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Marvel D’Souza, the Multitalented Artist Juggling Math and Music

Building a music career for yourself isn’t the easiest thing in the world. One needs to give in their all and keep captivating their audience with their content. Well, Marvel Christon Dsouza manages to do precisely that while also being a final year B.Com student pursuing a CA Articleship (Internship) and preparing for CA Final Exams.

Despite pursuing a career as a CA, a fairly difficult profession, this artist from Udupi couldn’t let go of music. Marvel was drawn to it since childhood. He was fascinated by artists that played live and would try to be like them. “I remember, during my primary school years, when I attended wedding receptions, I’d always watch how the drummers played. Later, I would gather all the TANG (juice Powder) boxes and start playing them using cutlery,” he recalls.

Noticing his interest in music, Marvel’s mother, Janet D’Souza, enrolled him for the weekend keyboard classes at Don Bosco English Medium School, Shirva. Soon music became a significant part of his life. Over time, he also learned how to play the Acoustic guitar, bass guitar and drums. “I would learn to play these instruments over the summer holidays. I had also joined the church choir, where I both sang and played the keyboard. With drums, I had to refer to a lot of youtube videos, but I enjoyed the entire process,” explained Marvel, who seems to be on a mission to learn every instrument he is fascinated by. But if he had to pick a favourite, it would be drums.

Marvel’s Family - Maiona Christa D’Souza | Marcel D’Souza | Janet D’Souza | Marvel Christon D’Souza

Youtube videos are also where Marvel finds his various musical inspirations. Rather than just one singer, he is inspired by observing every person in the field of music, be it singing or playing an instrument. “I keep on searching for music Maestros on YouTube and try to learn something from each one. To mention my most favourite, it is Cory Henry & Jacob Collier. Both are geniuses in the field of music. There is a lot to learn from them.”

As he learnt more instruments and bettered his singing, Marvel D’Souza soon began taking part in local musical events, where he was well-received. In addition to that, he learnt music production and sound mixing. “Once I figured production, I started making backing tracks for short films and karaokes. I also started uploading covers of different songs on Youtube,” said Marvel, whose work can be seen in productions like ‘Solvonecher Jeek’ and ‘ Natalyancho Zhari.’

Apart from flying solo, D’Souza is also a part of a popular local band, MNB, known for making original music and playing at live events like Wedding receptions, Roce, Engagements, and many more. The band rose to popularity thanks to their stellar performances in the Battle of Band events, which they won twice and was the runner-up once. MNB has also released an original, ‘Where did you go?’ on major streaming platforms and received rave reviews.

Band “MnB” and its members left to right - Renil Saldanha | Daniel D’Souza | Shon Mendonca | Joel Saldanha | Marvel Dsouza

Marvel’s soulful voice has earned him various opportunities. “ I have rendered my voice for Devotional CDs by Rev. Fr. Valerian Mendonca and Rev. Fr. Clement Mascarenhas. I also collaborated with Mr Arun Carlo and rendered my voice for his new original song “Dhav Dhav”, which is released on his YouTube channel.”

Apart from that, Marvel also takes part in music competitions. “I usually participate in most of the competitions that I come across. Participating in events gives me a lot of joy as these are opportunities for me to improve my craft. And it is okay if I don’t win,” explained Marvel. He, in fact, has won in various music competitions like the “Crastos Bhangrali Kogul’’ by ICYM Golden Jubilee committee in Udyavara, diocese level singing competition held by ICYM Pangla, an online singing contest held by Prajoth D’sa, an inter-diocese competition held by Wilfy Rebimbus Smarak committee as well as singing competition held by Konkani Natak Sabha, Mangalore. He is currently a contestant in MCC Bank Ltd. Soad 5 Mangoa, a Konkani Reality show.

                          Marvel emerged as winner of “Crastos Bhangrali Kogul’’ by ICYM Golden Jubilee committee in Udyavara

Despite his success in the field of music, Marvel aspires to be a Chartered Accountant. Though he always would love to take up music as a profession, he still feels the need to undergo vigorous training and have expertise in the field as a CA.

Since he has an equal interest in both, Marvel cannot pick one over the other. He does not have a set guideline to balance both studies and music, but he prioritizes it based on the need. “For example, if I have an exam coming up, I concentrate more on that than my music, and in the same way when I have an important gig or a music competition, I give time for the practice and try to cover up my studies later,” he added. As for when both coincide, Marvel usually has a hard time but usually ends prioritizing his studies.

Marvel’s suggestion to budding artists runs along the same lines. He hopes that they do not neglect their studies while focusing on their passions. But he also adds, “This is just my opinion. There are so many people who have dropped out and went on to become great artists, while there are others for whom things didn’t turn out that well.” In the end, he believes that it’s HARD WORK that pays. “One needs to approach music with focus and discipline. Success cannot be achieved overnight. Once you learn the basics of an instrument, one must also put in the effort to study and learn from resources on the internet while consistently practising.” Marvel concludes by saying that when one invests completely into music, it pays you back ten-fold.

Reported By : Jenisha Jernis
Edited by : Arza Safiya
Inputs by: Clivio Fernandes