RAYMOND EVOKES TUNEFUL MEMORIES
Raymond Fonseka of Samanalayo fame made another tuneful turn in his illustrious music career in the early eighties when he sang and re-recorded ‘Sobana Sendewe’ which was originally sung by Rohitha Jayasinghe.
“It was done with Rohitha’s approval, permission and guidance with music improvisation by my mates in the SEAC band. The song became a rage among the younger generation largely after it was popularized through the Nandana Vindana programme on Rupavahini,” Raymond who is known for his hit number Nelawena Mau Ukule said.
“After playing together in the SEAC band for several years, I and Lal Thenabadu flew to Switzerland to join yet another SEAC musi- cian Mike Gunasekara to form a western band called ‘Serenadi’. During my two-year stint in Europe, I gained valuable experience as a vocalist and key board player. I had to return after two years since I had availed myself on no-pay leave. I was replaced by Rookantha Gunathilake. From 1985 to 2005 I performed as an organist cum vocalist entertaining foreign guests at tourist hotels from Wadduwa to Koggala on the coastal belt. I also performed at weddings and private parties. After devastating tsunami catastrophe in 2004 I sought employment in the United States where I worked giving the backseat to music,” he said.
“My dream is to re-record most of the songs penned and composed by me for my family and the music lovers of this country. As the head of a branch of reputed educational institute in Wadduwa I am now engaged in a different field altogether but I hope to fulfil my dream soon.
“It is with deep sorrow and affection that I recall the names of my friends like Mike, Lal,
“My dream is to re-record most of the songs penned and composed by me for my family and the music lovers of this country"
Duncan, Alphonso and my cousin Roy who are no more. I learnt a lot from them. May they rest in peace. My advice to the younger generation of artistes is if they wish to sing a song of any other artiste they should give due respect to the singer and the lyricist. If a song lacks rhythm, feeling and simple words it will die a natural death. But there is an exception to the rule today. The so-called electronic media strategy can make a bad song unduly popular by constantly playing it over and over again. This has happened and will continue to happen,” he said.