Maestro Carlos (Carlito) Rodrigues He was affectionately known as Carlito Mestre. He was born to Mr Remedios Joao Rodrigues and Mrs Belarmina Fernandes at Chinchinim on 11th November 1911 and was among two children. He was happily married to Mrs Argentina Furtado of Deussua, Chinchinim. She was his sheet anchor supporting, untiringly with arrangements for numerous band practices at the residence. He breathed his last with a mild heart attack on 13th September 1975.
He was naturally gifted with the talent of singing, right from the very early age and developed his interest with devotion and encouragement. In those days making a career in Music was not profitable, not encouraged or kindly looked upon, but it was with his passion and determination that he pursued it. Nevertheless, much against the advice of his elders, at the age of 21 years, he founded the band called “Banda Cecilia de Chinchinim” with meagre resources, in honour of the patron saint of musicians, St. Cecilia and every year he used to dedicate a holy mass in her honour on 22nd November. Initially, he was engaged locally, playing for functions with moderate success. Gradually, he ventured beyond and was much acclaimed and sought after for his performances He rightly earned the title of “Maestro” being proficient in playing a variety of musical instruments and achieving mastery in solo, alto Saxophone, besides delighting with ease the Violin with his nibble fingers, and Clarinet too. He created his own compositions which received accolades and appreciation from music lovers and composers. Wishing to showcase his talents and in search of greener pastures for a better more comfortable life, he left for Colombo, Ceylon with the then famous band leader from the village Mr Josico Menezes, who had tremendous influence on him and who helped him shape his dreams and future. He played with his band there for two years and which won great acceptance and admiration of people. He was thus conferred with two prestigious Honours in Colombo for his musical renditions Feeling home sick, he returned to his native place, and with his experience, confidently decided to form the new band, baptized as RADIO SERENADERS in 1948. It was a big band of 10 musicians and with favourite nomenclature, he continued to his very end. Recognition and appreciations followed him with great success. It was the leading, most sought after band from North to South Goa and modestly designated as the first, pioneering brass band of Goa. He performed at most important leading venues, popular, prestigious and famous dances and functions. The band added grace, happiness and life to the occasion. The RADIO SERENADERS was in such great demands, that booking in advance was an absolute necessity to connoisseur of music, not to be disappointed. His fame thus spread far and wide and he carved a niche amongst the greatest musicians of all times, till his passing away in 1975. It can be truly said that he stormed the bastion of music scene with his entrance on musical horizon of Goa, that he left many other existing bands far behind. He brought to the music lovers in Goa compositions of famous musicians like Harry James, Artie Shaw, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miles, among many others. His loyal, faithful band of musicians consisted of Joaquim. 1st Trumpet, (Moira), Degolacao, 2nd Trumpet (Sirlim), Fransquino 2nd alto sax (Mungul, Margao), Pedro Antonio Fernandes, tenor sax (Colva), Baptist Tavares, 2nd tenor sax (Rachol), Piedade Francis Fernandes, Drums (Madel, Margao), Lume Gomes, Banjo, (Navelim) Joao Goes, double bass (Chinchinim); Carmo, Belino and Seby Fernandes, crooners that enhanced the prestige After his death, his sons Mr. Neon and Mr. Lucio carried the torch forward, continuing with the best traditions and the standards set by their father from 1975 to 1988. Mr Neon was proficient in playing with alto saxophone, drums, keyboard, and guitar. Mr Lucio was a part of the band playing rhythm guitar. The transfer of Mr Lucio to Bombay and advent of electronic music, with numerous small groups the economics made survival difficult, However Mr. Neon continues with his musical school, transferring his expertise to the young music enthusiast in guitar, drums, violin and keyboard. I recall with gratitude how Carlito Mestre, voluntarily entertained our meets of youngsters during Christmas and New Year nights, even though he was advised rest. He was a simple, humble unassuming professional, but a great loving, personality He leaves behind his other children Mrs Wenefrida Pereira, Mrs,Marina Fernandes, Mrs. Benecia Diniz, who are well settled in life, with their children professionally qualified. Nelson Lopes Chinchinim, 15-2-2014