Among the eight exceptional music artists handpicked for the B-side Music Production Residency programme, ‘Discokid’, a Goa-based musician will be performing at the Serendipity Arts Festival 2023.  The 11-day workshop concluded in Olaulim recently and was organised by the Serendipity Arts Foundation. The eight artists namely Dzerouengmit Lepcha, Fatima Hakeen (Discokid), Lenix Lobo, Hasan Shahrukh, Govi, Ashel Unger, Rushaki Ghosh and Medhaj Dempo, delved deep into the intricacies of music production using Ableton Live, a digital audio workstation during the residency, which formally culminated on October 20. The residency was mentored by industry experts, including Jay Pei, Megha Balani, SHFT and Puneesh Suri. Fatima Hakeen aka ‘Discokid’ is a musician and producer based out of Goa and has been featured in well-known online music shows like Mixmag Goa and Worldwide FM. Over the eleven-day intensive program, the participants explored a myriad of techniques, from working with audio clips and MIDI basics to advanced production methods, honing their skills and collectively broadening their creative horizons. “Each participant brings a unique flavour to the table: from Dzerouengmit Lepcha’s soulful melodies to Discokid’s groovy beats, Lenix Lobo’s experimental sounds and Govi’s fusion of Carnatic vocals with indie and alternative genres. Hasan Shahrukh, with his expertise in […]

*A week long celebration of all things Goan announced in collaboration with Goa Tourism Department* Airbnb in collaboration with the Goa Tourism Department, launches ‘Rediscover Goa’, a week-long celebration of Goa’s vast cultural diversity beyond its beaches and dazzling nightlife. Cultre, a creative and cultural enterprise that seeks to promote India’s pluralistic cultural heritage through content, products and experiences has been onboarded as the knowledge partner to help curate the experiences and bring to life all things Goan. … The ‘Rediscover Goa’ celebration will take place from December 12-18, and will offer 20+ specially curated unique Airbnb Experiences hosted by local experts highlighting the eclectic culture, rich heritage, musical traditions, culinary delicacies and thriving landscapes of Goa across the Northern and Southern districts of the state. … This week-long celebration of Goa and its culture aims to highlight how the state’s inherited traditions and cultural legacy form the basis of Goan living even in this day and age. The experiences will not only let one indulge in the many bounties of Goa but also help engage with the vibrant local culture. The existing pockets of lesser-known curiosities that make Goa unique will now be accessible for all enthusiasts to experience. […]

The heat is intense but it’s the time of the year that seasonal fruits are available in plenty Seasonal fruits are popular among locals in Goa, especially during the summer. With the popularity of social media, these summer fruits are searched on Google and tracked down in the markets. This has increased demand and has caused the prices to go up. Mangoes, the king of fruits, have always been the favourite. The ‘Mankurad’ is so superior that in the Panaji market, people spent about Rs 4,000 a dozen after the mangoes came to the markets in March. The rates have stabilised but ask the elders around and they’d say, “People would give them to us for a song (free). We never had to think twice before buying Mankurad mangoes but today it’s out of the common man’s reach.” Raw mangoes are coveted too. Used for pickles, preservatives and to go along with urrack with some salt and chilli, the markets are flooded with raw mangoes. ‘Panne’ is a cooler made from raw mangoes. Fresh tender cashews (bibbe) are used in various recipes. These cashews are plucked and peeled to get tender cashews. A favourite of Goans, there’s so much joy […]

A 60-member choir will perform Palestrina’s compositions along with Goan Lenten hymns SHERYL GONSALVES Polyphony, a complex style of music, was almost lost in the 16th century. Goa now has the chance to hear it, preserved through the work of Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, the Italian Renaissance composer credited with safeguarding polyphony in the Church. “This style was almost abandoned as composers adapted it for secular music and church authorities felt sacred texts became hard to follow when sung in multiple voices,” says the Director of the Western Music Department at Kala Academy, Goa and Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Fr. Romeo Monteiro. He adds that Palestrina’s Missa Papae Marcelli was a turning point. “Its harmony impressed the cardinals, who recognised its importance and preserved it for posterity.” The upcoming ‘Concerts of Sacred Music’, a personal initiative by Fr. Monteiro for spiritual purposes, will showcase 60 singers and musicians. The programme includes Gregorian chant, early and later polyphony, popular hymns and Goan Lenten music. He says, “The Goan Lenten Motet is an important part of our heritage and deserves to be preserved.” The main attraction of the concert will be Palestrina’s Mass to mark the 500th anniversary of the composer’s birth. […]