He Is M. S. Fernando ............
When it comes to the rhythm that makes an entire nation dance, no name shines brighter than Mahagamage Samson Fernando, universally celebrated as M. S. Fernando. Widely and respectfully referred to as the "Baila Chakrawarthi" (The Baila Emperor), he was a monumental force in developing, modernising, and popularising Baila music among Sri Lankan and international audiences.
Early Life and Musical Roots
M.S. Fernando was born on March 4, 1936, in the coastal musical hub of Moratuwa, to Laron Fernando and Lilee Gomes. His academic journey took place at St. Anthony's College in Mt. Lavinia and Christ Church in Dehiwala. Recognising his deep musical instincts, he studied the nuances of vocals and rhythm under the veteran musician J. A. Sathiadasan.
In the early stages of his career, M.S. made his official singing debut with a delightful duet titled "Malak Kada Konde Gasala", recorded alongside the talented Pushparani Ariyaratne. The song was masterfully written by the legendary lyricist Karunaratne Abeysekera, instantly introducing M.S. as a fresh talent to watch.
Elevating the Baila Tradition
While the legendary Wally Bastian is credited with introducing Chorus Baila to Sri Lanka, it was M.S. Fernando who became the ultimate pioneer in promoting and mainstreaming it to the entire nation. M.S. possessed a rare and exceptional combination of talents: he was a brilliant singer, a gifted songwriter, and a scriptwriter for many of his tracks. Very few artists in Sri Lankan history have possessed the ability to write their own lyrics and compose their own melodies so effortlessly.
Furthermore, M.S. completely revolutionised live stage performances. He wasn't just a stationary vocalist; he brought his own unique, energetic dance moves to the stage, instantly capturing the hearts and eyes of the audience.
Timeless Masterpieces and Cinematic Success
Throughout his decades-long career, M.S. Fernando gifted Sri Lankan music with an endless list of chart-topping hits that are still played at every party and celebration today:
Ran Wata Babalanne
Oba Dakina Dakina Dinaka
Kekiri Palena Tikiri Hinawayi
Pem Lowa Nindedi (Duṭu Sundara Swapnayak)
Samaru Pothe Pitu Galawi
Me Irida Giya Irida Wage
Kodi Gaha Yata Mama
Obata Thiyena Aadare
Menike Mama
Haha Hadayi Rupe
Beyond standalone albums, M.S. Fernando brought a brand-new vibrant energy to Sinhala cinema. As a highly successful playback singer and occasional actor, his songs transformed film soundtracks, making movies immense commercial hits.
International Glory and Multilingual Talents
M.S. Fernando’s genius could not be confined to the borders of Sri Lanka. He took the authentic Sri Lankan Baila rhythm to the international arena, touring numerous foreign countries and collaborating with international musicians. Remarkably, his linguistic versatility allowed him to sing smoothly in five different languages, proving that music truly has no barriers.
In high recognition of his unparalleled service to the nation's arts and culture, he was awarded a prestigious Gold Medal at the 1973 Golden Globe Awards, presented directly by the then President of Sri Lanka, William Gopallawa.
Personal Life and Massive Family Legacy
M.S. Fernando was married to his beloved wife, Tulin Fernando. Together, they built a massive, loving family that supported his musical journey. He was a proud father to seven children: Susil, Geethani, Shantha, Sarath, Sujitha, Sunimal, and Sujeewa. His legacy further extended into a third generation with 17 grandchildren (including Ayesha Kalpani, Kaushalya, Santhushi, Fortune Francis, Chris, Ranen, Britney, Mahika, Shanaka, Saumya, Sudesh, Rangi, Nilanka, Nayomi, Sumal, and Sinasi). M.S. was a dedicated family man who used his musical success to nurture, protect, and feed his massive family.
The Tragic Final Bow on Stage
The story of M.S. Fernando’s passing is as dramatic and poetic as his life. In April 1994, he was at the peak of his performance schedule. On his final day, after attending multiple concerts, he arrived at a massive musical show at the Colombo Exhibition Stalls.
The crowd’s response was electrifying. Responding to the roaring requests of thousands of fans, M.S. stepped up and sang his timeless romantic masterpiece, "Pem Lowa Nindedi Duṭu Sundara Swapnayak". The crowd went wild, prompting him to sing a few more high-energy songs, giving his fans everything he had.
As he was about to step down from the stage, basking in the deafening applause of his final performance, he suffered a sudden, massive heart attack. Clutches to his chest, he collapsed right there on the concert platform. Although organizers rushed him to the hospital immediately, the legendary "Baila Emperor" passed away, leaving the nation in absolute shock.
An Enduring Legacy
Though he left the physical world in 1994, the legendary Baila Chakrawarthi left behind a rich, rhythmic treasure. Through his recordings, his unmatched showmanship, and the joy his music still brings to every Sri Lankan household, the name M.S. Fernando will remain undefeated and immortalized forever.
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