*Press Note* *For Favour of Publication*
*Meet the Artiste – Francisco Almeida alias Shahu* Tiatr Academy of Goa’s monthly programme *‘Kolakarak Bhett’* – *Meet the Artiste* will be held on Wednesday, 22nd August 2012 at 4:45 pm at Black Box, Ravindra Bhavan, Margao. The tiatr artiste of this month is Goa's top-notch musician *Francisco Almeida *popularly known as* Shahu.* Shahu was born to Pedro Almeida and Caitan Francisca Almeida on 18thJanuary 1975 at Sanjoao Moll Macazana, Salcete, Goa. He plays various musical instruments like the Drums, Guitar, Saxophone and Keyboards. He first learnt to play the drums under the guidance of musician Errol Perry, son of Goa’s Great Musical Legend Chris Perry. Music became his first love and he was so captivated by the power of music that gradually as the years passed he learnt to play the guitar, saxophone and keyboards on his own abilities. Shahu is based in Kuwait and he is the first Goan musician to play a one-man band in tiatrs staged in Kuwait. Shahu has performed in tiatrs of veteran tiatr directors such as Rosario Rodrigues, Prem Kumar, Roseferns, Philip Almeida, Milagres de Chandor, Menino Mario, Mariano Fernandes, Menino de Bandar, Pascoal Rodrigues, Anil Pednekar, C.D. Silva, John D' Silva, Ben Evangelisto etc, apart from all the directors in Kuwait. Shahu was greatly appreciated for his unique music in Kuwait based director Jose Rod’s Non-Stop Konkani Drama ‘*Tujem Nanv Vhodd Zanv’* the premiere of which was held in Kuwait. Planning something innovative, Jose Rod had the music for his full drama composed, pre-recorded and played on a Synthesizer instead of being played by a live band with Music Maestro Shahu handling the same single handedly and efficiently. In one of his recent performances, Shahu captivated the audience at the Kuwait Goa Tiatristhanchi Sonvstha (KGTS) Konkani musical entitled *'Tiatristachi Molladik Kholla'* held recently at Indian Community School-Salmiya Kuwait. He led a group of musicians orchestrating on his favorite keyboards as well as the saxophone. With his ability to play different instruments, Shahu also leads a band in Kuwait called 2..S#arp. With 2...S#arp, Shahu's music spans a broad range of harmonies, from Goan and foreign-inspired music to more modern trends with mixtures of genres and ethnic elements. Shahu’s love and passion for the Goan ‘Khells’ (folk plays) brings him to Goa every year without fail during the Carnival season to play music for Carnival folk plays. Shahu has been recognized by various associations/clubs for his immense contribution to music in tiatrs. The ‘United Club of Utorda’ bestowed on him the ‘Best Musician Award’ in the year 2008 in Kuwait. In 2010, the ‘Doha Goans Sports Club’ awarded him the ‘Best Musician Award’ in Doha Quatar. He was also felicitated by The Kuwait Goa Tiatristhanchi Sonvstha (KGTS) in the year 2010 for his outstanding music. Dr.Francisco Colaco, eminent cardiologist and art lover from Margao will render a special song on this occasion. All tiatr lovers are requested to attend the function. * Victor de Sa* Member Secretary