Folk songs to the fore
Ruwini JAYAWARDANA
Evergreen folk music and songs embody the evergreen quality of
addressing and attracting young minds. They embody values like team
spirit while popularizing the unique essence of the country’s
traditional music styles. This is not the music borrowed from another
country or source but one that had taken root in Sri Lanka and had been
handed down from generation to generation.
Podi Ayata Jana Gee
* Folk songs
* Songs based on folklore, riddles and
idioms
* Dramas
* Group drum presentations
 |
|
Athuru
Mithuru |
 |
|
Sahan
Picture by Ruwan de Silva |
Lionel Ranwala had been one key figure who had addressed this topic.
He had joined hands with stalwarts in the scene like W B Makuloluwa to
unearth the country’s music by visiting rural villages where these
features lay preserved and hidden.
Together they brought some songs and tunes which had fascinated
global audiences in their rhyme and rhythm because they have managed to
capture the pulse of a music style which can only be found in sri Lanka.
Today the Ranwala Foundation is run by Lionel’s son Sahan. Taking
after his father the youth brings forth a number of creations which
display the rich melodies of the local folk song tradition: Gama
Avulannan, Yuddhetath Evith and Three. The Ranwala Brigade had been
staging Podi Ayata Jana Gee since 2007 and will showcase their latest
show at Elphinstone theatre on July 10 at 6.30 pm.
“All participants are from the Ranwala brigade. We have divided them
into four classes which have been named after veterans who had served
the industry. They are W B Makuloluwa, C D S Kuklathileke, Rohana
Baddage and Weerasena Gunatileke. The production brings out the
children’s vocal and presentation talents. The seniors conduct the
practice sessions. They are the future leaders of the foundation so they
need to know how to look after the proceedings,” Sahan explained.
He said that a number of new items had been added to this year’s
programmes which include folk songs, songs based on folklore, riddles
and idioms, dramas and group drum presentations.
A miniature perehara will open the show followed by items like a song
based on the thoughts of a child monk. Around 15 items make up the show.
“We let the child explore their talents and find out which category
that they are most talented in. This helps them to enjoy what they are
doing as well as excel in their chosen field. It teaches them the values
of the society,” he said adding that parents often mould the children’s
mindset according to the latest trends.
“For instance a child vies to become a doctor, engineer or even a
‘superstar’ vocalist after taking part in a reality programme. These are
the in things in the society today. It has harmful effects on the
child’s personality development. We request them to let the children
roam around and locate their hidden talents,” he added.
 |
|
Pol Gaha
Mudinin |
 |
|
Doiya Babo |
The music is by Pradeep Muthukudarachchi, Janaka Hemantha, Pasindu
Chamara and Sahan Ranwala. The The songs are penned by Sisira
Dissanayake, Lakshman Katapitiya, Geeth tharanga, Dammika Hettiarachchi
and Gaminda Priyaviraj.
“There are popular cultures in the world but every country has its
own unique flavour. It is the market which decides on these popular
trends. We cannot avoid this fact but we need to take what is unique to
us to the world when we get a chance to showcase our creations. Borrowed
attire wouldn’t do. Though people dabble with the latest rages, they too
believe that the local uniqueness needs to be preserved,” Sahan said.
He says that though the fashion of having songs to mark major sports
events like the ICC World Cup and FIFA World Cup is new to the West,
songs connected with play had been there in Sri Lanka for decades.
“We actually sing while engaging in the sport. Eluwan Kama is such an
event. We possess rich tunes but we borrowed Indian tunes to compile
songs. We have become globalized while other countries have retained
their musical roots while striving forward towards modernization,” Sahan
said.
Their production Three will also be staged at St Thomas’ College,
Matara, on August 6 as a fund riser for Sujatha Vidyalaya, Matara. Sahan
is also involved in composing songs for preschool children and teachers
in the western province.
|
