Francis Tembo

Francisco Boavida Fernandes was born on 1 February 1933 in Benaulim, Goa, which was under Portuguese rule at the time during the Portuguese Empire. He was born into a Goan Catholic family. His father, Mariano Piedade Fernandes, worked as a piano and violin repairman and carpenter, while his mother, Maria Acençaõ Serolina Rodrigues (later known as Serolina Rodrigues), was a homemaker.^[1]

Tembo, a stage-name adopted by Fernandes, became well known for his prowess in the traditional game known as "thembiamni" or Cup-and-ball. Thembiamni involved the use of a wooden stick resembling a hockey stick and a wooden ball. Fernandes displayed skill in both crafting the ball and stick himself, reflecting his talent as a carpenter specializing in the creation of elaborate wooden artifacts and footwear. Fernandes garnered recognition and popularity within the zomnivoilo fell (folk drama) and khell-tiatr communities. Known for his versatility, he assumed diverse roles ranging from a bhattkar (landlord) and a Hindu man to a drunkard and a comedic character. He collaborated regularly with Konkani khell tiatr figures such as A. Moraes, a mestri (teacher), as well as Konkani playwright and theater director Patrick Dourado, Xallibai, Menino Alfonso, and later playwright Menino de Bandar. Beyond his accomplishments as a stage actor, Fernandes took on the responsibility of instructing aspiring performers in the art of fells (term used for khells in Salcete) from villages and towns such as Curtorim, Chandor, Cuncolim, and Chinchinim. Moreover, he showcased his musical talent by composing songs for his children to perform on stage and at various events.^[2] Fernandes earned distinction as a popular specialist in khell tiatr.^[3]

Fernandes gained acclaim as a stage performer and songwriter, leaving an impact on the Konkani theatrical scene. His artistic prowess extended to composing several songs that were used by his son, Peter de Benaulim. Beyond his musical contributions, Fernandes played a pivotal role in guiding his son through the challenges of stage fright, instilling confidence and dispelling fear.^[4] Acting as both mentor and teacher, Fernandes imparted his knowledge exclusively to his son, who made his debut at the age of four when a fellow child artist failed to appear. Known for his exacting standards and demanding nature, Fernandes granted his son the opportunity to debut in Xallibai's Modkeak Lagon (Because of Matka),^[5] a play staged in Benaulim. The success of Peter's inaugural performance left both Fernandes and onlookers astonished.^[6] Demonstrating his commitment to nurturing talent within his family, Fernandes also introduced his daughter, Comedienne Joana, to the Konkani stage between the ages of five^[7] and seven in his one his zomnivhele khell tiatr production.^[8] Fernandes was as a member of the khellghodde (khell actors) group, known for their substantial impact on fell and khell tiatrs.^[2] He was noted for his regular participation in khells.^[9]