In praise of a legend

E WEERAPPERUMA

Clarence was a trendsetter and a sage in the musical field who attracted generations: new and the generation fading away into the oblivion, limbo.Clarence claimed to be a revolutionary musician in his own right. He also pioneered the use of electric guitar in the 1960s performing Sinhala music to a majority with scanty music knowledge.

He is aptly named as 'father of pop music' with Sri Lankan flavour. His music was simple but elegant. It was lucid and attractive to the listener who could enjoy with a serene silent mind.

Music influence

For instance 'Malata Bambareku Se' (Like a Bee to the Flower) underscores the simplicity of his music. It had won admiration of Dr W D Amaradeva, Maestro Premasiri Khemadasa and had greatly influenced musicians like Athula Adhikari of the modern generation.

Clarence Wijewardena

Clarence was born a son to an estate medical practitioner on August 3, 1943, and grew up in Matale. In 1965, at the age of 22, he was on the way to make a name for himself with hard work. He gave up the lucrative planting career to pursue music. While the fame was still miles away, he married Sheela. His daughter Amila was the priceless gift.

Clarence formed his musical band 'Moonstones' in 1964 when he was just 21. He became a household name with debut in 1965. He shot to fame singing 'Mango, Kalu Nende'. He was ably assisted by Annesley Malewana, the lead vocalist, an outstanding member of 'Moonstones'.

His musical team was managed by S S Corea, the advertising icon and the group recorded several songs and came on Saturday Star program in 1966. The veteran Radio Ceylon broadcasters Vernon, and Vijaya Corea together with Sri Sangabo Corea mentored the young musicians under their wings.

Their EP debut 'Mango Nende' was released on the JVPC007 Philips label selling over 5000 copies. Mango Nenda was selected as the best Sinhala song by the Hit Parade program on Radio Ceylon.

Self taught

Indrani Perera joined the 'Moonstone' group adding colour to it. She climbed the ladder to the topmost of fame with her song 'Dilhani Duwani'. Clarence, on his part, contributed with 'Dileepa Podi Pothu' adopting a poem by Karunarathe Abeysekera had composed fascinated by his own son.

Clarence Wijewardena, the finest self-taught guitarist, touched many areas in the musical world. He was a composer, music director, a singer and formed a three-man band. This exceptional man and his music dominated the Sinhala Pop Music industry.

Being a person out in search of something new and adventurous, he left 'Moonstones'. Clarence pioneered with his life-long friend Annesley Malewana and in 1970, the musical show he held with Shanaka Perera and Wijith Peiris came back in 1971 through 'Golden Chimes'.

The song 'Kimada Nave' was a hit and, like most of his songs, it has the unfading appeal and very popular even among the new generations.

He was joined by Dixon Gunarathene, the maestro guitarist. In this Christmas season we now remember Christmas bells chime and the Sinhala channels take lead with the Christmas hit 'Bethlehem Pure', with the golden voice of Anil Bharathi. Song was written by Karunarathne Abeysekera.

This is one song that charms the Christmas spirit, the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Anil is a valuable treasure, Clarence did not want to lose. He composed 'Adawei Irudina', 'Ma Adarei Nangiye', 'Tikirimalee' and several other songs.

Productive music

In 1973 Clarence and Dixon jointly formed 'Super Golden Chimes' band in which Annesley was a part and it was one of the most productive music groups Sri Lanka ever had.

Clarence, who had the ability to grasp the trends of music of his day, was always fond of experimenting. He introduced Sitar music and gave blood to some old songs like 'Lalitha Kala' using sitar. In turn they became much popular. They enjoyed their number one position continuously over a decade and when Clarence left, Mike Gunasekerara took over the band.

Clarence also had the unfailing sense of gratitude and composed songs of tribute and generously directed music for them. 'Piyaneni' is one such song he composed in memory of Rev. Ivan Corea, father of Vernon Corea, whom he had met in 1960s, on one of his visits to Maha Nuga Gardens to meet his mentor, Vernon.

This has an appeal to the Asian psyche and Malewana sings this song at gatherings on his tours, beyond the sea.

Clarence also made his mark entering Sinhala film industry which tapped his outstanding skills and calibre in directing music. 'Sikuruliya' was the first Sinhala film to which he directed music, using both eastern and western musical instruments. His was a different and unique composition of music novel to the film industry.

He also sang for Sinhala films under several other music directors which resulted in the release of a cassette 'Anytime Anywhere'. He used his talent to the best of his ability and the music composed for the 1975 Sri Lanka hosted Non-aligned Movement conference added a feather to his fame.

Then he had the rare opportunity to compose a song and direct the music for the SAARC conference. In the presence of Prime Minister Sirimavo Dias Bandaranaike as chief guest at the opening ceremony of the Ceramic Corporation, Clarence sang, 'Duwani Sirima' to music played by the Super Golden Chimes.

Various contributions

Polls conducted by Pop and Teen Fanfare elected him the most popular composer in 1974 and 1976 and his song 'Katharagama' was polled as the best song in 1974.

In 1979 he bid good bye to Super Golden Chimes and in 1982 came out with an album containing 11 songs about Sri Lanka cricket named 'The Test Cricket Souvenir' to salute Sri Lanka getting World Test Cricket Status. The song 'Thana Nilla Dige' of Saman de Silva, was a super hit and continues to entertain cricket fans.

Clarence then joined the first ever recording studio with multi-tracks in Sri Lanka, Sing Lanka Limited, as its General Manager and released a cassette 'Clarence with the rising stars' which included several artists in the country for whom he composed music. He also composed music for tele dramas such as 'Susima' and 'Nidikumba Mal'.

He was thrilled when he got the opportunity to compose and direct music for Dr Pandit W D Amaradeva. The song was 'Sasara Gewa Yana Divi Gamane' in 'Nidikumba Mal'. He composed and directed music for the song 'Daesawan dase' which speaks about the child abuse.

He composed and directed music for 'Kandu Sikarin Vata Senkadagala Pura', a song in honour of the deceased royal tusker of the Sacred Tooth Relic Temple, Kandy.

His contribution to trade and commerce was appreciated and his melodies and catchy jingles were enchanting and tempting. Development Lottery, Bata, Singer, Thultex Edna chocolates and Keells became popular because of his music.

He formed 'Madhara', a band in 1985, which included Rukantha Gunatilleke, Mariazelle and a host of others. The loss of Clarence a singer, playback singer, songwriter, guitarist and record producer is irreparable and he lives in the hearts and mind of the numerous fans who loved and admired him.