BY ANLISA RODRIGUES
There is a beautiful saying “Where words fail, music speaks…” In Corlim, a very well-known singer Joel Anthony Ribeiro lives these words with his melodious voice.
It all started during his school days at Jesus & Mary High School, Carambolim. As a small boy, he was attracted to the drums, and his first opportunity to play was in the school band.
His first experience in singing was for the St Joao Facundo Church Choir, Corlim. That set the foundation of his career as an artist.
Joel displayed his true aptitude when he directed a live Way of the Cross which involved the youth and musicians from Corlim and his friends.
He achieved the herculean task of setting the stage, scripting and directing the performance, keeping in line with the Scriptures, singlehandedly, even past midnight to early dawn.
The show won him praise and appreciation from people around him. The demand from the viewers led him to perform a total of 80 shows all across Goa.
Joel was happy that he could reach out to a large number of people and evoke faith in the passion of Jesus Christ, departing from the routine to the actual sharing in the sufferings of Jesus.
People began seeking out Joel to have him sing at their private functions like weddings, anniversaries, baptisms, communions, birthdays and other special occasions. If he knew the family, he would compose a special song for the occasion.
He also organised a musical night in Corlim called Songitachi Sanz wherein all the local singers and musicians were given an opportunity to display their talent.
With faith in God, belief in himself and encouragement from his dear ones, Joel moved on to better things. He got a break in a tiatr titled Khel. Health issues, however, proved a hindrance.
Once his health improved, he participated in the Global Online Singing Competition which was telecast on YouTube and organised by Travasso Music.
He was awarded Singer No-1 for Season 2 for his first original Konkani song “Jivi Imag”. He also won first prize in the duet category.
Joel then began recording his own music and was selected to compete in the Proximo Voice of Goa (2021), a singing competition organised by Lenoy Gomendes. Here Joel emerged as a finalist.
Joel was part of the group Sant Mathevachi Noketram, winners at the Mando Festival.
When Joel met Michael Gracias, a professional director, the versatile artiste encouraged Joel to be a part of his tiatr team.
Joel has performed and sung in two tiatrs, namely Calvechi Sundori written by Pai Tiatrist and directed by Michael J Gracias, which was performed in different parts of Goa, Bombay and Mangalore.
The runner-up at the Nightingale of Goa (2022), an all-Goa original Konkani solo singing competition organised by Pilar Music Academy, Joel currently has his own music band The Quadrants.
Music runs in his blood as his grand-uncle Bernard a solo musician highly acclaimed at the famous Se Cathedral, Old Goa.
He says that his mother was his first mentor, who encouraged him and helped him optimise his talent. He has also been inspired by singers such as Anthony San, Alfred Rose, Lorna, Jacinto Vaz and Jose Rod.
Besides singing, Joel also loves photography, videography, writing and working as a compere.
He has sung and released various songs in Konkani on his YouTube channel, under his banner JR Production and plans to release more songs.
Under his belt are several solo songs in Konkani such as "Satvo Sacrament", "Somia Kallzant Mhojea Aila", "Hanchea Omor Ugdassak" and so on.
He has appeared on Herald TV (carol singing) and Doordarshan (Easter programme) as part of a singing group.
Joel has aspirations to enhance his skills and talents, and make a mark in the musical world. He hopes to be a scriptwriter and director for Konkani tiatrs in the near future.
The journey of Joel Riberio was not a bed of roses like every genuine artist. With patience and perseverance, he has followed his passion for music and is ever grateful to the people who supported him and stood by him.
He mentions his gratitude to his mother, Teacher Pia, various directors, music directors, his friend Lenoy Gomendes and all near and dear ones.
Joel’s message to budding artists is to have faith in yourself and work hard with perseverance, and one day you will realise your dreams.
