Noël Gama directs HR and Corporate Communications by day but come sundown, he goes back to his first love – music! He’s been playing in various bands since his teens, the guitar being his primary instrument though he often uses arranger keyboards for his One-Man Band performances. He’s played in all sorts of places and spaces but he says the most memorable event was a gig in the Dudhwa Forest region!
Of Portuguese descent, Noël lives in Daman (Damão), a former Portuguese enclave on the western shores of India, which became part of India as recently as 1961. Hence, there is a strong Portuguese influence in its culture. It is in this unique multiracial, multicultural and multilingual environment that he grew up in. It is therefore not surprising that he sings both, in Portuguese and in English.
He spends his leisure hours in his colonial villa in a 16th century fort, writing songs and historical romance novels set in the Indo Portuguese era. “My mission is to popularize Portuguese Pop/Folk music in India through the power of the Internet and my solo shows,” he says.
“LusoƒIndia” is an exclusively Portuguese music one-man act that sees him using midi-fitted electro-acoustic guitars and intelligent accompaniment modules. Portuguese Pop/Folk songs being harmony-laden, he plugs his mic into the Digitech Live 4, which faithfully follows his guitar chords to generate chordal harmonies that perfectly match his rather high vocal pitch, and at the same time preserves his OMB status. For bigger shows, where he sings in both languages - Portuguese and English - he uses high-end arranger keyboards as his backing band.
When asked about the two dots on the ‘ë’ in Noël Gama, he says, “Oh! They’re just subtle identity markers I use to let my audience or readers know that I’m a guy every time they hear or read my ‘voice’ – not that it really matters,” he laughs.
Eu tive o privilégio de ouvir o Noel Gama cantar em português uma das suas composições e fiquei sua fã! Foi no programa cultural que celebrou o «Dia de Damão» no dia 2 de Fevereiro de 2012 e toda a iniciativa foi extraordinariamente organizada a nível mundial pelo próprio Noel! A sua actuação foi um êxito e todo o público adorou ouvi-lo cantar em português sobre as saudades da terra onde nasceu. Espero poder ouvir brevemente mais música da sua autoria e desejo que continue o magnífico trabalho que tem vindo a realizar em prol da música e da cultura Damanenses!
Noel Gama is a very creative musician, who has developed his own inimitable style. He has performed cover versions of popular songs as well as his own compositions at many occasions. All his performances display a flair and a style that he is now renowned for. He is indeed a musician and entertainer in a class of his own!
I had the privilege of listening to Noel Gama, sing in Portuguese and was flabbergasted! It was during a cultural programme on the 2nd of February 2013, celebrating "Daman Day". I felt elated to hear Noel sing in Portuguese, based on the memories and praises to my birthplace, "Damao". The song "Encosta a tua cabecinha'' was simply fantastic! Indeed, a creative musician who has devoted himself to music and doing an excellent job.
Well done, Noel and would love to hear you sing more and more.
Noel Gama has performed at the Coast Guard Air Station, Daman, on various occasions with utmost dedication, sincerity and absolute professionalism. He is an excellent musician and is capable of enthralling the audience for hours together. An entertainer in a class of his own!
Noel Gama as I know him is a musician by heart first and then an HR person. He loves his guitar as much as his gadgets! No wonder he has been a One Man Band to thrill many a audience! I remember him once singing an emotional song (which he had himself written and composed) to an audience of over 1000, with just a single guitar in his hands for accompaniment - the crowd was spellbound!
Noel Gama é um músico de alta qualidade entoando músicas e letras próprias entrilhando a audiência com a sua perfeita rendição musical, e o único que se dedica com tal profissionalismo e eficiência que lhe torna muito apreciado e popular.
I have always been fascinated with the Portuguese language but when I heard Noel singing in portuguese, I was mesmerized by the songs and his melodious voice. I never knew Portuguese music could be so delightful until I heard Noel's version of popular Portuguese songs at a wedding in Daman! He not only has a rich voice - the crystal-clear words seem to flow out of his lips as effortlessly as in speech.
I am a great fan of Noel’s one-man band since the early 80’s. I have attended many of his performances at different places, on different occasions. Noel has his own songs, his own style and his own silky voice - I mean, no copy cat! Sometimes, I had a chance to be present when he was composing his piece of music - it was amazing! I am proud to be his friend and fan. He is a multi-talented person. Noel, thank you very much for giving me such wonderful musical memories. You are a fab musician and entertainer and a wonderful person.
Noel Gama is a great and talented singer and musician. His simplicity, humility, kindness and outstanding personality make him stand above the rest.
