On a high in popularity

By Mahes Perera

Undoubtedly the game of cricket has over the years inspired many a musician to express his passion for it in song. To guitarist/vocalist Nalin Fernando the game has always been a 'special' in his life, and still continues to keep him totally involved.

'More than my music' confesses Nalin Fernando! His interest has inspired him to release a video Sri Lanka Paradise, which carries the theme that the game of cricket is our passion and of course our country is a paradise. "I'm proud to claim that when I went to Doha Qatar in 1981 I was the captain of the Lanka Lions Cricket team in Doha, besides performing there on a contract.

I treasure the happy memories I have of playing cricket there. This current video of mine can be viewed on Youtube if you log on to www.srilanka entertainment.com revealed Nalin.

Since his return in 1981, Nalin moved swiftly into the music scene, performed with Chandimal as a duo 'Chandimal and Nalin and found unlimited success, before be decided to form his own band Nalin and the Star Combination.

The group has a wide repertoire of songs that reach back to the early years and stretch forward to accommodate almost all the best in the contemporary scene. The band is currently featured weekly at the Mirage Colombo a new hotel, on Thursdays and Sundays. Apart from these performances Nalin and the Star Combination are a popular favourite at sing-a-longs and many private and corporate functions.

Question: You have come so far in your 30 years-career in music, did you at any stage feel that you should have switched to another career, following the thought 'enough' is enough?

Answer: No never. I think music is the best career one could have.

Because in my opinion there is no undue stress - you do your own thing. Playing for different audiences every day is a good experience. The hotel trade has more full time work rather than an open music scene.

If you feel you need to chill out you can relax and do that and not feel nervous that you have to be ready to play for your next booking and so cannot wander away far. I'm happy I'm a musician - my family members are all involved in music.

My wife is a singer in my band she is the daughter of the late C.D. Fonseka and my two daughters Sahani and Nashali, they did well in their music.

They were choir leaders and were members of Choro Calibre and were the two main vocalists till last year. In hindsight I'm glad I am in the music business and I don't think I would have switched to any other career, whatever the financial gains.

Q: Today we have met many a disgruntled musician who is unhappy about the work load and financial returns in the music industry in Sri Lanka. Some say that the music is not as good as it was with the advent of digital technology. What would your comment be?

A: Compared to the time when we started our music career, I belonged then to one of the pioneer duo groups with Chandimal Fernando.

We worked long hours in the sense that we had to play in the morning, then fit in with an afternoon booking and end with an evening performance which took us more often till midnight.

We also had to play in all the 5 star hotel lobbies. With the start of digital technology keyboardists sprung up like mushrooms - every person became a keyboardist. You fit in a pen and you mime your song through. We were on a different plane.

We had to sing and remember the words. Of course I won't condemn the digital music.

Those who are involved in it have come through successfully.

Yet those who need music now go for the cheaper bands the duos in particular, or a DJ at a lower price, rather than pay a complete band.

The current band Nalin and the Star Combination comprises Nalin Fernando - vocals/guitar, Shermila Fonseka - vocals, Sahani and Nashali - vocals, Ravi Fernando - keyboards, Jagath Peiris - guitar/vocals.

Shermila Fonseka the lead vocalist in the band in an active member and ensures that all music matters moves smoothly with the band.

Q: We know that before you became a member of the band you were singing at stage shows at a young age with your father C.D. Fonseka. Could you spool back briefly on your singing career then?

A: My father was a well known radio artiste at SLBC and I sang with him from the age of 7 at stage shows. I used to sing my originals, I had 3 or 4 of them. Thatha sudu duwe, Saman male, Bada pissi, Mal mal ethana I was singing with him till I was 18 years and after he passed away, I look a hiatus. I came back into the music scene when I met Nalin. I enjoy my singing.

I had my voice training from Lyle Godridge and I was fortunate to be placed second at the S.S. Marketing Talent Organised by the late Malcolm Andree.

The judges as a point of interest were the late Livy Wijemanne and singer Noeline Honter.

You ask me about my influences, well they were Olivia Newton John, Anne Murray and Celine Dion.

Looking ahead, Nalin Fernando hopes to release a CD with originals as well as a catchy oldies non stop medley.