In commemoration of his 80th birth anniversary, a musical tribute aims to revive Goem Shahir Ulhas Buyao’s timeless music and keep the spirit of Goan music and identity alive
ADITHI SHARMA | NT BUZZ
Ulhas Buyao’s music was more than just melodies—it was a voice for a movement, a reflection of Goa’s history, and an assertion of its unique identity.
And on March 4, a musical tribute will celebrate the life and legacy of the Goem Shahir, in commemoration of his 80th birth anniversary. Organised by Buyao Theatres, the event at Ravindra Bhavan, Fatorda, will feature a special song cover and music video, conceptualised by his son, Sidhanath Buyao, alongside 26 prominent artistes. The tribute aims to revive Ulhas’ timeless music and reinforce his lasting impact on Goan identity and culture.
Born on June 21, 1944, in Zambavalim, Sanguem, Ulhas was a cultural torchbearer whose music and theatre played a pivotal role in Goa’s socio-political landscape. Bestowed with the title ‘Goem Shahir’ for his contributions to the Opinion Poll of 1967, he used music as a medium for activism, rallying against the merger of Goa with Maharashtra. His troupe, Jai Gomantak Kala Pathak, performed across Goa, instilling pride in Goan identity. His compositions like ‘Jamchelen Na Baba Jamchelen’ became anthems of resilience.
Apart from his activism, Ulhas was a prolific singer, composer, playwright, and theatre artist. His productions such as ‘Hanga Neet Na’ and gramophone records like ‘Goychea Mhojea Goemkarano’ cemented his status as a stalwart of Konkani music. His legacy remains deeply embedded in Goa’s cultural history.
Sidhanath Buyao, himself a musician and sound engineer, conceived the idea of the tribute as a way to honour his father’s artistic contributions. “I couldn’t organise anything on June21, which was also World Music Day, so I decided to do something before the year ended. That’s how this tribute programme and song cover came into being,” says Sidhanath.
While the exact song remains undisclosed as a surprise, he confirmed that it is one of Ulhas’ most iconic compositions, chosen for its deep nostalgic value. “I wanted to bring those memories back and let people relive his music,” he says.
What started as a small project soon expanded into a grand collaboration. “Initially, I thought of having just one verse, but as more artists joined, I had to extend it. The final version features 26 artistes, including famed singer Hema Sardesai, Konkani fado singer Sonia Shirsat, and actress Varsha Usgaonkar, along with many noted local artistes,” he reveals.
The production of the music video was a meticulous process spanning 20 days. “We didn’t record everything together. Each artist recorded their part separately, and then we brought it all together. The song begins with individual lines before culminating in a powerful chorus, where all artists have a group shot,” says Sidhanath.
Apart from lending their voices, all 26 artistes appear in the video, including Sidhanath himself. “I showed it to my mother the other day, and she really liked it. I believe the audience will love it too,” he says.
The tribute event will feature a diverse programme highlighting Ulhas’ multifaceted contributions. From live performances of his compositions to theatrical enactments of his works, the evening promises to be a rich cultural experience. School children will present ‘Deva Mhojea Deva’, one of his most beloved songs, while his son will perform rare tracks from the Opinion Poll era.
A book compiling articles and tributes from renowned writers such as N. Shivdas and Eric Ozario will also be released, further immortalising Ulhas’ artistic and activist journey.
With an expected attendance of over 1,000 people, including government officials, artists, and cultural leaders, the event will serve as both a nostalgic remembrance and an educational experience for younger generations. “This is not just about celebrating my father’s work; it’s about keeping the spirit of Goan music and identity alive,” says Sidhanath.
