Sunset, a riverside courtyard and a village that got to see its favourite voices up close
Barkur, 27 September 2026 — As the sun slipped behind the trees along the River Sitha, the courtyard of Shaila and Herald D'Souza's home in Nagarmut, Barkur, filled with something rare for a village evening: the sound of Konkani music's brightest names, performing just a few feet from the people who have loved them for years.
The second edition of 'Aamger' ('At Our Home'), the community initiative that takes Konkani artists to the doorsteps of those who cannot travel to city concerts, drew a packed audience of over 150 from Nagarmut ward, Barkur and neighbouring villages. It followed the warmly received first evening in Shirthadi on 28 February, hosted by Joachim Saldanha, where the idea of a stage-less, ticket-less, fee-less "reverse journey" for Konkani music first found its feet.
A Golden Hour Beginning
The programme began promptly at 6:30 pm. Show director Stany Bela introduced the Aamger concept to the audience, and host Herald D'Souza welcomed the visiting team and the gathered crowd to what he called a unique experience for Barkur.
An Evening in Song
With Stany Bela at the helm, Zeena Pereira opened the evening with 'Sanjechea Vellar Thond Varen Vhalltha', followed by Joshal Sweedal D'Souza's heartfelt 'Aaj Mhajem Kalij Moagar Podlam'. Two of Konkani music's finest female voices had set the tone, and the "golden voice" of Jason Lobo carried it further with 'Thuje Sobhith Doan Dolle'.
Veteran singer Rony Bandoor lifted the mood with the baila number 'Chinthun Chinthun', after which Jason and Joshal joined for the duet 'Ye Chedwa Thujo Moag Mhaka Jaala'.
A Homecoming Within a Homecoming
One of the evening's most touching moments belonged to Samuel Lewis of Kundapur. With roots in Barkur and rising fame from the Daijiworld TV reality show, he was performing publicly in his ancestral place for the first time. Visibly emotional, he sang the evergreen 'Rozalin Mhajya Mogachem' with a perfect groove, and won the hearts of the people he calls his own.
Verna D Souza and Neil Casmith enthralled the audience with Kon tho Cholo, the popular duet of Konkani. Raina Sequiera supported the singers with backing vocals. The gathering also enjoyed Kannada classic Onde ondu Aase, Tulu hit Mokeda Singari, Goan Uzo and Hindi number Aap jaisa Koi.
A Song Before Its Time
Jason Lobo also gave the audience a sneak preview of 'Matvem Mhajem Thujem Jinne, Jaanv Sobhith Ek Rangeen Gaannem', a new inspirational video song by Barkur's own poet and lyricist Kishoo. The song is due for release on 14 October 2026 from Palash Agni Studios, Goa.
Throughout the evening, keyboard maestro and music director Sanjay John Rodrigues (Sanju Baba) and guitar maestro Roshan Bela provided soul-stirring music that left the audience wanting more.
Gratitude and Mementos
Kishoo Barkur thanked the Aamger team for travelling all the way from Mangaluru to show their love to an audience that could not otherwise see them. The hosts Shaila and Harry DSouza presented the team members with mementos, finely handcrafted by Barkur's own Michelle D'Almeida Machado of the craft boutique Florivique.
Distinguished Presence
Among those present were Rev. Fr. Ronald Miranda, Parish Priest of Barkur; Rev. Fr. Henry Cyprian D'Souza; Sr. Clara and the sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent, Barkur; philanthropist Joseph Menezes, Sasthan, and family; Henry J. Pinto, founder of FKCA Bengaluru and former President of Konkani Bhasha Mandal Bengaluru; Vanitha Furtado from New Jersey, USA; veteran artists Sujatha and Alwyn Andrade of the famed Expressions Trio; Nanu Marol; Vincent Pinto, Kulshekar; Wilson Saldanha, Shirthady, of Daijiworld Mangaluru; music maestro and choir master Dolphy Mascarenhas; Naveen Sequeira, Brahmavar, of maaibhas.com; and Joel D'Almeida, President of Catholic Sabha, Udupi Pradesh.
Dancing Under the Evening Sky
For many in the crowd, this was a first: watching their favourite artists perform so close, almost among them. They were spellbound, and when the baila session began, they danced to their hearts' content with the artists.
The evening ended on a note of hospitality befitting its name. All were treated to a sumptuous dinner hosted by Shaila and Herald D'Souza, catered by Rubina and Denis Rodrigues of Rodrigues Caterers, Sasthan.
With Barkur now added to the journey, 'Aamger' continues to prove Sanju Baba and Stany Bela's simple idea: when the audience cannot come to the music, the music can go to them.
Shaila and Harry D'Souza, gracious hosts of the evening, joined hands with Praveen L. Carvalho of Jae's Wheel Master to leave no stone unturned, and their thoughtful planning and warm hospitality made the occasion a memorable celebration.
