Canadian Goan expat association dials Goa-based bands for cultural reconnect, solidarity with home shores
Trevorlyn Menezes, founder of Global Goan Association of Canada (GGAC) and a team welcomes the Goan band ‘A26’ on their arrival in Canada.
PANAJI
Canadian Goans appear to have opted for music as a cultural bridge between the 40,000-strong expat population in the North American country and their ancestral roots in Goa.
The Global Goan Association of Canada (GGAC), whose core objective is to bring together the Goan expat community in the country, along with East Indians, Mangaloreans and South Indians (GEMS) by drawing on similarities in culture and ethnicities.
The largest concentration of the GEMS community is located in Canada’s major cities, like Toronto, followed by Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Quebec, according to the Association’s founder, Trevorlyn Menezes.
According to Menezes, the Association, this year, has invited leading Goan bands ‘A26’ and ‘Jazz Junction’ to enthral the audience and provide them with a dose of cultural entertainment from the land of their ancestral roots.
“After meeting talented musicians in Goa, including Lester Rodrigues of ‘A26’ and Colin D'Cruz of ‘Jazz Junction’, we knew we had to share their passion for Goan music with Canada,” Menezes explained.
The Jazz Junction team comprising Colin D’Cruz, Tony Dias and Diana D’Cruz along with Trevorlyn Menezes (second from left).
The Association-hosted musical celebration, scheduled for later this month, is spread over two events. The highly anticipated ‘Summer Fiesta’ aims to celebrate Goan culture, foster community spirit and create lasting connections among Canadians of Goan descent and those interested in Goan traditions. This festival will take place on July 13, at the Port Credit Memorial Park, Mississauga. The second festival event, ‘The Night at the Movies’, is a celebration of Konkani, Bollywood and Hollywood movies. It will be held on July 20, at Michael Power St Joseph’s High School auditorium, in Toronto, Canada. ‘A26’ will headline the evening by playing a tribute to epic movie soundtracks along with ‘Jazz Junction’.
Lester Rodrigues, founder, manager and lead vocalist of the band ‘A26’, which is scheduled to debut in Canada, said that the band is thrilled and honoured to perform for the first time in Canada at ‘Summer Fiesta’ and ‘Night at the Movies’.
“This opportunity goes beyond music; it’s a celebration of the rich heritage and vibrant spirit of Goa in Canada,” Rodrigues said.
After previously performing across Europe including England, the UAE, Denmark, Poland, Oman and on the African continent, ‘A26’, a versatile 7-piece Goan cover band, formed in 2009, has garnered a devoted following not only in India, but all across the globe, especially among Goan expat communities, on account of their dynamic performances.
Comprising talented musicians known for their versatility and passion for traditional and contemporary Goan music styles, ‘A26’ promises an unforgettable experience during their two shows in Canada for the expat community, represented by the GGAC.
Inspired by the need to preserve and promote Goan identity in Canada, Trevorlyn Menezes founded the Association on the pillars of education, arts and culture, sports and community engagement.
“Many Goan associations abroad struggle to find leadership and unity,” Menezes remarked. “I saw an opportunity to bridge this gap and bring the vibrant essence of Goa to our community here.”
The Association remains dedicated to preserving Goan roots through regular cultural celebrations, culinary delights, and music that resonate with the Goan diaspora.
“We keep our traditions alive through family connections, popular Goan cuisine and keeping village celebrations alive across Canada,” said Menezes.
Looking ahead, Trevorlyn Menezes invites Goans and Goan culture enthusiasts to support the Association's activities and community-building efforts.
“We are addressing critical community challenges such as housing, job networking, women’s empowerment and leadership development," he emphasised.
“Together, we can strengthen our community and ensure a vibrant future for Goan heritage abroad.”
