Nelson Afonso

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Nelson Afonso
Afonso during his youth
Born
Nelson João Sulpicio Afonso

(1934-04-20)20 April 1934
Vasco da Gama, Goa, Portuguese India, Portuguese Empire (now in India)
Died18 June 1982(1982-06-18) (aged 48)
Vasco da Gama, Goa, India
NationalityIndian
Occupations
  • Singer
  • composer
  • playwright
  • director
Years activec. 1951–1982
Title
  • Founder of Old and Gold Stars of Goa
  • Co-founder of Stars of the Goa Stage (later Young Stars of Goa)
Spouse
Maria Dias
​
(m. 1958)​
Children1

Nelson João Sulpicio Afonso (20 April 1934 – 18 June 1982) was an Indian singer, composer, playwright, and theatre director who worked on the Konkani stage.

Early life

Nelson João Sulpicio Afonso was born on 20 April 1934, in

musical theater. One of his neighbors, Baptista Lobo, provided him with the opportunity to perform in these events. Although originally from Aldona, Goa, Afonso eventually settled in Vasco da Gama, Goa.[3]

Career

Afonso embarked on his professional journey in the

tiatrist residing in Afonso's neighborhood, discerned his abilities while witnessing one of his performances in a village drama. Recognizing Afonso's potential, Conception took it upon himself to introduce the budding talent to the established tiatrists of that era. Conception's efforts culminated in Afonso securing a breakthrough opportunity on the commercial tiatr stage, which facilitated his acceptance and artistic growth. Conception also took a personal interest in nurturing Afonso's development. Afonso's talents soon captured the attention of senior tiatrists, who promptly cast him in their productions. Initially, he primarily portrayed female characters, exhibiting an ability to convincingly embody their essence through his attire, actions, and comedic timing.[2] Gradually, Afonso's passion for music composition began to emerge, leading him to create a repertoire of songs. His multifaceted abilities as an actor and singer left a mark on the tiatr stage. As his career blossomed, Afonso ventured into the realm of playwriting. Crafting his own tiatrs, he showcased proficiency in constructing compelling narratives. Afonso's scripts were appreciated for their thematic depth and meaningful messages.[3]

Handbill of the tiatr Ghor Sounsar by Afonso in the Konkani language
, 1963

Afonso emerged as a known figure in the world of tiatrs, crafting a collection of theatrical works during his era. With a total of 27 tiatrs under his belt, Afonso covered a wide range of topics, including

Goan audience. Among Afonso's popular tiatrs are Doctor Salazar, Ghorabo (Family), Almas do Outro Mundo (Souls from the Other World), Jikle re Jikle (We won, We won), Goenkar Te Goenkar (Goans are Goans), Suttka Uprant (Post Freedom), Dolorosa, and Doganch Puro (Two is enough). Afonso's contributions extended beyond writing, as he played a pivotal role in shaping the tiatr landscape. Afonso established the troupe Stars of the Goa Stage, consisting primarily of young and aspiring tiatrists. The troupe's name was eventually changed to Young Stars of Goa. Furthermore, during the staging of his tiatr Asro, Afonso formed his own group, known as the Old and Gold Stars of Goa.[3] This group comprised both seasoned and emerging tiatrists. Afonso had a particular focus on composing songs. Initially, he composed duets and performed alongside artists such as Anthony, Conception, and Champion Peter. Subsequently, Afonso formed a trio with Conception and Anthony, specializing in politically charged songs. These compositions gained popularity for their outspoken commentary on issues like corruption.[2] While the songs exhibited a satirical and critical tone, they maintained a respectful approach, avoiding any defamatory content.[4]

The Conception-Nelson-Anthony trio

The trio's success propelled them to continue performing together, placing Afonso in the forefront as the primary composer. As the demand for

Bombay, Goa, and East Africa.[2]

Personal life

On 24 May 1958, Afonso married the

Mormugão Church.[6] The couple had a son, Tomas "Tommy" Afonso (b. 1963),[1] known professionally as Jr. Nelson who is a singer on the Konkani stage.[7] On 18 June 1982, Afonso died at MPT Hospital in Vasco da Gama, Goa, at the age of 48.[8]

Selected stage works

Year Title Role Notes Ref
c. 1951 Untitled tiatr Professional debut [2]
1960s Nationalist Writer/director [9][2]
Doctor Salazar Writer director [10][2]
Almas do Outro Mundo Writer/director
1963 Ghor Sounsar Writer/director Also singer [2]
1968 Dolorosa Writer/director [3]
1969 Ghorabo Writer/director [11][2]
Jikle re Jikle Writer/director [2]
Goenkar Te Goenkar Writer/director
Suttka Uprant Writer/director
1977 Doganch Puro Writer/director [12][2]

Select discography

  • Nak Chepta
  • Knockout
  • Gaddo

Trios (with Conception & Anthony)

  • Separate State
  • Apar
  • Votam
  • Brazil

References

  1. ^ a b "Registo De Nascimento". Goa Online. 30 June 2006. Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Mazarello, Wilson (2000). 100 Years of Konkani Tiatro. Government of Goa, Directorate of Art & Culture. pp. 133–136. Archived from the original on 2024-01-07. Retrieved 2024-03-07.
  3. ^
    Panaji, Goa: Tiatr Academy of Goa
    . p. 59.
  4. ^ a b "the times they are a-changin'..." The Goan EveryDay. Archived from the original on 2024-03-07. Retrieved 2024-03-07.
  5. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived
    from the original on 2024-03-07. Retrieved 2024-03-07.
  6. ^ Blauelie, Dennis William (19 June 1958). "Registo De Casamento Canónico". Goa Online. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
  7. ^ "Tommy Afonso (Jr. Nelson) | Tiatrist | Mannkam Motiam | S3E46 | Prudent | 170823". www.prudentmedia.in. Archived from the original on 2024-03-07. Retrieved 2024-03-07.
  8. ^ "Directorate of planning, statistics and evaluation and office of the chief registrar of births and deaths". Goa Online. 22 June 1982. Archived from the original on 23 January 2024. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  9. ^ "Take a cue from him!". oHeraldo. Archived from the original on 2024-02-23. Retrieved 2024-03-07.
  10. ^ "Depiction of violence in tiatrs". The Goan EveryDay. Archived from the original on 2024-02-23. Retrieved 2024-03-07.
  11. ^ "Four-day Classic Tiatr shows in Margao packed to capacity". oHeraldo. Retrieved 2024-03-07.
  12. ^ Noronha, FN/Frederick, Philo de Pilerne... a Konkani Tiatr Stage Artiste from Goa, India, retrieved 2024-03-07
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