Wilfy Rebimbus facts for kids

Wilfred Gerald "Wilfy" Rebimbus (born April 2, 1942 – died March 9, 2010) was a famous Indian singer, songwriter, and playwright. He was well-known for his songs in the Konkani language and Tulu language. People often called him the Konkan Kogul. This means the cuckoo (a type of songbird) of the Konkan region.

Who Was Wilfy Rebimbus?

His Early Life and Family

Wilfy Rebimbus was born on April 2, 1942, in Mangalore, India. His parents were Landeline Rebimbus and Magdeline Mendonca. His family was Mangalorean Catholic. His father came from Kanhangad in Kerala, and his mother was from Goa.

Wilfy went to Milagres High School in Mangalore. After high school, he studied mechanics. He then worked as an apprentice at St. Joseph's Workshop.

How Did Wilfy's Talent Begin?

Wilfy was a very talented singer from a young age. He won many awards in singing contests. He started writing Konkani songs when he was 14 years old. At 15, he wrote his first play, Poixeancho Sonvsar, which means "The World of Money." He put on this play with the St. Joseph's Natak Sangh group.

In 1959, when he was 17, Wilfy started a music group. It was called the United Youngsters Music Party. Today, it is known as the United Youngsters Cultural Association.

What Else Did Wilfy Do?

Besides music, Wilfy was also good at sports. He was an athlete and played Kabaddi when he was in school.

Wilfy's Amazing Music and Shows

His Creative Work

Wilfy Rebimbus helped modern Konkani music become very popular. He had a special way of writing and singing songs. He wrote songs for many different events and feelings. Over about 40 years, Wilfy wrote thousands of songs. He also put on 248 special music shows called Wilfy Nites.

He released about 40 music albums. He also made six albums with religious songs and one album with instrumental music. Wilfy wrote nine books of poetry, including Vinchnar Podam (nine volumes) and Kogull Gaita (two volumes).

By 2002, Wilfy had written 2,500 songs. He had also produced 33 audio cassettes and six volumes of religious songs. He composed music for Konkani movies too. Some of his nine plays were even broadcast on All India Radio in Mangalore.

The Konkan Kogul Title

Wilfy received the title Konkan Kogul on September 26, 1971. The Bishop of Mangalore, Basil Salvadore D'Souza, gave him this special name. It means "Cuckoo of Konkan."

Awards and Praise for Wilfy

In 2009, a Konkani cultural group called Mandd Sobhann gave Wilfy a lifetime achievement award. This was for his huge contribution to Konkani music.

Veerappa Moily, a former chief minister of Karnataka, praised Wilfy. He said Wilfy's talent and legacy were unique. He called Rebimbus an "epochmaker," meaning someone who changed an era. A singing contest is still held in Wilfy's name, even in 2013.

Wilfy's Family Life

His Wife, Meena Gracia Rebimbus

Wilfy married Meena Gracia Rebimbus on January 25, 1970. Meena is also a very popular singer. She was given the title Konkan Myna on August 12, 1984. This title, named after another singing bird, was given to her for her beautiful voice.

Meena Gracias Rebimbus also wrote some songs for Wilfy's albums. These include Nach to ka Vetha, Asha, and Kuhu Kuhu. The song Kuhu Kuhu was a tribute to Wilfy after he passed away.

His Children and Legacy

Wilfy and Meena had two children: Veena Rebimbus Pais and Vishwas Rebimbus. Both Veena and Vishwas also sing and compose music. They have continued their father's musical legacy. In 2011, they released an album called Tum Maka Hav Tuka.

On June 13, 2010, Bishop Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza gave Wilfy a special award. It was called Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice from Pope Benedict XVI. Wilfy received this award after his death. It was given for his love for the Church and his amazing music for the Konkani community. The Bishop gave the award to Meena Rebimbus.

Wilfy's Final Years

Illness and Passing Away

Wilfy was diagnosed with lung cancer. He had surgery for it in September 2009. He passed away from problems related to lung cancer on March 9, 2010. He was 67 years old.

His body was shown to the public at the St. Joseph's Seminary Church in Jeppu, Mangaluru, on March 11, 2010. He was buried at the Jeppu Cemetery. Wilfy was survived by his wife Meena, his daughter Veena, his son-in-law Arthur, his son Vishwas, his daughter-in-law Charlene, and his grandchildren Arvin and Anna.