JoeGoaUk Tiatr: Remembering Champion Alvares

Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) celebrating Birth Centenary of Champion Alvares

Born on 15^th April 1915, a youngster hailing from Saligao named Sebastiao Alvares was making waves in Mumbai with his Konkani songs during the era of Saib Rocha, an illustrious tiatr artiste of the Konkani stage. He was a born composer and used to bag first prize in every singing competition that took place during those days. In one such competition, one has to compose the song on the spot and sing. Alvares was declared the Champion. As a result Saib Rocha who was always on the prowl for fresh talent then, gave Sebastiao the title of a ‘Champion’ and from then on Sebastiao Alvares came to be known as ‘Champion Alvares’.

Champion Alvares initially would sing duets with others in which he himself would play the female role. He was such a gifted composer that he would compose songs and distribute the lyrics to his other colleagues for free.

Champion Alvares was also a gifted composer of ‘Manddos’ and ‘Dulpods’. Some of his popular ‘Manddos’ are recorded on HMV Records. ‘Istimasanv Rozachem’, ‘Ago Mhojea Jakin Bai’, ‘Mhapxenchea Bazarant’, ‘Mhaka Kuchulio Zata’ are some of his immortal ‘Manddos’, being on everybody’s lips even today for various occasions like weddings, picnics, parties etc.

Champion Alvares also wrote a number of tiatrs which includes popular ‘Kuzner Bomboincho ani Bhattkar Goencho’, ‘Directoracho Refri’, ‘Morgad Put’, ‘Narad’, Jezuchi Imaz’, ‘Zolmacho Ghutt’, ‘Vattsur ani tachi Mozot’. He passed away on 4^th January, 1991.

Tiatr Academy of Goa is celebrating the Birth Centenary of this great artiste this year.

A musical programme ‘Saluting Champion Alvares’ dedicated to Champion Alvares was organized on his birthday i.e. 15^th April 2016 at 4:30 pm at Black Box, Kala Academy, Campal, Panaji Goa.

Many of his family members attended and sang songs and mando/Dulpods of Late Champion Alvares

Family members includes Son Theo Alvares, Daughter Irene, Grand Daughter Fedora ?, Nephew Fr. Domnic Alvares etc

Watch video and pics below

Champion Alvares