It starts off with the artiste’s thoughts, then breathes life turning into an expression to become permanent engravings in minds of anyone who resonates with it.
Such is music, a portal into different worlds, feeling deep emotions and sometimes finding ourselves.
Stringing together words that tells his story and truth, Goan rap artiste Carisio Azavedo, aka Bongisio, is set to release Soth (Truth), the first Konkani EP on May 25, 2024. Consisting of six tracks, the EP delves into quotidian life, touching themes like love, cheating, friendship, unity and youth empowerment.
Coming from a family of musicians, Carisio started off as a drummer at the age of 12 and ventured into making original music immediately after the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown.
Having done some underground rap, where he experimented with different genres, Carisio has now decided to give a shot at everything so people don't feel it's just a single genre.
Explaining how he conceptualised Soth, he says, “Hip-hop is about flexing reality and not fake flex. I thought of keeping it real.”
He adds, “I'm just a village boy with big dreams. My music represents my language Konkani, and my plan is to take it on an international level with hip hop and rap music.”
Carisio has collaborated with six artistes on this EP. One Konkani drill track called ‘Hustle’ features five best in their game, Shantshakti, StyleE, T-rex, Viklik and Waking Grunt.
Another track, is an EDM rap with Exsite on the beat.
“The inspiration comes from every hardworking Goan, who never stops. And, that’s the reason why I’m doing the drop independently, giving young artistes hope that we can do it despite limited resources,” he says.
The EP has been produced by StyleE from Mumbai, his cousin, while the rest of the tracks are produced, mixed and mastered by Carisio himself.
“It’s been both challenging and a learning experience for me, honing my skills, learning the software to make all this come to life,” the artiste, popularly known as Bongisio, says about working on the project.
Releasing the audio of his EP, along with the music video of the track ‘Hustle’ on his birthday at 12 midnight (May 25), fans will get to check out the other track videos in the weeks ahead, which are shot by Scott J Braganca, who is his line producer and manager of the community.
“I want people, especially the youth, who understand Konkani and love the language, to listen to this EP and share it with the world to represent our land and language,” says the Konkani rap artiste.
With many young and upcoming artistes showcasing their rap skills, he feels Konkani rap is definitely on the rise, but opines, “I think more frequent cypher should happen as there are very few freestyle rappers in Goa. We need to educate people about freestyle rapping, that is speaking your heart out, to voice the negative as well as the positive.”
In the years to come, Carisio hopes to work on an album with his community, Goanbyblood, in different languages of India.
“I want youngsters to come and be part of this journey of Konkani rap and Goan hip hop culture who can learn from experienced rap artistes from the state, as well as help them learn something new in turn,” he expresses.
There’s always excitement and nerves before the release, and Carisio says, “I’m excited no doubt because it’s been a long time.”
Feeling humbled, he quickly adds, “There’s no expectation. I just want my music to be out there. Even if one individual smiles or says it was good or something fresh, well, that's my success on this EP.”
You can check out Bongisio's EP on Spotify, iTunes Apple Music and Youtube @Bongisio