Ebony Duo - a success story

By Mahes Perera

No! They are no hip-hop singers showing off their prowess in todays slick singing style that is lapped up by a majority of teenagers. They are the Ebony Duo back home after a successful spell of seven years entertaining music lovers in the Maldives. Rolika Wickramatileke is no new name in the Sri Lankan music industry.

He was the highly talented keyboardist and vocalist of the group Familiar Faces, much sought after in the early years, when he performed as a duo or trio with vocalist Aanjalie Waidyasekera, Estelle Gunasekera or Anne Nathan. "It was really hard work then, when we launched ourselves.

The competition was intense and if we wanted to be in the forefront it meant we had to put in a lot of hard work, constant hard work and a lot of dedication.

The thing that has got us thus far is that we love to do what we do and that's sing", said Rolika.

Question: 'Familiar Faces' is a thing of the past, now as Ebony Duo you have a new vocalist, did she come on the scene for the Maldives contract?

Answer: As Familiar Faces we had a successful run at the then Trans Asia Hotel (now Cinnamon Lakeside), the then International Hotel (now Kingsbury). Taj Samudra and the Galadari Hotel.

Dilrukshi Galappaththie joined me to go to the Maldives, after we got married, she if you remember, was the front line singer of her brother Udaya Galappaththi's band Ebony.

At the Maldives we played at a private island and it was a good life.

Entertainment is five times a week from 9.30 p.m. to midnight.

Most of the Maldivian bands are rock oriented and Sri Lankan bands are popular with the cosmopolitan guests because our repertoire is varied.

We play pop, the chart hits, raggae, country and western and the evergreens. Through all my experience in Sri Lanka I am able to gauge what the guests like and give them what they want which resulted in the popularity we earned.

Q: You made a tremendous impact on the music scene when you launched yourself with Aanjalie Waidyasekera you were very young then, were you formally trained in music?

A: No, I didn't have a formal training like sitting for exams and all that. I am what they say 'ear trained' and everybody was amazed at the speed at which I pick up tunes.

I did go to the Yamaha Music School to polish my artistry, and Tamara Ruberu was one of the teachers.

This together with my gift of playing by ear, helped me a great deal.

Talking of Aanjalie, I met her brother Bobby here when we came back from the Maldives. He told me he still performs, Sri Lanka certainly misses his vocal stylings.

Q: Where is your influence as a vocalist and pianist lie. Do you handle all the music arrangements for the Ebony Duo?

A: My greatest influence is Elton John. At the time I started Elton John was a big favourite in Sri Lanka. We knew all his hits. Of course I enjoy Michael Learns to Rock. Yes, I handle all the music arrangements for the present duo. I work it out to make it suitable to our singing style.

Q: At this juncture I'd like to focuss on Dilrukshi the background of her musical career. The musical industry does not know you as a solo singer.

A: Not as a solo singer, but I was the front line singer of my brother's band Ebony. We were on the scene in Sri Lanka for about 30 years.

It was a family band. My brother Udaya Galappaththi was the leader and after his death my other brothers moved out.

There was no one to take ever from where Udaya left. My brother Sampath joined Kings, then Channa he chose to join Friends, while my other brother Nuwan he now plays keyboards with the X'periments.

My sister Apsarika she is now a freelance singer. Music runs in the family my father Hubert is a singer. He is Lincoln's brother - Lincoln of Super Pink 'N Purple fame.

Most of our work as the band Ebony took us to many night spots in the South. Tangerine was our favourite hotel.

Q: Now as a duo, your repertoire quite naturally is wider, so who were your influences in music?

A: Well I enjoy the singing of Abba, Tina Turner, Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion and Adele.

Actually today's pop hits are wide and varied.

It is not easy for me to pick on one person as my influence. My sister and I we are not "voice trained", it's a gift our whole family enjoys which has helped us to make a mark in the music industry.

When Ebony Duo returned from the Maldives last December they were fortunate to be booked for the New Year's Eve Dance at the German Restaurant at Galle Face Court.

The event was a capacity packed occasion which resulted in the revellers enjoying themselves until the morn of 2015. ebonytrio@hot mail.com