|
The 89th birth anniversary of C.T. Fernando fell on
January 28:
Vocalist par excellence
Channa Bandara Wijekoon
When the song Hela Jathika Abhimane is sung at any forum, most of us
get the feeling of listening to our National Anthem. The song overwhelms
us with patriotic feelings and makes us extra emotional. I for one would
say, (with due respects to the musician and lyricist) it is the powerful
voice that renders justice to the song, which keeps us spellbound.
|
C.T. Fernando |
The singer is none other than the late C.T. Fernando. C.T. Fernando
has made history with the gamut of songs he gifted to this Nation,
garlanded by his golden voice.
The Buddhist culture and tradition in the pre and post world war
period did not encourage aesthetics like music and singing to the extent
of that was done by the Catholic culture. In the earlier days; singers
emerged and were nurtured in a Catholic background.
Thus we could presume, modern music in Ceylon had emerged from the
churches. Church choirs influenced many budding singers who were
non-Buddhists to brush up their talents in singing and come to the
limelight.
The late Ananda Samarakone, Sunil Shantha, Rukmani Devi , Chitra
Somapala, Nevil Fernando, Ivor Dennis, Clarence Wijewardena , Mervin
Perera, Vijaya Kumaratunga etc are a few artists who emerged from that
background.
Amongst all of them, CT Fernando is considered the father of Sri
Lankan pop arena, who fused western rhythms with local melodies to
create a unique pop culture. He is the one who inspired artists like
Clarence Wijewardena to emerge.
Born to a Catholic family in Kadalana Moratuwa in January 28, 1921,
Cyril Tudor Fernando studied at St. Mary’s College, Nawalapitiya. He was
a good orator in school and had won a gold medal for oratory once. He
had also won prizes for elocution, singing and drama. From the
childhood, CT was a charismatic presenter.
He was a chorister in his local parish church and this was a blessing
in disguise for young CT to get his vocal chords fine-tuned. (He later
became the choir master of A.R.P. Messenger service in Colombo, between
1942 to 1965.)
After saying adios to his Alma Mater, young CT had a stint with the
Grand Cabaret to entertain the troops involved in the second World War.
Entertaining the war-hardened soldiers was altogether a different ball
game.
CT boldly took up the challenge and with his persuasive presentation
skills and the mesmerizing and melodious voice, he kept the latter at
the edge of their seats and in the process, he further polished his
musical talents.
CT’s trademark European outfit and the Banjo in one hand started
appearing in the cover pages of local magazines but he was yet to record
a song to be aired over radio.
The year 1946 was CT’s significant year. He faced auditions at Radio
Ceylon and was positioned as a ‘Grade one’ radio artist. Afterwards, he
recorded his first song Pin Siduwanne…Aney…Bala Lamunne… the lyrics were
by R.N.H. Perera. In 1952, CT emerged as a commercial artist, singing
with HMV subsidiary Cargills Company. He recorded many of his popular
songs with ‘His Masters Voice’ label including Pin Sidu Wanne , Suwanda
Rosa , Barabage , Ambili Mame , Lo Ada Nindey , Kimada Sumihiriye , Amba
Ruk Sewanelle , Bilinda Nelawe Ukule etc. C.T. recorded the duet,
Punsanda Hinahenne with Rukmani Devi. He teamed up with Lata Walpola to
record the evergreen duet Salalihini Kovul Handa. (This song is sung
even by today’s youth, when they go on trips) He sang few duets with
Chandra de Siva. By this time, CT was a household name and many used to
sing and hum his songs. C.T.’s voice echoed in many urban and sub urban
get-togethers and parties.
C.T. became the most popular singer in the country, in 1959 and 1960.
He was praised by critics for the themes, wordings and powerful voice of
his songs; Bilinda Nelawe Ukule , Lo ada Nindey , Piyumehi Peni Bothi
Wanabamar. to name a few. His ever-popular “CT Show” was held almost
every weekend at the Galle Face green and crowds poured to watch the
show and dance with the rhythm.
CT was an entertainer par excellence. He even made guest appearances
at plush parties with the trademark outfit and banjo in hand. Local
cinema not only wanted CT to sing but also act in films.
Even in Dr. Lester’s debut film Gamperaliya, CT has portrayed a
character, let alone other guest appearances in commercial films. His LP
‘The Golden Voice of C.T. Fernando’ which he did with Lewis Brown
company, was an instant success. His lyricists were the late Karunaratne
Abeysekara, Lalith S. Maithripala, Sarath Wimalaweera and Wimaladasa
Perera. Music scores for his songs were done by CT himself, and also by
B.S. Perera, Patrick Denipitiya and P.L.A. Somapala.
It is rumored that CT was in love with a female artist, who was a
background singer in Sinhala films. CT however could not see the
ultimatum of this affair as the latter got married to another popular
artist. The agony he derived from this romance made CT to sing Katha
Nethe Sinawe.. Lata Mage Giyane.. Ohe Ithin Yanne Giyawe.. Gili Male
Tharuwa Eyane.
C.T. Fernando died on October 17 1977 following a heart attack, at
the age of 56. |
