Gypsies to continue Sunil’s musical journey
View(s):- Second Death Commemoration of Sunil Perera
By Sanath Weerasuriya
The second year death commemoration of legendary Sunil Perera of Gypsies will be on Wednesday, September 6. Apart from the religious deeds, Gypsies will not be involved in any musical tribute to their leader during this period.
On September 6 2021, Sunil Perera, a legend and one of the most commercially successful entertainers in the Sri Lankan music history, died just 8 days before his 69th birthday.
Uswatta Liyanage Ivor Sylvester Sunil Perera popularly known as ‘Sunil Aiya’ was the frontman of the band the ‘Gypsies’, vocalist, guitarist, songwriter and composer. He was a veteran of the Sri Lankan music industry with five decades of first hand musical experience under his old hat and a much-loved personality among both artistes and fans all over the globe.
Gypsies made front line news always with their revolutionary creations since it started in 1970. Sunil was a rebellion. The band’s very first single ‘mama dunne kiss ekai’ was an overnight hit but created hysteria among the so called ‘cultured’ segment. Since then the Gypsies was on a straight road to success. The Gypsy discography includes such timeless classics as ‘Amma Amma’, ‘Lindalanga Sangamaya’, ‘Hina Hina’, ‘Mallika’, ‘Kurumitto’, ‘Owath Wedada’, ‘Dan Dan Waradi Karanawa’, ‘Gangey Panninawa’, ‘Oye Ojaaye’, ‘Lunu Dehi’, ‘None Mage Sudu None’, ‘Singyore’, ‘Piti Kotapan None’, ‘Kasade’, ‘Lorenso De Almeida’, ‘Tika Tika Wayasata Yanawa’, ‘Thaththa’, ‘I don’t know why?’, ‘Lankave Ape’, ‘Koththamalli’ and ‘Buongiorno’ etc.
Sunil’s voice was said to have had a multi-octave vocal range and unusual ability to attract his listeners. Apart from his vocal capabilities, he displayed his innovative ability to create humour through satirical performances.
The Gypsies’ rendition of the classic baila nonstop was a staple on the dance floor of many typical Sri Lankan weddings, parties or concerts. But only few know that he sang few of slow romantic ballades in his early days
Gypsies released their new song ‘Gaalu Paare’ in December 2022, the very first animated video voiced by Sunil. After completing the production, the song was shelved for more than one and half years. Gypsies, now led by Piyal Perera, finally released the band’s very first song ‘Gaalu Paare’, after the demise of their leader Sunil Perera.
Continuing the usual political satire of Sunil, Piyal released his latest song ‘Chande’ in July this year. ‘Chande’ is the very first song created and recorded by Piyal after the demise of his brother Sunil.
‘New look Gypsies’ now led by brother Piyal and is back in the saddle again with many dances, weddings, gigs and other events.
‘It is really good to see the music industry is getting back to its usual rhythm. The band is now on the move with many new ventures. Hope everything will settle by the end of this year’ added Piyal.
The present line-up comprises Piyal Perera (leader/ percussion/vocals), Lal Witiwala (drums), Monique Wille (vocal) Laksiri Ranga (bass), Ranuka Prabhath (guitar) Shenal Nissanka (guitar/ vocals) and Ravi Terrence (keyboards).
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