Sonia Shirsat

Sonia Shirsat (born 1980) is an Indian fadista. Referred to as the "ambassador of Goan music to the world" she has performed across India and the world and often during cultural and music events in Goa. She has sung in 15 different languages Shirsat has been promoting Fado in Goa, by holding training and introductory classes to this form of music at various parts of the region.

Early life

In her earlier day job, Shirsat was a lecturer of law. She "bagged an international award for her speaking skills, much before she started singing professionally". She holds an LL.M (Master's in Law) degree. Paris, Porto, Oeiras and Seoul.

Shirsat has also performed along with some of the prominent names from the world of Fado, including Katia Guerreiro, Maria Ana Bobone, Raquel Tavares, Rao Kyao, Carlos do Carmo, Argentina Santos, Miguel Capucho, Ricardo Rocha and Antonio Chainho. She has performed on a number of occasions on a number of Portugal-based TV channels, including in live performances on RTPI, Sociedade Independente de Comunicação and Televisão Independente.

Theatrical career In September 2012, Shirsat made her debut in Konkani tiatr as a singer in Sammy Tavares's production Apleam Bhurguem Sangatak (With Their Children).

Other achievements Sonia Shirsat, the Fado singer from Goa, 2009.Shirsat is the only professional Fadista (Fado singer) in the Indian Subcontinent, a form she has performed since 2003. She also conducts workshops and gives talks on this semi-classical genre of music called the Fado. Apart from the Portuguese Fado, Shirsat is also known for performing Traditional and Pop music from Goa.

Awards Shirsat has won the 2016 April: Best Singer (Female) Award from the Tiatr Academy of Goa. She was also conferred the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2016 in the category of Traditional Music which is awarded by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, Ministry of Culture, Government of India. She attained the Yuva Srujan Puraskar 2011, the highest Award in the cultural field given by the Govt of Goa in Youth Category.

Media comments The Hindu newspaper said of her: "Shirsat is a prodigious singer with a versatile voice. Rated as the best Fadista in India of all time, the talented singer has toured across the globe."

Discography 2006: Selected for Fado scholarship in Portugal. This collection comprises cover versions of prominent musicians such as Alfred Rose, Chris Perry, Frank Fernand, Wilfy Remembus, among others. Shirsat has also been working on Konkani music in recent times. Melodious Goa, 2014 Saudades de Fado II, 2016 August 2016: Fado in the city (performance)