41. Delfine Da Costa

Delfine Da Costa with Terry Pinto

The Alfonso Sisters started singing at a very young age around the house. They grew up hearing their mother always singing and whistling. One of them would start singing then Rufina would harmonize. They made beautiful music together. Dad and Mum’s friends would ask them to sing for them whenever they came over. They had no formal training, just sang straight from the heart. Fabiola and Rufina were called upon to sing at parties, at the clubs, and were called the Alfonso sisters. Delfine mostly sang solo. When Fabiola

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wasn’t around Rufina and Delfine would sing together. Rufina was amazing in her harmony.

When Rufina and Delfine went to Mary Hill School (boarding school) in Thika, they sang a lot together. They were constantly being asked to sing. “In 1962 or 1963 a friend (Felicity Baronet) heard that auditions were being held for a musical show in Nairobi and suggested we try out. Unfortunately, the friend did not make it (because you yelled “cut, cut, out, out” at her).” When it was Delfine’s turn she stepped up to the mike and belted out “Goodie Goodie” and was accepted.

The Railway Goan Institute staged a variety show in 1967 and Fabiola and Rufina sang a duet. Rufina was a big hit with “Little Green Apples.” People remember it to this day. Delfine sang “You’re My World” and brother Max played the harmonica. They were all a big hit. The show was so popular that the club extended the show for two more performances. The news of the show’s popularity spread and the Horizons Club invited the cast to perform in Kampala, Uganda. There, too, the show proved a huge success and played to a packed house. Younger sister Lolita was also an excellent singer and was a big hit in Maryhill School, Thika, and in Bombay, India where she was studying to be an artist.

The Alfonso sisters’ last big performance came at their mother’s funeral mass when they sang “Amazing Grace” in five voices, Fabiola. Rufina, Delfine, Teresa and Mervyn’s beautiful base voice. It was pure magic. People talk about it to this day. It was a true, loving tribute to their dear mother.

On a visit to Goa, India in 1997, Norman, Elaine and Delfine went to a friend (Vernon Rodrigues’) outdoor restaurant in Candolim. They were the only patrons there. Delfine started jamming with a local guitarist. The restaurant quickly filled up with tourists when they heard her. Vernon pleaded with her to come back the next day but they had other plans. He presented her with a beautiful hand carved statue of Our Lady and Baby Jesus as a token of his gratitude.

Delfine who lives in Ontario, Canada, continues to perform at various functions at the GOA, Dr Ribeiro Goan School reunions, fundraisers, variety shows, etc. She enjoys singing jazz, pop and some country music. Not so long ago, she was the jazz singer for a seniors’ Mardi Gras function in Mississauga. She sings regular at functions.

While on vacation in Goa, India in 2014, Delfine was called upon to sing at various venues and hotels with at least three or four encores.

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