I am previleged to hear Mr. Noel Gama play. I f ind that his music brings out the pathos in me and at the same time his music is vibrant. It wakes you up, makes you sit up and take notice. I wish he continues to play more frequently and for long. I wish him well.
I do not know even the a,b,c, of Western music but Noel Gama’s music touched me and I used to shake my head, closing my eyes in appreciation and enjoyment. Such was the melody of his music and he appreciated my typical South Indian invocation of the Lord. In short, music is divine, East or West!
I have known Noel for many years now, practically since I was a child. His passion and mastery of music has only grown in these years. He can bring out deep emotions through his music. His brilliance is in his abilty to mould his music to play on your feelings, he takes you along in this wonderful journey of sound. He is an artist who makes you part of his canvas of lyrical beauty.
For as long as I’ve known Noel for the last 27 years, he has always been passionate about his music. Mesmerizing vocals, competent playing; be it the guitar or keyboards, and the amazing ability to establish an instant connection with his audience make him a complete entertainer. He has written and composed a few lovely songs which strike a chord with the listener. I am proud to have such a nice friend. I wish him all the best in the near future.
A complete musician and entertainer, his music has evolved over the years. Equally adept in playing the guitar and keyboards, he has always been in sync with the times and development in the world of music. A gifted songwriter and composer, his songs are touching and espouse causes one can empathize with. My best wishes are with him in his musical journey. Noel….`Thank you for the music’.
Congratulations Noel, you have really made it happen! If it wasn't for you, this great and beautiful programme would not have been there. Keep it up Noel! You are great and we are there to give you full support for your future needs. Viva Damao and Viva Musica Portuguesa!
I've known Noel as a very talented and enthusiastic musician since I was a kid, seeing him perform live many times. I'm very much inspired by his songs especially the Portuguese songs that he sings awesomely, are so memorable! But besides the music, he also has got very good knowledge of sound reinforcement, always making sure that he gets the best sound system for that clean and awesome signature sound he is known for.
Noel is best known for his rendition of popular music including English Pop, Rock, Dance and Portuguese Pop & Folk. His amazing vocal range, music knowledge and keen interest in the latest technical innovations and gadgetry make for a brilliant combination which, he delivers fully and with exceptional accuracy in his shows and performances to keep his audiences and fans entertained for hours!I’m personally a fan of his renditions of Portuguese Contemporary Pop music. He is one of few musicians that have the ability to take an existing popular song and make it his own but at the same time do justice to the song as the original artist intended.
Noel, muitos parabéns pelo sucesso da tua apresentação musical no Instituto Camões em Nova Delhi. Foi um justo e merecido prémio para a forma persistente e coerente como tens defendido a especificidade da cultura Damanense e, também, a herança cultural portuguesa em Damão. Naturalmente, espero que outras oportunidades surjam.
Muitos Parabéns por mais esta vitória na divulgação de Damão em Delhi junto das autoridades portuguesas!
Graças ao trabalho de Noel Gama Damão tem sido cada vez mais reconhecido no exterior e a sua música e cultura cada vez mais populares.
Muitos Parabéns e continue o excelente trabalho que tem vindo a desenvolver para a valorização de Damão e da sua cultura em toda a Índia e em Portugal!
Noel Gama is a very creative musician, who has developed his own inimitable style. He has performed cover versions of popular songs as well as his own compositions at many occasions. All his performances display a flair and a style that he is now renowned for. He is indeed a musician and entertainer in a class of his own!
Eu tive o privilégio de ouvir o Noel Gama cantar em português uma das suas composições e fiquei sua fã! Foi no programa cultural que celebrou o «Dia de Damão» no dia 2 de Fevereiro de 2012 e toda a iniciativa foi extraordinariamente organizada a nível mundial pelo próprio Noel! A sua actuação foi um êxito e todo o público adorou ouvi-lo cantar em português sobre as saudades da terra onde nasceu. Espero poder ouvir brevemente mais música da sua autoria e desejo que continue o magnífico trabalho que tem vindo a realizar em prol da música e da cultura Damanenses!
Parlour (Warm one/two-song gig - suitable for Opening &/or Closing ceremonies and house concerts)
Auditorium (Easy-listening, 4-song set - suitable for small audience/venues and house concerts)
A complete musician and entertainer, his music has evolved over the years. Equally adept in playing the guitar and keyboards, he has always been in sync with the times and development in the world of music. A gifted songwriter and composer, his songs are touching and espouse causes one can empathize with. My best wishes are with him in his musical journey. Noel….`Thank you for the music’.
