For Samuel Afonso, music is both a personal inheritance and a means of expressing his connection with Goa. An environmentalist, musician and singer-songwriter, his journey has been shaped by family influences, cultural experiences and a desire to explore the possibilities of Konkani music. Alongside his professional career as an Environmental Officer, he has steadily built his identity as a performer, songwriter and advocate for Goan musical traditions.
His earliest musical influence came from his late grandfather, Josico Afonso, a violinist whose passion for the instrument left a lasting impression on him. At the same time, his parents broadened his musical exposure by introducing him to an eclectic collection of cassettes, CDs and vinyl records featuring artists such as the Eagles, Chris Perry, Alfred Rose, the Bee Gees, James Last, Merle Haggard and the Bellamy Brothers. This diverse foundation helped shape his appreciation for different sounds and styles from an early age.
A Grandfather’s Violin and the Beginning of a Musical Journey
Samuel’s relationship with music began long before he consciously considered pursuing it. As a toddler, he would be serenaded by his grandfather, who played familiar tunes including Happy Birthday, Isle of Capri, Bencdaita pai, songs by Chris Perry and many others. Watching his grandfather play the violin with enthusiasm, even in his later years, fascinated him.
Beyond the melodies, it was the entire experience surrounding the instrument that captured his imagination. The appearance and craftsmanship of the violin, along with the distinctive smell of rosin, became memorable details of his childhood. These early experiences gradually developed into a strong interest in learning the instrument and laid the foundation for his musical path.
Finding Versatility Through Performance
Over the years, Samuel has been associated with several respected musical acts, including Music Oasis, Moksha, Goenchim Lharam, Mando Mogi and Goan Serenaders. Each experience has contributed to his growth as a musician and live performer, exposing him to different artistic approaches and performance environments.
He views himself as a continuing student of music, recognising that there is always more to learn. His experiences with different musical groups have helped him develop versatility, confidence and stage presence, while strengthening his understanding of music as an expansive and constantly evolving art form.
Taking Goan Culture Beyond Goa
One of the significant milestones in Samuel’s journey came during his college years at Chowgule College, when he had the opportunity to represent Goa and India as part of an annual cultural exchange programme in Sweden. Alongside fellow students, he performed traditional Goan forms such as the mando and dekni before Swedish audiences and also had the privilege of reciting the Indian National Anthem with Swedish students.
The exchange went beyond performance. Living with a Swedish family gave Samuel an opportunity to experience their culture firsthand, while interactions between Swedish students and their counterparts in Goa created a meaningful exchange of traditions and perspectives. For him, it remains a memorable experience of cultural representation and connection.
Finding Connection Through Live Music
Samuel has performed on a variety of notable stages, including opening for Sunburn in 2022 and appearing at TEDxMargao in 2024. While each performance has contributed to his journey, his TEDxMargao appearance remains particularly significant.
The experience stood out because of the connection he developed with the audience. Some of those who attended continue to remain in touch with him, making the performance more than simply a stage appearance. It reinforced for Samuel the importance of creating a genuine relationship between performer and audience.
Giving Konkani Music a Contemporary Voice
Songwriting has given Samuel another avenue through which to express his perspective on Goan identity and society. His original Konkani compositions, including Ek Katha and Konkan Git, deliberately move away from the conventional themes frequently associated with contemporary Konkani music.
Rather than focusing primarily on romance, he uses his songs to communicate social messages. His approach seeks to bring together meaningful content, memorable melodies and an engaging groove, making the music both thought-provoking and accessible. Through these compositions, he hopes to demonstrate that Konkani music can address contemporary ideas while retaining its cultural character.
Two Careers, One Sense of Purpose
Samuel’s artistic journey exists alongside a professional career in environmentalism. His interest in the field developed while pursuing a BSc in Geology, when an internship with an NGO working on the River Sal sparked a deeper interest in environmental issues. The experience encouraged him to pursue an MSc in Environmental Science and Technology, eventually leading to his current role as an Environmental Officer at a corporate firm.
Balancing the demands of a professional career with music requires discipline and careful planning. Samuel structures his schedule in advance, dedicating his daytime hours to his professional responsibilities and reserving evenings and weekends for rehearsals and performances. While his work commitments can make accepting outstation shows challenging, he continues to find ways to maintain both sides of his career.
Life Beyond the Stage
Away from his professional and musical commitments, Samuel enjoys experiences that reflect his curiosity and appreciation for life. He likes hosting BBQ gatherings, exploring new restaurants, attending concerts and travelling. He is also a cultural history enthusiast, with a particular interest in understanding the stories, traditions and influences that have shaped Goa and its people. His curiosity extends to reading encyclopedias and staying informed about geography.
His connection with nature remains evident outside his environmental profession as well. Visiting springs and waterfalls provides an opportunity to explore Goa’s natural landscapes while pursuing an interest that has been an important part of his professional life.
Looking Ahead
For Samuel, pursuing music alongside a professional career has required perseverance and discipline. His advice to aspiring musicians is rooted in the belief that passion does not have an expiry date. He encourages those who have set aside their creative ambitions to return to them, emphasising that determination and consistency can make it possible to pursue music even alongside other commitments.
Looking to the future, Samuel hopes to take Goan and Konkani folk music beyond familiar boundaries. His vision involves exploring fusion, experimentation and new ideas while remaining connected to the history and identity of the traditions he represents.
For Samuel, the journey is ultimately about evolution. From the childhood memory of his grandfather’s violin to performing on major stages and creating original Konkani music, his path reflects a continuing dialogue between heritage and innovation. Through music, environmental consciousness and a commitment to learning, he continues to find new ways to contribute to the cultural landscape of Goa.