From the lush green fields of Merces in Goa emerges a powerful voice blending culture, conviction, and rhythm—meet Carisio Azavedo, widely known by his stage name Bongisio. A musician, educator, performer, social worker, and founder of the artistic movement Goan by Blood, Bongisio is redefining the landscape of Konkani music by merging the spirit of hip-hop with the heritage of his homeland.
A Musical Soul Rooted in Culture
Bongisio’s musical journey began in a home steeped in melody. Surrounded by a family of musicians, he first picked up the guitar, later mastered the drums, and spent over a decade performing with bands such as Blue Waves, Cream Vibes, and Street Kingz. From the spotlight of Goa’s commercial music scene to the soulful stages of Mando festivals—where he claimed numerous accolades—his evolution has been both deep and deliberate.
However, it wasn’t until 2021 that his voice found its true calling in Konkani rap. His greatest inspiration for writing spiritual lyrics is his mother, who has always encouraged him to stay grounded, remain humble, and walk every step of his journey with faith in God. For him, music isn’t just sound—it’s a higher connection. In his words, his music is simply: “Melodies from heaven.”
Bongisio’s biggest musical influences begin with his father, followed by global icons like Michael Jackson and the American rapper Russ. He also draws inspiration from the Nightingale of Goa, Lorna. Over the years, he’s been deeply influenced by many fellow artists in the industry—the list continues to grow as he learns from each one.
From Covers to Creator
Despite early success performing covers, the realization that he was building on others’ art sparked a turning point. He yearned to leave his own mark, to contribute something authentic to Goan music. This introspection gave birth to his first rap performance in his village—a local stage that ignited a global dream. That moment anchored his identity not just as a musician, but as a cultural pioneer.
His process is a carefully crafted dance of spontaneity and structure. A freestyle rapper at heart, he often builds tracks starting with beats, later layering lyrics shaped by spirituality and social relevance. With a blend of Konkani lyrics, Goan instrumentation, and hip-hop beats, Bongisio’s sound is a unique fusion of Western rhythm and Indian soul.
Goan by Blood – More Than a Name
In 2021, Bongisio co-founded Goan by Blood, a movement born out of the desire to support independent artists. What began with four rappers has grown into a thriving community of musicians, creatives, and influencers united by passion, purpose, and cultural pride.
Goan by Blood champions authentic, hardworking talent—not just from Goa, but from anywhere in the world where the heart beats with the ethos of Goan generosity and unity. Through street performances, stage shows, and collaborative events, music remains the pulse of the initiative. It is not just an art form, but a tool for outreach, upliftment, and representation.
Powerful Performances and Personal Tributes
Among his many performances, one that stands out is his emotionally charged appearance at Samba Square, where he performed alongside his father and brother shortly after losing his mother to a heart attack. The concert was a tribute to her—a moment that was both painful and powerful, reflecting the strength of family and music as healing forces.
Live performances are where Bongisio truly comes alive. Fluent in crowd interaction, especially in Konkani, he crafts an atmosphere where energy flows freely between the artist and the audience. Still, he holds equal reverence for studio time, recognizing that every great stage moment begins in quiet creative spaces.
Faith, Challenges, and a Voice for Change
As an independent artist, Bongisio’s biggest hurdle has been the acceptance of rap as a legitimate art form in his community. With rap often misunderstood or stereotyped, his mission has been to redefine the genre, especially in his native tongue. Language, cultural perception, and limited platforms for original content have tested his resilience—but never dimmed his drive.
Through it all, his Goan identity remains the foundation of his work. Traditional Goan instruments like saxophones and trumpets are weaved into his productions, and his lyrics often reflect Goa’s landscapes, language, and values. His music has taught him the value of staying true to oneself in an industry that often rewards imitation over innovation.
Beyond the Music
What fans may not know is that behind the persona of Bongisio stands a multifaceted professional. He holds a degree in social work, has taught mass media at college level, and is a music teacher, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur. His company provides sound systems and technical setups for events, showing that his commitment to music extends beyond performance.
When he isn’t creating, he finds peace in the simplicity of village life—spending time with pets, neighbors, and the serene fields of Merces. His faith plays a critical role in keeping him centered, with daily prayers and a deep connection to Jesus guiding his journey.
Words to the Future
To aspiring artists, Bongisio offers sincere advice: “Don’t give up. Stay consistent. Your moment will come. Just like you’re reading about me today, someone will be reading about you tomorrow.” He believes in the power of originality and the importance of embedding one’s roots into their sound. “Goa has something no one else does—don’t be afraid to show it.”
His latest milestone—releasing the first-ever Konkani Hip-Hop Gospel album—marks a groundbreaking step in both regional and spiritual music. His vision is to organize Gospel rap concerts for youth, proving that rap can be a positive, uplifting force grounded in faith.
As for Goan by Blood, the movement continues to grow. With initiatives like food drives, artist mentoring, and music showcases, Bongisio envisions a future where the community earns international recognition for its contributions to music and social empowerment.
A Message from the Heart
For Bongisio, music is life itself. “Without music, I’m as good as dead,” he says. His message to fans is simple yet profound: “Tumcho Goekar Bhav Bongisio will always stand by you—representing your emotion, your culture, and our land, till my last breath.”
You can explore his journey and discography by simply searching “Bongisio” online—his music is available across platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music.
In a world chasing trends, Bongisio is staying true—crafting legacy over likes, culture over convenience, and community over competition. Goa’s rhythms have a new voice, and it beats strongly through Bongisio.
