Baila
Encyclopedia
Baila is a form of dance music
popular on the island of Sri Lanka
. The genre originated centuries ago among the 'kaffir
' or Afro-Sinhalese communities (mixed communities of Portuguese, African and native Sinhalese people) and was later amalgamated with Europe
an instruments and eastern and western rhythms, especially rhythms found in Spain and northern European folk music.
Baila music, though popular as a folk art for centuries in the country, was introduced to Sri Lanka's mainstream during the early years of the 1960s when singer Wally Bastian
(who was also a police officer), began adapting the 6/8 'kaffirhina' rhythms to accommodate Sinhala lyrics. By the 1970s, owing largely to the contributions of musicians MS Fernando and Maxwell Mendis, baila had grown to become a recognized (and respected) style of Sri Lankan popular music.
in tribute to him.
M.S. Fernando A.K.A "Baila Chakrawarthi" was a key figure in Sri Lankan baila history.
Baila music, as its etymology suggests, is deeply rooted in Sri Lanka's colonial history — particularly within the communities established by the Portuguese
traders of the 16th century. These communities (consisting of Portuguese traders and the slaves that they had brought with them from the western coast of Africa) gradually combined with communities of native Sri Lankans. From this cultural interchange, emerged the musical style now referred to as "baila".
, bongo drums, mandolin
, box guitar and honky tonk
piano to accommodate modern instruments — specifically the electric guitar
and synthesiser/workstation keyboards
, octapad, and drum kit
. Due, in part, to this evolution, it is most often heard during parties, school reunions, charity dinner dances, hotel concerts, and weddings. Contemporary baila is also characterized by comical lyrics, often loosely adapted from themes derived from Sri Lanka's history and/or folklore.
Popular baila artists include M.S. Fernando, Ranjith Peiris (Magic Seeya), Anton Jones
, Paul Fernando, Desmond de Silva
, Nithi Kanagaratnam, Annesley Malewana
, A.E.Manoharan, Dalreen
, and late Clarence Wijewardene, Maxwell Mendis and many more.
There are two subgenres of baila.
Radio broadcaster Vernon Corea
has been credited with having helped to spread baila music to the English-speaking world via English-language programmes aired on Radio Ceylon
and BBC Radio London during the late 1960s and 1970s.
In December 2006 a nonstop dance CD with greatest baila hits titled Sri Lankan Open House Party was released in Sri Lanka. The music was directed by renowned composer Suresh Maliyadde while the music to the CD was provided by Niresh Perera (The Gypsies
) on drums, Mahinda Bandara (Fortunes) on guitar, Tilak Dias on bass, Tissasiri Perera on key boards and Visharadha Monaj Pieris on percussion. Singers powering these all time evergreens are Kanishka Wijetunga, Ganesha Wijetunga, Mariazelle Goonetilleke and Suresh Maliyadde.
There are baila songs in Tamil also which was popularised by a singer called Ceylon Manohar. His song "Chinna Mamiye" (or "Sinna Mamiye") in particular is popular and the rhythm is quite like some of the konkani songs. These songs are popular in Tamil Nadu, India.
Dance music
Dance music is music composed specifically to facilitate or accompany dancing. It can be either a whole musical piece or part of a larger musical arrangement...
popular on the island of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a country off the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent. Known until 1972 as Ceylon , Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and lies in the vicinity of India and the...
. The genre originated centuries ago among the 'kaffir
Sri Lanka Kaffir people
The Sri Lankan Kaffirs are an ethnic group in Sri Lanka who are partially descended from 16th century Portuguese traders and the African slaves who were brought by them to work as labourers and soldiers to fight against the Sri Lankan kings...
' or Afro-Sinhalese communities (mixed communities of Portuguese, African and native Sinhalese people) and was later amalgamated with Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
an instruments and eastern and western rhythms, especially rhythms found in Spain and northern European folk music.
Baila music, though popular as a folk art for centuries in the country, was introduced to Sri Lanka's mainstream during the early years of the 1960s when singer Wally Bastian
Wally Bastian
"'Ogustus Martheneus Bastiansz'", better known as Wally Bastiansz was a Sri Lankan singer who developed the style of chorus baila in the 1940s....
(who was also a police officer), began adapting the 6/8 'kaffirhina' rhythms to accommodate Sinhala lyrics. By the 1970s, owing largely to the contributions of musicians MS Fernando and Maxwell Mendis, baila had grown to become a recognized (and respected) style of Sri Lankan popular music.
History
The term "baila" is adapted from the Portuguese verb "bailar" meaning "to dance". The popular baila singer Wally Bastian was known as "Father of Baila in Sri Lanka." There is a popular baila song by Saman de SilvaSaman De Silva
Saman De Silva is a veteran artiste and a popular Baila Singer in Sri Lanka. He is considered the king of Baila in Sri Lanka.A product of Nalanda College Colombo, Saman had conducted shows not only in Sri Lanka but all over the world in places like United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom,...
in tribute to him.
