKANI MUSIC AWARDS NIGHT.

The first global Konkani music awards function organised by Konkani cultural organisation Mandd Sobhann at Kalaangann near here on sunday,saw the spotlight fall on three Goans-- Akshada Talaulikar,Lawry Travasso and Dilip Kashinath Vaze.

Talaulikar was declared best female singer,Lawry won the best male singer and Dilip walked away with the best composer award.Local boy Wilson Sequeira of Kateel was declared the best lyricist.Album 'Swadik Soad' produced by Alwyn Sequeira and arranged by Praveen Duth Stephen won the best album award.

The awardees,among three nominees in each of the above five categories,recieved a bronze trophy designed by Jagadish Ammunje and Rs 25,000 in cash.The awards were presented by the singer Usha Uthup.

Notable was the absence of 'Konkani Kogul' Wilfy Rebimbus who could not make it to the function to receive the lifetime achievement award due to ill health.The lifetime award carried cash of Rs 1 lakh, a gold medal and a trophy.

Eric Ozario, gurkar of Mandd Sobhann,Louis J Pinto,president,Roy CastelinoR,entrepreneur,and Henry D'Souza,Bishop of Bellary Diocese conferred the award on Rebimbus.