THE PIONEER OF MODERN KONKANI MUSIC : ‘KALAA RATNA’ - (late) SHRI JEROME D’SOUZA
Born in Mangalore, blossomed in Bombay, (late) Shri Jerome D’Souza is the initiator, original composer and singer in the history of Mangalorean Konkani music. He grew up in an era of imitational Konkani music. Those were the days when Konkani hymns consisted of translated words from English or Latin and fitted with western tunes. The songs for Konkani Dramas and other social occasions used to be Hindi tunes dubbed or fitted with Konkani words! Jerome D’Souza changed the whole scenario. He, with his original lyrics and tunes, gave Konkani music a distinct identity of its own. He was a visionary who set the trend for original composition and rendition of Konkani songs.
EARLY LIFE IN MANGALORE :
Jerome D’Souza was born in Cascia Parish of Mangalore on 4th March 1933. His parents were Gregory and Theresa D’Souza. He had only one sister, by the name of Sr. Faustine, who is a nun in Raichur,
Jerome did his schooling at St. Aloysius, Mangalore, where he showed a keen interest in music. There he studied western music notations from a German Jesuit priest, learnt to play ‘Picolo’ instrument and when he was just 9 years old composed his first song on Sr. Alphonso! He also participated actively in Music Band competitions.
After his High School studies, at the age of 19, Jerome composed music for a Konkani drama written by M.P.D’Sa and staged by Konkani Natak Sabha, Mangalore. He was also playing ‘Picolo’ for Shippa Maesthry Music Band in Bejai. He also composed songs and music for the drama “Viswasak Ghaath” written by Walter Derebail.
JEROME BLOSSOMS IN BOMBAY :
Gradually Jerome’s reputation in music started to spread. At this time the reputed Bombay’s playwright J.M.B. Rodricks was planning to produce a Konkani movie “Sukhi Konn”. An invitation was extended to Jerome to compose songs and music for the film through Henry Rodricks, the brother of the Playwright. Later, Jerome moved to Bombay and started working there. In Bombay he learnt Hindustani music notations and ‘Raaga Alaap’. He developed his musical ability and grew in stature in the Konkani music world of Bombay.
Later, in his own time, Jerome married Agnes and had two children, Rayan and Reena, all of who are good and reputed singers. After an active music career, Jerome expired on his birthday on 4th March 2000 at the age of 67. His family resides at Mira Road /Borivali, Bombay.
MUSICAL ACHIEVEMENTS :
- At the age of 20, Jerome started singing Konkani songs on All India Radio, Bombay.
- At the age of 23, he started recording for H.M.V. then the biggest music Company.
- Jerome was in great demand on stage for Konkani dramas and ‘theatres’ of Bombay.
- He has composed more than 3000 songs in Konkani, Tulu, Kannada, Marathi and Hindi languages.
- He has released 12 cassettes of his own original songs.
- In 1976, Jerome D’Souza’s cassette was the first Konkani music cassette ever to be produced.
- Jerome has published 2 books of his songs collection namely, Amchim Podam Vol.1, and Vol.2.
- Jerome’s greatest achievement in life may be his singing with Mohammed Rafi.
- He has assisted Music Director Jathin Lalith.
- He has also worked with the music director Mr. Ravi.
AWARDS & HONOURS :
- In 1952, at the age of 19, Jerome was awarded with a medal for folk songs and dances on the Republic Day by the then Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Yashwant Rao Chavan.
- “Konkan Taram” has vested on Jerome with a title called “Kalaa Ratna”.
- Jerome also is an awardee of Cine Singers card.
- “Kalasamithi” of Poinnari Weekly has awarded trophies to Jerome for three successive years.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS :
Jerome is a story writer as well. He has written 25 stories. In addition, he has written numerous skits for Air India Radio. His plays have been successfully staged in Bombay.
In the beginning stage of his music venture, he has rendered background music for the Konkani plays.
Some of Jerome’s memorable and very popular songs are: “Xegunnachi Sunn”, “Mai thi mai”, “Taxi chalanewala”, “Chinchpokli” etc…
The song “Xegunnachi Sunn” in particular was once a rage among music lovers. Even now it is being sung and played by Music Bands during weddings. The song is also prominently played when the newly wed bride makes her entry into the wedding hall after wearing the “saddo”!
Jerome’s house is a “House of Music”. All the members of his house are lovers of music. His wife Agnes was a co-singer with him on All India Radio. His son Rayan plays music for “Pink Spider”, a well known Beat Group in Bombay. His daughter Reena sings for Konkani and Hindi music shows organized in Bombay and abroad as well.
Jerome’s unfulfilled dream was to become a Hindi music director and to travel abroad for Konkani shows. He was named as the music director for 3 Hindi films, but unfortunately someone’s envy and dirty game deprived him to be the director.
Courtesy : daijiworld.com
Related links :
Listen to Konkani hits by Jerome D'souza :
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