Remo Fernandes Biography

Credited with introducing the world of pop and rock music to India at large, Remo Fernandes’s musical style is a reflection of the various styles of music and cultures he has been exposed to as a child in Goa and during his travels round the world. Born in Panjim, Goa in 1953, Remo was introduced to the world of rock music by a cousin who, while returning from London brought along a record called ‘Rock Around The Clock’ by Bill Haley & His Comets.

After his schooling, Remo moved to Mumbai to study for a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture. In Mumbai, he was able to showcase his latent talent. After completing his graduation, he came back to Goa. He traveled to Europe and North Africa between 1977 and 1980. He returned to India, but was dismayed to find that there was no market for his music. The year 1986 proved to be lucky for Remo. He sang at an official government function in Goa for the then visiting Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, where he sang a song ‘Hello Rajiv Gandhi’, which caused an uproar. When he mailed a press clipping to the Prime Minister, he was surprised and relieved to get a reply from the Prime Minister insisting that he found nothing objectionable with it.

He cut his album Pack That Smack in 1986 and Bombay City in 1987, both of which turned out to be bestsellers. He started singing in various international concerts such as the Dresden International Song Competition, the Tokyo Music Festival, the Festival of India in the USSR, the MIDEM ’96 Music Festival in Hong Kong, besides concerts in Bulgaria, Macau, Seychelles and Mauritius.

His 15-minute title song Jalwa for the movie by the same name in 1987 became a hit. His next album was released in 1992 titled Politicians don’t know to Rock’n’Roll. He teamed up with Mani Ratnam and composer A. R. Rahman to sing the song Humma Humma in the movie Bombay. The song went on to earn Remo a Double Platinum. In 2005, he teamed up with Jethro Tull and renowned percussionist Sivamani for a concert held in Dubai.

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