Standing ovation for the baila prince

Channa Bandara Wijekoon

Nihal Nelson is an artiste who gave a different outlook to contemporary Baila song. It was a unique Sri Lankan version of Baila, Nihal brought into fore in 1963.

Thus it has to be stressed that he cannot be categorized as yet another follower of the late Baila king, Wally Bastiansz. Nihal was an innovator. Apart from singing, Nihal had made melodies and written lyrics for some of his songs.

The singer celebrated his 50th year in the sphere by staging a mega one-man musical show at Musaeus College auditorium on March 15. The ever youthful teetotaler proved the stuff he is made of by singing a gamut of his most popular hits at the event with a crystal-clear voice full of vigor.

The show commenced with Nihal (clad in full suit) singing his maiden song ‘Lassanata Pipunu Wanamal’, first aired over Radio Ceylon in 1963. Rendering of the song was so perfect that his oldest fans in the auditorium were astonished to hear the same youthful voice of their idol they used to hear over the radio many decades back.

Ven Meegahawela Sumanashantha Thera who penned the lyrics of the song in the 60s decade when he was Sarath Munasinghe, was seated in a front row watching his old colleague in action.

Victor Ratnayake, Nihal Nelson and Desmond De Silva had fanatical fanfares of their own in the mid 70s decade and the 80s decade. Once Victor had pronounced, he and Nihal climbed the ladder to stardom from two different directions and met at the peak.

The first song in Nihal’s one-man-show was followed with yet another hit, ‘Karunaa Suwanda Thawaraalu’ penned by Chandradasa Fernando which was dedicated to all mothers. Emotion imbedded to the song by Nihal was par excellence. One could not hide his tears by watching him performing the song.

Thilak Kumara Ratnayake the compeer wanted to get a comment from Maestro Amaradewa. The maestro said, “Nihal is a man from Moratuwa, my home-town and I have deep sentiments towards him as a singer.”

Wimala Amaradewa said, “Nihal’s dedication and effort towards presenting a song with full vigor and emotion is a feat to reckon with. He gives his best to the song to touch the heart of the listener and that makes him a versatile singer”.

Nihal himself had something to add to the latter’s comment. He said, “Artistes must maintain their health at any cost. If you feel that I sing exactly the way I used to sing in my youth, it is because I have maintained my health as a teetotaler throughout. We all have seen artistes perishing prematurely due to neglecting their health, which is pathetic”.

It was a golden advice given by this lovable artiste at this memorable event to all fellow artistes and fans. Nihal thanked his fans for being with him in this long journey.

Afterwards Nihal sang “Epa Epa Mas Kannata Kiri Ammage” which is another evergreen hit. Songs such as “Gune Aiya”, “Baila Igenaganilla”, “Paththara Wisthara” and “Jemage Wattae” supported by the acts of Rodney-Priyantha and the clan rocked the audience.

Chandana Wickramasinghe’s dance troupe was providing the necessary glamour to the show.

The modest senior journalist Ananda Padmasiri who initiated and wrote the script for the show, was seated comfortably in a casual outfit as usual with his close associates engrossed to Nihal’s singing.

The show took a different turn after the interval. Songs like “Oru Padinna Enna Yanna Maalie” and “Kinkini Handata Samawela” (lyrics of Vernon Perera) aroused nostalgic memories. With such songs Nihal had proven he is not merely a Baila singer and he has the versatility to sing different genres of songs.

Saman De Silva the singer was too emotional to comment about his close friend although it seemed he had many pleasant memories to let loose. Saman was seen trying to hide his tears when Nihal mentioned about their association.

There was also a downside of the show. The organizers should have given more serious thought towards the outlook of the show, prices of tickets, the venue, promotion/publicity and the singer’s attire.

Publicity given in media catering to masses and having the event at an exclusive venue is a mismatch. Further, a simpler look could have given to the singer’s attire after the interval to bring out the real ‘fan-loving’ Nihal Nelson.

Although the show was promoted as a rare gift to Nihal’s fans, it did not cater to his ‘real’ hardcore fans. Had the show held at a venue like ‘Tower Hall’ or ‘Elphinston’ with tickets at affordable prices, it would have become a real treat for Nihal’s fans that used to flock at outdoor venues to rock to their idol’s performances.

Neil Warnakulasuriya with his ‘Sunflower’ band did full justice to the show. Nihal Nelson made it a point to mention the names of ‘Karu Aiya’ (Karunaratne Abeysekera, Mervin Rodrigo, Sarath Kothelawala and Radio Ceylon (SLBC) with deep gratitude. He said, artistes produced by the Radio Ceylon always have maintained excellent standards in their works.

Nihal Nelson’s 112th audio compact disc with his newest songs branded as “Ringing Tones” produced by Torana Music was launched at the show.

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