M.S. Fernando A.K.A "Baila Chakrawarthi" was a key figure in Sri Lankan baila history.
Baila music, as its etymology suggests, is deeply rooted in Sri Lanka's colonial history — particularly within the communities established by the Portuguese
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
traders of the 16th century. These communities (consisting of Portuguese traders and the slaves that they had brought with them from the western coast of Africa) gradually combined with communities of native Sri Lankans. From this cultural interchange, emerged the musical style now referred to as "baila".
Contemporary baila
Today, this kaffirhina style (often referred to by its "6/8" time) has been adapted from violinViolin
The violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
, bongo drums, mandolin
Mandolin
A mandolin is a musical instrument in the lute family . It descends from the mandore, a soprano member of the lute family. The mandolin soundboard comes in many shapes—but generally round or teardrop-shaped, sometimes with scrolls or other projections. A mandolin may have f-holes, or a single...
, box guitar and honky tonk
Honky tonk
A honky-tonk is a type of bar that provides musical entertainment to its patrons...
piano to accommodate modern instruments — specifically the electric guitar
Electric guitar
An electric guitar is a guitar that uses the principle of direct electromagnetic induction to convert vibrations of its metal strings into electric audio signals. The signal generated by an electric guitar is too weak to drive a loudspeaker, so it is amplified before sending it to a loudspeaker...
and synthesiser/workstation keyboards
Music workstation
A music workstation is an electronic musical instrument providing the facilities of:*a sound module,*a music sequencer and* a musical keyboard.It enables a musician to compose electronic music using just one piece of equipment.-History:...
, octapad, and drum kit
Drum kit
A drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
. Due, in part, to this evolution, it is most often heard during parties, school reunions, charity dinner dances, hotel concerts, and weddings. Contemporary baila is also characterized by comical lyrics, often loosely adapted from themes derived from Sri Lanka's history and/or folklore.
Popular baila artists include M.S. Fernando, Ranjith Peiris (Magic Seeya), Anton Jones
Anton Jones
Anton Jones is a popular Sri Lankan musician. He was a major figure in Sinhala baila and had several hits that include "Mini Gawuma" and "Uyala Pihala." Jones had released 37 cassettes and eight CDs and often tackled contemporary events in his songs...
, Paul Fernando, Desmond de Silva
Desmond de Silva
Desmond de Silva is a Sri Lankan singer and entertainer, noted for his youthful voice that has changed little over four decades of performing, and regarded as the "King of Baila." Born in Matara in southern Sri Lanka, De Silva is now resident in Great Britain and has performed to packed concert...
, Nithi Kanagaratnam, Annesley Malewana
Annesley Malewana
-Life and career:Malewana was born in Ratnapura , and attended St. Joseph’s College in the capital city of Colombo. Upon leaving school, he met Clarence Wijewardena, who formed the group Moonstones...
, A.E.Manoharan, Dalreen
Dalreen
Dalreen Suby is a popular pop singer from Sri Lanka who started her career in the early 1970s and still very popular in Sri Lanka. One of her earlier hits was "Stranger Boy" which came out in the 70s. She sings both in English and Sinhalese. She recently toured Canada and the United States with...
, and late Clarence Wijewardene, Maxwell Mendis and many more.
There are two subgenres of baila.
- Chorus baila — typical baila song
- Waada baila — this is a contest between several baila singers. Judges give them a topic and competitors must compose their own lyrics for the specific baila rhythm. Judges select the singer with highest marks as the winner. Marks are given in different criteria: Meaningfulness, the flow, and rhyme are some of them.
Radio broadcaster Vernon Corea
Vernon Corea
Vernon Corea was a pioneer radio broadcaster with 45 years of public service broadcasting both in Sri Lanka and the UK. He joined Radio Ceylon, South Asia's oldest radio station, in 1956 and later the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation...
has been credited with having helped to spread baila music to the English-speaking world via English-language programmes aired on Radio Ceylon
Radio Ceylon
Radio Ceylon is the oldest radio station in Asia. Broadcasting was started on an experimental basis in Ceylon by the Telegraph Department in 1923, just three years after the inauguration of broadcasting in Europe.- Edward Harper :...
and BBC Radio London during the late 1960s and 1970s.
In December 2006 a nonstop dance CD with greatest baila hits titled Sri Lankan Open House Party was released in Sri Lanka. The music was directed by renowned composer Suresh Maliyadde while the music to the CD was provided by Niresh Perera (The Gypsies
The Gypsies
This article is about the Sri Lankan band, for other uses of the term see The Gypsies The Gypsies are a Sri Lankan band that perform English and Sinhala songs and have been around since the early 1970s.-History:...
) on drums, Mahinda Bandara (Fortunes) on guitar, Tilak Dias on bass, Tissasiri Perera on key boards and Visharadha Monaj Pieris on percussion. Singers powering these all time evergreens are Kanishka Wijetunga, Ganesha Wijetunga, Mariazelle Goonetilleke and Suresh Maliyadde.
