M. S. Fernando

Mahagamage Samson Fernando, most famous as M. S. Fernando (Sinhala: එම්. එස්. ප්‍රනාන්දු, 4 March 1936 - 9 April 1994) was a Sri Lankan baila singer. He is a major player in the development of baila music and was widely popular among Sri Lankan audiences commonly referred to as the "Baila Chakkrawarthi" (baila emperor).

Fernando received many accolades in his long career including the Golden Lotus Award presented by Sri Lankan President William Gopallawa in 1973 and over 159 silver trophies in various Baila contests he entered. He was able to sing in five languages and incorporated dancing into his act. Fernando performed in England, France, Australia, Canada, Singapore and Middle East to Sri Lankan audiences.

Overview

Fernando was born in 1936 in Moratuwa to Laron Fernando and Lilee Gomes on March 4. He attended St. Anthony's College, Mt. Lavinia and Christ Church, Dehiwela. Fernando studied under veteran musician J. A. Sathiadasan. He debuted as a singer with the duet, "Malak Kada Konde Gasala," done with Pushparani Ariyaratne. It was written by Karunaratne Abeysekera.

The song became popular and allowed Fernando to become a playback singer. His first song in the field, "Sili Siliye Nava Suvandak," was also a success. Fernando would eventually lend his voice to over 150 films. He also pursued an acting career appearing in over 25 films and several teledramas, most notably Udagira.

Personal life

Fernando was married to Tulin Fernando and has 7 Children (Susil Fernando, Telina Fernando, Shantha Fernando, Sarath Fernando, Sujitha Fernando, Sunimal Fernando, Sujeewa Fernando) and sixteen grandchildren (Ayesha Kalpani Fernando, Kaushalya Fernando, Santhushi Fernando, Fortune Francis, Chris Francis, Ranen Francis, Britney Francis, Mahika Fernando, Shanaka Fernando, Saumya Fernando, Sudesh Fernando, Rangi Fernando, Nilanka Fernando, Nayomi Fernando, Sumal Fernando,Sinavi Silmini Fernando)