Nelson João Sulpicio Afonso (20 April 1934 – 18 June 1982) was an Indian singer, composer, playwright, and theatre director who worked on the Konkani stage.

He was born into a Goan Catholic family, with his father, Manoel Adolfo Alfonso, originating from Aldona, and his mother, Evelina Idinha Cardoso e Afonso, being a homemaker.

[1] Afonso's mother possessed vocal abilities, which he inherited, and it became evident at a young age that he had a natural talent for singing.

[2] Encouraged by his neighbors, Afonso began showcasing his vocal prowess in village concerts and tiatrs, a popular form of Konkani musical theater.

It was during this time that A. S. Conception, a tiatrist residing in Afonso's neighborhood, discerned his abilities while witnessing one of his performances in a village drama.

Conception's efforts culminated in Afonso securing a breakthrough opportunity on the commercial tiatr stage, which facilitated his acceptance and artistic growth.

Initially, he primarily portrayed female characters, exhibiting an ability to convincingly embody their essence through his attire, actions, and comedic timing.

With a total of 27 tiatrs under his belt, Afonso covered a wide range of topics, including social issues and politics.

As the demand for government criticism grew, Afonso's songwriting abilities were put to the test, as he met the audience's expectations by delivering thought-provoking compositions.