Wilfy Rebimbus
Wilfred Gerald Rebimbus (2 April 1942 – 9 March 2010), more popularly known as Wilfy Rebimbus, was a Mangalorean singer and lyricist famed for his Konkani and Tulu language compositions. He is popularly nicknamed as the Konkan Kogul meaning cuckoo (songbird) of the Concan.[1]
Wilfred Gerald Rebimbus | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Wilfred Gerald Rebimbus |
| Also known as | Wilfy |
| Born | 2 April 1942 |
| Origin | Mangalorean Catholic |
| Died | 9 March 2010 (aged 67) |
| Genres | Folk, Pop |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, Musician |
| Associated acts | Wilfy Nites |
| Website | wilfyrebimbus |
Early life and family
Hailing from a Mangalorean Catholic family, Wilfy was born on 2 April 1942 to Landeline Rebimbus and Magdeline Mendonca in Mangalore. His father was from Kanhangad in Kerala and mother was from Goa. Wilfy had his primary and high school education at Milagres High School in Mangalore. Later, he did a mechanical course before joining St Joseph’s Workshop as an apprentice. He was a talented singer right since his student days as was evident from the numerous prizes he had won in various singing events. He had started composing Konkani songs at the age of 14 and authored his first drama Poixeancho Sonvsar (World of Money) when he was 15 and staged it through the St. Joseph’s Natak Sangh. He founded the musical group called United Youngsters Music Party in 1959 when he was just 17. It is now known as United Youngsters Cultural Association. Apart from singing, Wilfy was also a good athlete and also a Kabaddi player during his school days.[2] He was credited for taking modern Konkani music to new heights with his unique compositions and singing style. He wrote songs for numerous occasions and situations. In a career spanning about 4 decades, Wilfy wrote thousands of songs and staged 248 Wilfy Nites. He released some forty albums, six devotional albums and at least one instrumental album.
He was given the title ‘Konkan Kogul’ by The bishop of Mangalore at that time Late Basil D’souza on 26 September 1971.
He married Meena Gracia Rebimbus, who is also a popular singer, on 25 January 1970. She was given the title of “Konkan Myna” by Benar Productions on 12 August 1984 for her melodious voice. She has also composed few songs in Wilfy’s albums namely, ‘nach to ka yetha’, ‘Asha’ and ‘kuhu kuhu’ which was a tribute to Wilfy after his death. Wilfy and Meena together have two children, the elder one being Veena Rebimbus Pais and the younger one Vishwas Rebimbus. They also sing and compose music and have continued their fathers legacy by releasing an album in 2011 ‘Tum Maka Hav Tuka’.
On 13 June 2010, Bishop Dr. Aloysius Paul D’souza conferred the title ‘Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice’ awarded by Pope Bendict XVI on Konkan Kogul Wilfy Rebimbus posthumously during the holy mass held at Milagres Church. The special honour has been given to wilfy for his love towards Holy church and his extraordinary musical contributions to the Konkani community worldwide. The bishop awarded the title to Meena Rebimbus.
Wilfy was diagnosed to be suffering from lung cancer and underwent a surgery in September 2009.[3] He died of complications from lung cancer on 9 March 2010.[4]
References
- http://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay.aspx?newsID=73665
- "Konkani Musician, Lyricist and Singer Wilfy Rebimbus passes away". Mangalore Today. 9 March 2010. Retrieved 29 August 2010.
- "Konkani singer Wilfy Rebimbus no more". Deccan Herald. India. 9 March 2010. Retrieved 29 August 2010.
- Nandalike, Walter (9 March 2010). "Wilfy Rebimbus : The Legend has Left us All..." Daijiworld Media. Retrieved 29 August 2010.
4. Wilfy Rebimbus: Listen & Watch all songs and videos of Wilfy Rebimbus