Everything you Should know About Goa’s Music History

Goa has always been a hub for live music in India. On any given day, you’ll find live bands and artistes performing in many of the state’s restaurants and pubs. But while wedding bands and cover bands rule the roost in Goa, the state has a history of producing great musicians who have left their mark on the music history landscape of India. 

As a Portuguese state until 1961, a lot of music would reach Goa first, in the form of records. This meant that musicians here were exposed to jazz, blues, and other forms of music much before anyone else in the subcontinent. But there’s also traditional music in the form of dulpods and mandos, Konkani music that is solemn yet vividly beautiful. What makes Goan music unique is the use of guitars and horn sections, never before seen or heard in India, that many in Bollywood loved and borrowed. 

Here are some of the artistes and styles of music history that are unique to Goa. 

Remo

Remo is one of Goa’s biggest musical exports to India and the world. His unique style got him noticed and his foray into Bollywood made him a star nationally with songs like ‘Humma Humma,’ ‘O, Meri Munni,’ and many more. But he has also written many songs in Konkani as well as Portuguese, chief among them is an album called ‘Old Goan Gold.’ His unique scatting style has influenced many Goan musicians who ply their trade in bands across the state.  

Lorna

In Goa, the name Lorna evokes nostalgia. From the time she burst on the music scene in ‘Bebdo,’ ‘Piti Piti Mog’ and many more, Lorna has been a favourite amongst Goans, especially those from South Goa. She sang in a band created by another legend Chris Perry, and with him gave Konkani music glorious energy on stage. There’s even a Nike ad from the early 2000s that uses one of her songs, with the lyrics changed. A Goan movie – Nachom-ia Kumpasar is loosely based on Lorna and Chris Perry’s story. You’ll find her music online on Youtube. 

Chris Perry

He was more than just a horn player. Chris Perry brought a ‘joie de vivre’ to Konkani music, giving the horn section more prominence and introducing a young Lorna to the world. In Bhuierantlo Munis, the first Konkani film shot in colour, Chris took folk music and made it his own.

In the 70s and 80s, Perry didn’t just breathe new life into Konkani music, he also worked in Bollywood and was one of the many Goan musicians responsible for the film industry moving away from classical-based music forms to more vibrant ones like jazz and pop. Singers like Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar loved and sang many of Perry’s Konkani songs. 

Emiliano Da Cruz

The violin and mandolin were used often in Goan music, but when the late Emiliano Da Cruz played those two instruments, magic filled the air. This maestro played hotel lobbies in 70s and 80s Bombay, before returning to Goa and forming a band of great musicians who regaled tourists and Goans alike. He’s written music for Bollywood as well, in films like Yaarana and Lootmar. Many violin or mandolin players today in Goa would pick Emiliano as an inspiration. 

Chic Chocolate

His real name was Antonio Vaz, but everyone knew him as Chic Chocolate. One of the premier Goan musicians responsible for altering the course of Bollywood music, Chic Chocolate was a legend in Bombay music circles. His band, in the 40s and 50s, was much sought after. He was a favourite of Bollywood filmmakers like C. Ramachandra and Madan Mohan and was the brain behind songs like Ina Mina Dika, Shola Jo Bhadke, and others.  

Tiatr

The Goan art form of tiatr was inspired by Italian operettas and dates back to the late 1880s. While tiatrs are generally stage plays, performed in the open in Goa mostly, as well as theatre halls, the Kantaram is where the music takes center stage. Kantaram works as fillers, while the props behind the curtain are moved around, but they also provide comic relief and a bit of good music as well. Many Goan musicians and singers, like Chris Perry, C Alvares, and Alred Rose were tiatr legends. The art form works to preserve Goan culture through well-arranged music and the strict use of Konkani. 

You’ll find Goan music on CDs in many stores and it is also played at various restaurants around the state. Candolim, Calangute, and Baga are full of restaurants where performers play live covers and original music too, influenced by Goan and international artistes. Marquis Beach Resort is located in Sinquerim and is close to many live music history venues. Read our blog A Quick Guide to Places around Sinquerim or follow us on Facebook and Instagram to know more about the hotel.