MS -The Magnificent Samson

The popular singer M.S. Fernando's life was unveiled for the first time as a biography named' 'MS The Magnificent Samson' in Sinhala language.

In the annals of Sri Lankan music, Mr. Fernando stands out as a legendary figure whose voice has touched countless hearts. His reemarkable career is now immortalized in a newly published biography by acclaimed author Ashoka Kulathunga. 

This book, published by S. Godage & Sons one of the most famous publisher In Sri lanka. The book includes many interesting details, such as how M.S. Fernando, also known as the "Baila Chakravarthi," got his title.

In his book, Mr Kulatunga asserts that while singer Wally Bastiansz introduced Baila music to the Sri Lankan audience, it was M. S. Fernando who truly popularized it among the masses. Kulatunga also highlights that Fernando was more than just a Baila singer.

The significance of a book written about M.S. Fernando can be understood through its contents. The author, Ashoka Kulathunga, was able to write the book "M.S. The Magnificent Samson" as a result of approximately three and a half years of research. This singer contributed background vocals to around 150 films and acted in about 25 films. Although he has sung approximately 3,000 songs. The author Ashoka Kulathunga states that exact statistical sources for this claim cannot be found. The book contains a list of 300 of his songs and the lyrics for 196 songs for the readers' enjoyment.

Although this singer is known as a baila singer, the author has demonstrated with examples that many of his songs, written by himself, are created with a good imagination and aesthetic metaphors, making use of incidents prevalent in common society.

M.S. Fernando, the "Baila Chakravarthi," who sang in Sinhala, Tamil, English, Hindi and Malay till he passed away due to a sudden heart attack while leaving the stage after singing at a musical concert in Hatewatte, Colombo. The publication of such a book about him today would undoubtedly make the readers who love his musical style grateful to Mr Kulathunga, the author.

The book also features heartfelt statements from several well-known personalities in Sri Lanka like Pandith Amaradeva, Premasiri Kemadasa and so on; underscoring the immense impact Ms Fernando had on the music industry and culture.

Author Kulatunga's book, "M.S. The Magnificent Samson," provides readers with a unique perspective on the baila singer Fernando, allowing for a different analysis of his contributions and legacy.

By Ishu Bandara