Singer Remo Fernandes gives final performance in UK amid health struggles

Legendary musician Remo Fernandes recently took to the stage for what he described as his final performance, leaving the audience emotional at a Goa Day event in the UK. Despite health challenges that have affected his mobility and ability to play instruments, the singer-songwriter delivered a performance that was met with loud cheers from the crowd.Remo performed on Monday, August 3, walking slowly onto the stage as the audience chanted his name. Before beginning his set, he opened up about his recent health struggles and explained why he would perform while seated.The musician revealed that he suffered a mild stroke after contracting Covid-19, which made playing the guitar and flute difficult. He also spoke about being diagnosed with vertigo last year and undergoing surgery after an accidental fall. Despite these setbacks, he went ahead with the performance and received a warm response from the audience.Who is Remo Fernandes?Born on May 8, 1953, in Goa, Remo Fernandes developed an interest in music at an early age. He performed on stage when he was just five and wrote his first original love song at 14. He later moved to Mumbai to study architecture at Sir J J College of Architecture, but music remained his real passion. After completing his degree, Remo travelled across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, performing on streets, in cafes and at small gatherings. The experience exposed him to different musical traditions and later influenced his distinctive sound.When he returned to Goa, Remo began making music independently after facing rejection from major record labels. He recorded albums including Goan Crazy and Old Goan Gold from his home studio and personally distributed the cassettes to shops across Goa. His music blended Konkani folk, Portuguese mando and pop-rock influences. His breakthrough came in 1987 when he composed the title track for the Hindi film Jalwa. The song helped introduce him to a national audience. He later became known for songs such as Hamma Hamma from Bombay, Pyar To Hona Hi Tha and Huiya Ho from Khamoshi: The Musical.The musician who made his own rulesRemo's career stood apart because he wrote and composed much of his own material, often using music to comment on contemporary Indian society. An earlier India Today profile described him as a "one man music company" and noted that his songs were rooted in Indian realities rather than simply imitating Western pop music.His independent approach was evident from the beginning. After returning from Europe, he set up his own recording space, taught himself recording techniques and worked on his albums himself. He also handled the marketing and distribution of his music.His music also frequently carried a satirical and political edge. One of his early protest songs was inspired by the criticism he faced for choosing music over a conventional career. He later became nationally known after performing Hello, Rajiv Gandhi, a song that poked fun at the slow pace of development projects in Goa.The controversy surrounding the song ultimately brought him greater national attention. Remo later said the episode helped establish him as a name beyond Goa.Over the years, he performed at major international events and alongside several renowned musicians. He was also awarded the Padma Shri in 2007.Today, Remo lives in Porto, Portugal, while continuing to maintain a strong connection with Goa. His August 3 performance may have marked the end of his stage career, but the response from the audience showed that his music continues to hold a special place in the hearts of his listeners.- EndsPublished By: shweta keshriPublished On: Aug 5, 2026 10:08 IST