YAMUNA VINODINI

MUSIC IS MY LIFE

Veteran songstress Yamuna Vinodini who had sung some memorable songs in a career spanning several decades, was the daughter of former SLBC orchestra musician Leslie Ashoka.yamuna who obtained a degree from the Aesthetic University in 1976, was born in Kalubowila on October 31 in 1958. She married Neville Perera and they have two sons. “My father was eager to push me into music. Music was nothing new to us. Our home was a music haven. By obtaining the degree in music, I fulfilled his dream. I started engaging in music from the age of five. My first song was ‘Lassana Wanamal Gaswala Pipila’. I won several all island singing competitions while at school. Later I became an A Grade Radio Ceylon singer,” she said.

Q THEN YOU SANG SEVERAL OTHER POPULAR SONGS?

“I have not sung hundreds of songs. May be around 150 songs. I sang my first duet with my father. ‘Asuru Sanin Eka Mohothakadee – Kaalaya Newathee Yali Erambi…’ was the song that became a big hit. It is popular even today. It was penned by Kusum Peiris. ‘Premayayi Wairayai’ was written by Premakeerthi de Alwis.

Q WHO WERE YOUR CONTEMPORARIES?

Edward Jayakody, Nirmala Ranatunga, Neranjala Sarojini and several others. Several prominent lyricists wrote songs for me. Unlike today, there was no need to have visuals for our songs then. The songs were itself visually rich by their words. I did my solo concerts ‘Asuru Sanin’ in 2017 and 2018. They were not done to make money. Even today I wish I could find sponsors to do this concert. Music has been my life even today. I take part in panels and other music related activities even now.

“Asuru Sanin Eka Mohothakadee – Kaalaya Newathee Yali Erambi…’ became a big hit. It is popular mong the amsses even today. amas”