MAURICE WIJESINGHE: BORN TO SING
Maurice wijesinghe who will always be remembered among the sinhala music lovers for his evergreen number ‘oba enna – oba ewith yanna enna’ , is a popular personality among foreigners especially due to his exceptional prowess in singing italian and spanish songs. for several decades he was the most sought after man at the Mount lavinia hotel where he mesmerized guests with his soulful voice. the award-winning singer has also proven his prowess as an actor in tele dramas.
We know that you started singing for Radio Ceylon at the age of eight?
Yes, that was when I was still a student at St. Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya and a member of the church choir. Rev. Fr. Marceline Jayakody was the biggest influence during the early days of my singing career. As a schoolboy I took part in several singing competitions and won the first place.
When did you start singing Sinhala songs?
I had a friend called Ranjith Lal de Silva through whom I met Premasiri Khemadasa Master who chose me to sing in the movie ‘Induta Mal Mitak’. Later I got the opportunity to sing in movies like Paradige, Hansa Wilak, Saptha Kanya and Wes Muhunu. Later I sang for tele dramas. In Doo Daruwo I sang and played the role of Sirimal.
Your hit songs?
‘Oba Enna – Oba Ewith Yanna Enna’ is my biggest hit. It was penned by Upul Shantha Sannasgala and composed by Navaratne Gamage. This is my favourite song too. ‘Duwillen Wathsunu Thawara’ is also another song that became popular among the masses.
Family?
My wife is Merina Wijesinghe, my son is Mevan and daughter Manori.
What’s your candid view about the distortion of old Sinhala songs in the guise of remakes?
I totally oppose such moves. The Sinhala language is a beautiful one and songs should be sung by those with a music sense. Old songs are still popular because they were sung with so much feel and commitment.
How did you specialize in Italian and Spanish songs?
That’s God’s gift, I believe. In fact I sang those songs, writing the words in Sinhala. It took me two to three weeks to practise one such song. From 1983 I sang at the Mt. Lavinia Hotel and that became my profession.
Awards?
Sumathi Tele award for the best singer
(Dekethi Muwahatha)
Presidential award for the best singer
(Samanalee)