There are baila songs in Tamil also which was popularised by a singer called Ceylon Manohar. His song "Chinna Mamiye" (or "Sinna Mamiye") in particular is popular and the rhythm is quite like some of the konkani songs. These songs are popular in Tamil Nadu, India.
Popular baila songs
(Note: The external audio song links below require RealPlayer.)- Asoka Mal - Mala Nelala (YouTube) by M S Fernando.
- Bombay Merry Hi Mignonne FernandoMignonne Fernando-Introduction:Having won Radio Ceylon's Talent Contest at the age of seven, a year later she wrote her first music composition. Her father. Arnold Rutnam, was renowned for his mathematical skills, and her mother, Marie was a devoted and much loved teacher of music....
& The Jetliners. - 'Chuda Manike' by Desmond de SilvaDesmond de SilvaDesmond de Silva is a Sri Lankan singer and entertainer, noted for his youthful voice that has changed little over four decades of performing, and regarded as the "King of Baila." Born in Matara in southern Sri Lanka, De Silva is now resident in Great Britain and has performed to packed concert...
. - 'Goowe Gaenu Paraadai' by Sandun Wijesiri (from the Drama 'Samudra Devi'). This song contains some very creative violinViolinThe violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
interludes! - 'Hai Hooi Babi Aachchi' by Maxwell Mendis ( Original Artist - Volley Bastian)
- 'I Don't Know Why' by The GypsiesThe GypsiesThis article is about the Sri Lankan band, for other uses of the term see The Gypsies The Gypsies are a Sri Lankan band that perform English and Sinhala songs and have been around since the early 1970s.-History:...
. - 'Kandy Lamissi' by Mariazelle GoonetillekeMariazelle GoonetillekeMariazelle Goonetilleke is a leading Sri Lankan singer and music star. She has performed to capacity filled auditoriums not only in Sri Lanka but also as far afield as the United Kingdom, United States, United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Australia....
. - Lassana Amba Gassak Soyala by M S Fernando.
- Mage sudu Mame - C.T. Fernando.
- Mamma Bohoma Bayawuna - Maxwell Mendis.
- Nelum Male - Pethi Kadala (YouTube) M.S.Fernando and Mariazelle GoonetillekeMariazelle GoonetillekeMariazelle Goonetilleke is a leading Sri Lankan singer and music star. She has performed to capacity filled auditoriums not only in Sri Lanka but also as far afield as the United Kingdom, United States, United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Australia....
. - Nurse Nona
- 'I Married a Female Wrestler - the original was sung by the Anglo-Indian star Ernest Ignatius.
- 'Ojayee' by The GypsiesThe GypsiesThis article is about the Sri Lankan band, for other uses of the term see The Gypsies The Gypsies are a Sri Lankan band that perform English and Sinhala songs and have been around since the early 1970s.-History:...
. - 'Piti Kotapan' by The GypsiesThe GypsiesThis article is about the Sri Lankan band, for other uses of the term see The Gypsies The Gypsies are a Sri Lankan band that perform English and Sinhala songs and have been around since the early 1970s.-History:...
. - Polkatu Hande
- 'Singyore' by The GypsiesThe GypsiesThis article is about the Sri Lankan band, for other uses of the term see The Gypsies The Gypsies are a Sri Lankan band that perform English and Sinhala songs and have been around since the early 1970s.-History:...
. - Ranpota Thelambuwa - Nimal Jayamanne
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1xphtfeZbU Sudu Menike.
- Surangani - Ceylon Manohar
- Lankawata baila gena volley Bastian - this song is a tribute to Volley Bastian.
- Bothalingare Bothalingare
- Pretty Foxy Hen - Luke Henriques.
- Baila baila - Deekline and Wizard.
- Sinna Mamiye - Nithi Kanagarathnam http://www.tfmpage.com/cgi-bin/stream.pl?url=http://www.dhool.com/sotd/chinnamami.rm
See also
- Music of GoaMusic of GoaMusic of Goa refers to the music from the state of Goa, on the west coast of India. It has produced a number of prominent musicians and singers for the world of Indian music ....
- The Goan music (KonkaniKonkani languageKonkaniKonkani is a name given to a group of several cognate dialects spoken along the narrow strip of land called Konkan, on the west coast of India. This is, however, somewhat an over-generalisation. Geographically, Konkan is defined roughly as the area between the river Damanganga to the north...
songs) is similar to baila. - SellankandalSellankandalSellankandal is a village situated 10 km inland from coastal Puttalam city in the Northwestern Province of Sri Lanka. It is the primary settlement of people of Black African descent in Sri Lanka called Kaffirs who until the 1930's spoke a Creole version of Portuguese. Most villages speak Sinhala...
- Vernon CoreaVernon CoreaVernon Corea was a pioneer radio broadcaster with 45 years of public service broadcasting both in Sri Lanka and the UK. He joined Radio Ceylon, South Asia's oldest radio station, in 1956 and later the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation...