Contributed by Armando Gonsalves

Belinda Oliveira has regaled audiences all over the world and we too have heard so much of her, the last of which was at my home during one of the home jazz events held last year. Emotional it was too, simply because we had the pleasure of having with us her now late father, Remy Oliveira, who was a stunning pianist of his time. It was heartening to note then, that he made it a point to be present for the show just to show solidarity with the jazz cause, something which was dear to his heart. Being around 92 and frail in flesh but absolutely more than willing in spirit, I remember how all present were thrilled to have a man of his stature in our midst and to know that he supported jazz and jazz musicians of today with a heart that was as open as could be.

It was also nice to know that Belinda, who was then having a highway run at the jazz clubs in America, decided to give up all that, just to be here in Goa to care for her father whom she loved so much. Obviously, father and daughter were given a standing ovation for the emotional punch that they packed, and all of us were in awe of the overwhelming spirit that was so evident. However, never did we or could we ever realize that a few months later, not only would Remy breathe his last but Belinda too would be battling for her life, all in a depressingly short period of time.

Let us put our hands and hearts together for Belinda. Jazz in Goa will be richer with her life.

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[Photo courtesy of Just Jazz].