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{{Short description|Indian saxophonist (1941–2017)}}
{{infobox person
| name = Maestro Josinho
| image = Maestro Josinho.jpg
| caption = D'Souza in an undated photo released by [[Tiatr Academy of Goa]] in 2012
| birth_name = Josinho Souza
| birth_place = [[Velim, Goa]], [[Portuguese India]]
| citizenship = India (from 1961)
| other_names = {{hlist|Juzinho|Josinho de Velim}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1941|7|15|df=y}}
| death_place = Velim, Goa, India
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2017|5|8|1941|7|15|df=y}}
| occupation = {{hlist|Saxophonist|playwright}}
| awards = {{ubl|
* [[All India Radio]] "Star of the Month" (2005)
*[[Tiatr Academy of Goa|TAG]]'s "Lifetime Contribution to Tiatr Award" (2011)}}
| years_active = 1965–{{circa|2010}}
| module = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed = yes
| instruments = {{hlist|[[Saxophone]]|[[clarinet]]|trumpet}}
| origin = Velim, [[South Goa]]
| current_member_of = AVC Pops}}
}}

'''Josinho D'Souza''' ({{langx|gom|Juzinho}}; [[né]] '''Souza'''; 15 July 1941 – 8 May 2017), known professionally as '''[[Maestro]] Josinho''', was an Indian [[saxophonist]] and [[playwright]] who worked on the [[Tiatr|Konkani stage]]. Described by ''[[The Navhind Times]]'' as a leading saxophonist in ''[[tiatrs]]'', D'Souza is regarded as one of the stalwarts of the [[Konkani language|Konkani]] stage. Throughout his career spanning over five decades, his music has been featured in approximately 3000 ''tiatrs'' and 250 [[audio cassettes]].

==Early life==
Josinho D'Souza, originally named Josinho Souza, was born on 15 July 1941, in [[Velim, Goa]], which was then part of [[Portuguese India]] under the [[Portuguese Empire]]. His parents were Caetano Piedade Souza, a musician, and Luizinha Filomena Luis. Growing up in Zaino-Velim, D'Souza developed a deep passion for music from an early age.<ref name=":1" />

D'Souza held the position of [[choirmaster]] at the St Roque Church in [[Tollecanto]].<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Gomes |first=Venita |date=2023-01-02 |title=Goa's St Roque Church: A perfect example of total heritage conservation |url=https://www.gomantaktimes.com/my-goa/art-culture/goas-st-roque-church-a-perfect-example-of-total-heritage-conservation |access-date=2023-11-09 |website=Gomantak Times |language=en}}</ref> During the golden phase of ''[[tiatr]]'' (1961–1970s),<ref>{{Cite book |last=Fernandes |first=André Rafael |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vKAbygAACAAJ |title=When the Curtains Rise--: Understanding Goa's Vibrant Konkani Theatre |date= |publisher=Tiatr Academy of Goa |isbn=978-93-80739-01-4 |language=en}}</ref> he played a pivotal role in establishing the AVC Pops, a prominent [[big band]]. The band's [[repertoire]] prominently featured the [[trumpet]] and [[saxophone]].<ref name=":1" />

The St Roque Church, in its earlier form, featured an architectural ensemble that included a [[portico]] and a [[baptistry]] that also served as a reconciliation chapel. This space was utilized as an educational institution, offering instruction in various disciplines such as language, music, and [[entrepreneurship]]. The administration of this educational endeavor was entrusted to D'Souza along with Father Teles, from the [[Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ|Handmaids of Christ]], as well as instructors named Nicholau, and Abraham.<ref name=":4" />

