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| Sunday, 7 May 2006 |
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Remember Clarence's 70s
classic that made grown-ups cry?:
Who was Dilhani? Sri Sangabo Corea reveals:
When I agreed to take Clarence Wijeewardena under my wing and launch him into the world of music it was just two people coming together with a common objective. When I heard some of his compositions I knew for sure that he had all the makings of a super star. But Clarence never in his wildest dreams imagined that he would be a legend. After the first few practices I told him that he must think of starting a group, and that he must take his practices very seriously. I told him just one thing-if he would follow my advice I would make him a household word. When he laughed in disbelief, I repeated, not mincing my words, that I would make him famous through the length and breadth of the country. He did not think this was possible and when it did happen, he was not ready to face the fame, the glitter and the glamour that went with it. Unexpected Initially, Clarence did not expect me to do so much for him, and there were times when he felt somewhat reluctant to take advantage. I made it clear to him that my house was always open to him to use for his practices and the front room was readily made available to him at all times. Whenever we had practices my wife kept our four months old daughter on the divan and kept the older one with her. Music was never a source of disturbance to either of them, and they grew up to be very musical and die-hard fans of Uncle Clarence and Uncle Annesley. One day, Clarence came home quite excited and wanted me and my wife to listen to his latest composition - done overnight. This was how the introduction went. "Mr and Mrs Corea, I don't know how I can thank you both and repay you for all what you are doing for me. I composed this song last night which I hope you will like. It is my way of showing how grateful I am to you both and the family." He picked up his box guitar and sang 'Dilhani' whilst four months old Dilhani slept soundly, little realising that Clarence was singing her praises. My wife and I went crazy over the song, and I immediately suggested that a female voice must sing it. Clarence thought of two famous singers but I disagreed and said we must start looking for a new voice to sing it. The discovery of a new voice will be an additional plus, I explained to Clarence. And so the search was on, looking for the right voice which led to the discovery of Indrani Perera. In concert When 'Dilhani' was going to be sung in the concert at the Navarangahala, Clarence pleaded with me to let Dilhani who was then four-years-old to come on stage. His argument was that various stories were circulating that Clarence's composition was for this one, and that one, and not for the real Dilhani. He wanted the rumours squashed. It took me some time to agree. When the time came and Clarence asked the packed auditorium whether they wanted to see the little girl who inspired him to compose 'Dilhani' the entire crowd yelled "Yes! we want Dilhani!!". Clarence called out to Dilhani who was in the audience and she walked gracefully, with garland in hand, all the way under a follow spot to the stage. As she put the garland on Clarence he gave her a hug and a kiss, carried her and showed her to the audience who greeted her with a deafening applause. When the curtain came down on a show that was power packed, little Dilhani, dressed in an elegant half saree and was the toast of the audience that night, was nowhere to be seen! The family panicked, and when the search party was running to and for, someone spotted her surrounded by autograph hunters. Clarence, was inspired sometime later to compose 'Ramani' for the elder sister, and sung in disc by Annesley Malawana. Though not as famous as 'Dilhani' - 'Ramani' too is a classic song with beautiful lyrics and a haunting melody. When the youngest of three Sharmini, is invariably asked why Clarence did not compose a song for her, her reply is that Uncle Clarence used all the nice words to describe the two sisters and the words that remained were not good enough to describe her!! At Annesley's last concert in USA Sharmini together with some of her Sri Lankan friends had booked an overnight stay in the same hotel where the concert was held. At the commencement of the show, Annesley had invited Sharmini to join the organizers in lighting the traditional oil lamp, as a special gesture. Unfortunately, my wife and I missed the show by a whisker, as we had to get back home after a 6-month stay with Sharmini and her family. The audience had thoroughly enjoyed the show, with Annesley, being at his very best! ******
The father of Sinhala Pop as he was recognised, Clarence was responsible in switching the Sinhala music scene from a staid, lack lustre groove to a track that reached out without exaggeration to all - young and old - with his simple and pastoral themes in songs and with the introduction, for the first time, of electronic guitars to Sinhala music. He formed the Super Golden Chines with his buddies Annesley Malawana and Chanaka Perera and literally took the music scene by storm with a wealth of Sinhala originals, which today is the valuable legacy he has left behind for young musicians to emulate. There are many hits by Clarence which are popular with today's musicians. Dilhani still continues to hold a special place with them. Not only were the Super Golden Chines centre stage with Sri Lankan music, they were successful even in the Western music scene then, as a popular dance band. Clarence the musician was a natural. The fluidity of his lyric writing, according to his colleagues, was amazing. They termed him the Golden Voice Clarence. Rightly so. He was a legend, he gave a new identity to Sri Lankan music. |
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| Produced by Lake House |
A flourishing Sri Lankan music industry today is the result of the highly
creative and innovative singer / composer / musician Clarence Wijewardene.
