"Stars of 70s" back on stage
by Prasad Gunewardene
The musicians and singers of the early 1970s, who revolutionised the
Sinhala music scene with calypso and pop style come on stage again on
October 8 evening at the BMICH. In the late 1970s these musical groups
disbanded themselves due to marriage and employment commitments. But
their compositions continued to stay.
Annesley Malawana |
Indrani Perera |
Anil Bharethi |
The "Prince of the Sinhala Pop", Annesley Malawana regroup these men
now past their fifties in age to bring them back to sing the originals.
This time they sing for the School Development of St. Mary's College,
Dehiwala as the college marks the centenary celebrations this year.
Annesley Malawana will represent the "Moonstones" and the "Super
Golden Chimes", the two outstanding bands of yesteryear in the absence
of music legend, Clarence Wijewardene who passed away nearly a decade
ago.
Annesley will back nostalgic memories singing the ever popular hits
"Mango Nanda"-"Kalu Mama" to "Udarata Niliya" and "Vana Bambaro".
Indrani Perera, known as the "Princess of Sinhala Pop Melody" will come
up with her "Dilhani", "Sigiriya" and the best of her songs during the
"Three Sisters" days.
Billed up for October 8, is Errol Fernando, brother of late Neville
Fernando of "Los Cabelleros" fame. Errol will start from "Menike Obe
Sinahawe" move to "Malbara Himidiriye" to end up with "Master Sir".
You will also hear the yesteryear top hit "Cock-a-doodle do" as Priya
Peiris of "La Bambas" take stage with the popular hits of his band like
"Nuwara Menikela". As Priya retires from the stage, the sound of a
blacksmith busy at work will be heard. He is Joe B.Perera of "Meemasso"
who sang the ever popular "Yakada Thalanna" alongside the "Mala Giravi",
which at that time was a follow up to baila maestro M. S. Fernando's
song "Rasa Ahara Kavala".
The Marians at Dehiwala led by Rev. Fr. Bernard are staging this
event to develop the school and sports activities and Harcourts
Pharmaceuticals have extended their fullest cooperation being the chief
financier of the project.
Coming back to this gala event of the year bringing back the melodies
of yesteryear, the Dharmaratne Brothers will be on stagesongs like
"Varsity Kollo", "Wessa Vahinawa" and "Raja Kumari" that hit the pop
lists of that era. Following them will be Derrick De Silva of "Sri
Lankans" as Merril Fernando of "Amigos Romanticas" will give a few
calypso hits.
The blend of music for dance is at the tail end with Anil Bharethi,
Rajiv Sebastian and the late 1950's hero, Christopher Paul. Anil is sure
to hold the audience spellbound with his six eight numbers from the
"Golden Chimes" days while Rajiv will bring the nostalgic memories of
Clarence Wijewardene songs as Christopher Paul will spell out the sweet
melodies of his era. Channa Wijewardene and his dancers will grace this
occasion as Vijaya Corea will be there as EMcee.
Annesley and the Super Chimes will provide musical backing while
Sirasa TV will be the media sponsors of this event.
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