==Career==
D'Souza embarked on his musical journey at the age of 13 by learning to play the [[clarinet]]. In the year 1965, he established his own band called AVC Pops. Subsequently, from 1966 to 1970, D'Souza dedicated himself in teaching music at St. Rock's High School in [[Tollecanto]]. Throughout his career, D'Souza's musical prowess extended to approximately 3000 ''[[tiatrs]]'', which were performed across various regions in India, as well as in [[Gulf countries]] and London.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Maestro Josinho no more |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Maestro-Josinho-no-more/114949 |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=oHeraldo |date=31 August 2022 |archive-date=2023-11-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107034930/https://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Maestro-Josinho-no-more/114949 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:St. Rock High School, Tollecanto.jpg|thumb|St. Rock's High School, 2016]]
D'Souza's involvement in the ''tiatr'' industry extended beyond live musical performances. He also made contributions in the design and operation of [[background music]] for various ''tiatrs''. Some of the ''tiatrs'' in which he showcased his musical talents include "''Patok''" (Sin), "''Ghatki Bhoinn''" (Traitor Sister), "''Sucorina''", "''Duddu ani Ginean''" (Money and Sense), "''Sonvsarant Astana Diat''", and "''Ostori''" (Woman). Furthermore, he lent his musical expertise to approximately 230 [[audio cassettes]]. Beyond his work as a musician, D'Souza also made contributions as a [[playwright]], having written three ''tiatrs'': "''Mai Paiche Dekhik Lagon''", "''Angovnnecho Put''", and "''Toddoki Pai''".<ref name=":0" />

D'Souza released his album titled ''"Mhozo Anvddo".'' The album consisted of a collection of six instrumental tracks and six [[Konkani language|Konkani]] songs. Within the instrumental tracks, [[Goan music]] was prominently featured, particularly in the final piece, which incorporated a [[Medley (music)|medley]] of ''[[dekhnni]]'' and other Goan folk songs. The titular song, performed by D'Souza himself, expressed his yearning for Goan youth to embrace music education, with a specific emphasis on wind instruments. During that era, there were only a limited number of young musicians proficient in [[wind instrument]]s. Additionally, D'Souza contributed his musical talents to the albums ''"Ek Uzvadd Tum"'' and ''"Tum Ani Hanv Mellonk"''.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2017-05-11 |title=A tribute to late Josinho D'Souza – The Navhind Times |work=The Navhind Times | Goa News |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2017/05/11/magazines/buzz/a-tribute-to-late-josinho-dsouza/ |access-date=2023-11-07 |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-11-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107021048/https://www.navhindtimes.in/2017/05/11/magazines/buzz/a-tribute-to-late-josinho-dsouza/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

D'Souza, during an interview in [[Bombay]] (now Mumbai), crossed paths with Domingos Santano Rodrigues, professionally known as Dominic de Arambol, when he made his journey back to Goa from Bombay in 1989 after the passing of his father. The interview brought together approximately 72 musicians from various parts of India for an audition. Out of this group, only 13 individuals, including Rodrigues, were chosen for further opportunities.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Nurturing a musical passion |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Voice-Of-Tiatr/Nurturing-a-musical-passion/91786 |access-date=2023-11-09 |website=oHeraldo |date=31 August 2022 }}</ref>

In subsequent years, D'Souza and Rodrigues collaborated on numerous musical performances, making contributions to the field of music. Their combined efforts resulted in the creation of nearly 250 [[audio cassettes]]. However, the duo eventually decided to go their separate ways. Rodrigues then joined Menino de Bandar's [[Theatrical troupe|troupe]], where he performed for a decade. Subsequently, he became a member of [[Prince Jacob]]'s troupe, where he showcased his talent for 10 years and 4 months.<ref name=":5" />

==Awards==
In 2005, D'Souza was honored as the Star of the Month by [[All India Radio]]. Throughout his career, D'Souza received numerous accolades which include the Gulab Award in 1996, the Culture Overseas Best Music Award in 2002 in [[Kuwait]], and the first prize for music in the ''tiatr'' "''Rater''" in 2003. In further recognition of his achievements, D'Souza was bestowed with the Goa State Cultural Award in 2008, the Dr Jack Sequeira Award in 2009, and the [[Tiatr Academy of Goa|TAG]]'s Lifetime Contribution to Tiatr Award in 2011.<ref name=":0" />

==Death==
On 8 May 2017, D'Souza died at his residence in [[Velim, Goa|Zaino-Velim]], at the age of 75.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 May 2017 |title=Directorate of Planning, Statistics and Evaluation and Office of the Chief Registrar of births and deaths |url=https://rbd.goa.gov.in/Certificate/CertificateSelect_goaonline.aspx |access-date=30 December 2022 |website=Goa Online |archive-date=27 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027073241/https://rbd.goa.gov.in/Certificate/CertificateSelect_goaonline.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Tiatr Academy of Goa]] (TAG), representing the community of ''tiatr'' artists and enthusiasts, expressed its condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the family.<ref name=":0" />

