Lankika celebrate her 70th birthday with a new song
Golden Chimes
Popular singing sensation Lankika Perera of Golden Chimes fame celebrated her 70th birthday on 30th September with the release of her new song ‘Kiyannako’ after almost two decades, on digital platform.‘The new song ‘Kiyannako’ will be officially launched with a big bash along with the band Golden Chimes, when the prevalent situation in the country gets improved’ Lankika said.The song ‘Kiyannako’ is a birthday present from her brother Lucky Deva, who was a one-time member of Golden Chimes.
Golden Chimes in early 70s
Lucky composed the lyrics and the melody of the song, while the direction of the music is by young Neluke Wijesuriya, a member of his band ‘Spirit’. It was mixed and mastered by Dinusha Hassan of ‘Retro Pop Trio’ managed by Lucky Deva.
Lucky Deva was a gifted vocalist of the popular band ‘Golden Chimes’ and at present he is the leader of the music outfit ‘Spirit’.
He has composed many group songs in the 70’s and 80’s retro style which were initially derived by the king of Sinhala Pop Clarence Wijewardane and other versatile music composers.
Music Director Neluke Wijesuriya
Lucky Deva has composed more than 100 songs for many Lankan singers including Indrani Perera, Mariazelle Gunathilaka, Annesley Malawana, Chandani Hettiarachchi and Sohan WeerasingheHis passionate desire to introduce this style of music and songs to the young generation of today led him to write new songs for youngsters like Amila Nadeeshani, Sureni De Mel, Corrine Almeida and other new stars.
Lankika Perera
His latest, a special love song titled ‘Kiyannako’ has been composed for Lankika of the Golden Chimes to mark her 70th birthday. Lankika was born on 30th September 1951,and grew up in the musical town of Moratuwa under the influence of musical explosion during the 60s and 70s. She was first exposed to music at the school Princess of Wales College, where she won the 1st prize at a competition aged 9 years. Her maiden recording was for a Christian programme on radio for the Sinhala Service of then called Radio Ceylon.
‘The Moonstones’ was a popular band during the early 70s and Lankika’s brother Wijith was a member of the band with Clarence.
Moonstones split up and Clarence, Chanaka and Wijith decided to form a new band. Pleased with young Lankika’s voice by having heard her sing Clarence offered her to join as the female singer of his newly formed band ‘Golden Chimes’, which she gladly accepted. Despite the exit of Clarence and Dixon Gunerathna from the band in early 1973, Lankika and Chanaka continued with the band.
Lucky Deva.
She has kept the Golden Chimes going for over five decades with her lifetime partner Chanaka Perera, bassist of the Moonstones and the Golden Chimes.
Lankika is the only female singer and musician who holds the record for being in one pop music group for an uninterrupted period of 50 years. Among her songs are evergreen classics such as ‘Kimada Naave’, ‘Molaketi Puthuni’, ‘Malai Welai’, ‘Sandai Tharui’, ‘Bethlehem Pure’, ‘Puthu Nidiyan’, ‘Guwan Yanaya’ and ‘Hiru Negila’. There are more than 50 original songs and spirituals songs to her credit.