Lorna Cordeiro :The Nightingale of Goa

The Legend! The icon! The revolutionary!

Born and brought up in a town in Goa, music had always been a part of Lorna’s life. Music is synonymous with Goan culture, be it singing during Catholic prayer services or your neighbour’s wedding. People soon realized Lorna’s extraordinary singing skills.

Her one way ticket to fame was due to the guidance of Goan musician Chris Perry. He made her into the world-famous musician she is today. Together, they were unstoppable. But all good things come at a price. While she was under contract with Chris Perry, Lorna was not allowed to sing with anyone else.  The relationship turned sour and in combination with various other reasons, Lorna took a step back from the stage in 1973.

Her return was met with screaming fans at Miramar house in Panjim in 1995. Some old, some new but the devotion to her sky-rocketed. Everywhere she performed, there was not a single person who wasn’t tapping their feet or singing along to the well-known tunes.

( Lorna performing Bebdo )

One of her most famous songs till date is ‘Bebdo’ which means drunkard. The crowds went crazy when she first performed a song of this caliber, usually only sung at festivities with people who stay true to the title. ‘Bebdo’ has become an anthem for her widespread fan following. Be it typical Catholic wedding celebrations or just a family gathering, that song has become a staple in many Catholic households.

Lorna performing at the Panjim Samba square carnival, 2022

At age 77, she is a star shining as brightly as ever. Fans from all over the world have a special place in their hearts for her. She revolutionized goan culture and shared it with the world. What would otherwise be kept within the goan community, has been opened out to stages all over the world.

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