==Selected stage works==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Year
!Title
!Role
!Notes
!Ref
|-
|1982
|''Ostori''
|Musician
|
|<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rewarded for his talent |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/Voice-Of-Tiatr/Rewarded-for-his-talent/116544 |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=oHeraldo |date=31 August 2022 |archive-date=2023-11-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108163116/https://www.heraldgoa.in/Review/Voice-Of-Tiatr/Rewarded-for-his-talent/116544 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|1984
|''Sucorina''
|Musician
|
|<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-02-02 |title=The double century saga returns |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/the-double-century-saga-returns/articleshow/50815293.cms |access-date=2023-11-07 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=2016-05-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529123215/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/The-double-century-saga-returns/articleshow/50815293.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|2003
|''Rater''
|Musician
|
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|2004
|''Almanchea Disa''
|Musician
|
|<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2004-08-05 |title= Welcome 2 GOA-WORLD|url=http://www.goa-world.com/ |access-date=2023-11-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040805064458/http://www.goa-world.com/ |archive-date=2004-08-05 }}</ref>
|-
|2007
|''Goodbye London''
|Musician
|
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 July 2007 |title=Forthcoming |url=http://www.goanvoice.org.uk/newsletter/2007/July/issue1/ |access-date=2023-11-09 |website=www.goanvoice.org.uk}}</ref>
|-
|rowspan="2"|2008
|''Hi Maim Konnachi''
|Musician
|
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-05-03 |title=HI MAIM KONNACHI – Tiatr |url=https://tiatr.in/tiart/hi-maim-konnachi/ |access-date=2023-11-08 |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-11-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108161908/https://tiatr.in/tiart/hi-maim-konnachi/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|''Hevui Chukik Bhogsonnem Nam''
|Musician
|
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Margao: Pundalik Naik is Gulab's Man of the Year |url=https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay.aspx?newsID=48975 |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=www.daijiworld.com |language=en |archive-date=2023-11-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108161908/https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay.aspx?newsID=48975 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=HEVUI CHUKIK BHOGSONNEM NAM (HEVUI CHUKIK BHOGSONNEM ASSA – PART II) |url=https://tiatr.in/tiart/hevui-chukik-bhogsonnem-nam-hevui-chukik-bhogsonnem-assa-part-ii/ |access-date=8 November 2023 |website=Tiatr.in |archive-date=8 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108161909/https://tiatr.in/tiart/hevui-chukik-bhogsonnem-nam-hevui-chukik-bhogsonnem-assa-part-ii/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|
|''Hevui Chukik Bhogsonnem Assa – Part II''
|Musician
|
|<ref name=":2" />
|-
|
|''Ghatki Bhoinn''
|Musician
|
|rowspan="3"|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|
|''Duddu ani Ginean''
|Musician
|
|-
|
|''Sonvsarant Astana Diat''
|Musician
|
|-
|
|''Mai Paiche Dekhik Lagon''
|Writer, director & musician
|
|rowspan="3"|<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=45_WlAEACAAJ |title=Directory of Tiatr Artistes, 2012 |date=2012 |publisher=Tiatr Academy of Goa |language=en |access-date=2023-11-08 |archive-date=2023-08-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827202743/https://books.google.com/books?id=45_WlAEACAAJ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|
|''Angovnnecho Put''
|Writer, director & musician
|
|-
|
|''Toddoki Pai''
|Writer, director & musician
|
|-
|2010
|''Patok''
|Musician
|
|<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=JoeGoaUk |date=28 February 2010 |title=Tiatr for Lent/Easter - Part II |url=https://www.mail-archive.com/search?l=goanet@lists.goanet.org&q=subject:%22%5C%5BGoanet%5C%5D+tiatr%22&o=newest&f=1 |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=[[Goanet]] |archive-date=2023-11-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108161910/https://www.mail-archive.com/search?l=goanet@lists.goanet.org&q=subject:%22%5C%5BGoanet%5C%5D+tiatr%22&o=newest&f=1 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|}

==Select discography==
===Albums===
*''Classic Goa: Hits of the Millennium'' (1999)<ref>{{Cite web |title=GOA-WORLD - Silvano Barbosa Presents LORNA in CLASSIC GOA |url=https://www.oocities.org/goaraj@rogers.com/konkani_cd/lorna_in_classicgoa.htm |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=www.oocities.org |archive-date=2023-11-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108161915/https://www.oocities.org/goaraj@rogers.com/konkani_cd/lorna_in_classicgoa.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
*''Aguad Jeilik Burak'' (2001)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-05 |title=AGUAD JEILIK BURAK – Tiatr |url=https://tiatr.in/films_albums_books/aguad-jeilik-burak/ |access-date=2023-11-08 |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-11-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108161914/https://tiatr.in/films_albums_books/aguad-jeilik-burak/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
*''Ek Uzvadd Tum'' (2006)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pereira |first=J P |date=16 January 2011 |title=Navhind Times Audio Review: Some pleasing songs to hear by J P Pereira |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/ |access-date=8 November 2023 |website=[[The Navhind Times]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110114135822/https://www.navhindtimes.in/ |archive-date=2011-01-14 }}</ref>
*''Mhozo Anvddo'' (2007)<ref name=":1" />
*''Tum Ani Hanv Mellonk'' (2011)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pereira |first=J P |date=16 January 2011 |title=Navhind Times Audio Review by J P Pereira 'Tum ani hanv mellonk' |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/ |access-date=8 November 2023 |website=[[The Navhind Times]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110114135822/https://www.navhindtimes.in/ |archive-date=2011-01-14 }}</ref>
*''Pelo''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-05 |title=PELO – Tiatr |url=https://tiatr.in/films_albums_books/pelo/ |access-date=2023-11-08 |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-11-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108161917/https://tiatr.in/films_albums_books/pelo/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
*''Ophelia''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-08-07 |title=OPHELIA – Tiatr |url=https://tiatr.in/films_albums_books/ophelia/ |access-date=2023-11-08 |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-11-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108161917/https://tiatr.in/films_albums_books/ophelia/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
*''Dennem''<ref>{{Cite web |last=mangoansongs |date=2023-09-27 |title=Dennem - Singer Lorna Lyrics Neves Oliveira {{!}} Konkani Song Lyrics |url=https://www.mangoansongs.travel-goa.in/2023/09/dennem-singer-lorna-lyrics-neves-oliveira-konkani-song-lyrics/ |access-date=2023-11-09 |website=Mangalorean Goan Songs |language=en-GB}}</ref>

===Audio cassettes===
*''Goinchi Girestkai'' (2004)<ref name=":3" />
*''Ponvotti'' (2013)<ref>{{Cite web |title='Ponvotti' released at Margao |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/Goa/Panjim/22-sept-2013/69874 |access-date=2023-11-09 |website=oHeraldo |date=31 August 2022 }}</ref>
*''Diana''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-17 |title=DIANA – Tiatr |url=https://tiatr.in/films_albums_books/diana/ |access-date=2023-11-08 |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-11-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108163127/https://tiatr.in/films_albums_books/diana/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===VCDs===
*''Khorem Bhangar'' (2004)<ref name=":3" />
*''Thank You Kuwait'' (2011)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Last Works of Rosary Ferns: Thank You Kuwait VCD released in Kuwait |url=https://www.indiansinkuwait.com/news/Last-Works-of-Rosary-Ferns-Thank-You-Kuwait-VCD-released-in-Kuwait |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=www.indiansinkuwait.com |language=en |archive-date=2023-11-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108163015/https://www.indiansinkuwait.com/news/Last-Works-of-Rosary-Ferns-Thank-You-Kuwait-VCD-released-in-Kuwait |url-status=live }}</ref>
*''Duets of C. Alvares'' ([[Posthumous publication|posthumously]]; 2019)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-08-07 |title=DUETS OF C. ALVARES – Tiatr |url=https://tiatr.in/films_albums_books/duets-of-c-alvares/ |access-date=2023-11-08 |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-11-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108163022/https://tiatr.in/films_albums_books/duets-of-c-alvares/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Maestro Josinho}}
[[Category:1941 births]]
[[Category:2017 deaths]]
[[Category:Dramatists and playwrights from Goa]]
[[Category:Musicians from South Goa district]]

Maestro Josinho - Revision history

ZPWClaudio at 10:58, 18 March 2026