RENOWNED LYRIC WRITER ,VOCALIST,CORDINATOR RADIO MAHIMA GAMINI MATHARAGE JP – By Sunil Thenabadu
Gamini Matharage is a inherent of Pitipana ,Homagama not having genetic affiliations with singing aptitudes but only influenced by innate talent which was evident from his younger days. He was educated at Dharmapala Vidyalaya ,Pannipitiya from his primary classes had shown talents for singing hence was invariably involved with singing events through his school career. Not only Gamini had sung on school stage but also had excelled in acting aptitudes too
Ater leaving school Gamini had opted as a profession to join as a seaman in a reputed foreign shipping company , later in year 1988 had commenced a career in music Initially Gamini had got the prospect to join the Mount Chimes musical group of Ranjith Dias as a vocalist after he had received an invitation from Ranjith Dias and George Senanayake. Subsequently Gamini had been summoned by Terrence Rubera of Reflex band to join when Gamini had persisted to sing in both bands .
Acclaimed vocalist JA Milton Perera had been a family buddy of the Gamini’s family.He had added that he had received proper counselling from JA Milton Perera which he still maintains to tell. In year 1992 Gamini had sung his first song was“ Ridawanne Ai” which was recorded at Panadura ‘Sumiga’ studio ,for the lyrics composed by famous lyricist Lalith Wasantha to the musical composition of George Senanayake who is one of Sri Lanka’s premier musicians having made many music compositions. Subsequently Gamini had recorded his song “ Sitha Mage Dandulak Salanna Epa” which was one among four songs Gamini sung for the ‘Sarala Gee”at SLBC It need to be emphasised then all novice artistes had to compile four songs with their energy and expense that needed to br navigated to be recognised at SLBC as vocalists. This to many was a challenging task. Simultaneously Gamini’s songs were heard in many FM radio channels and the state Rupavahini.
Later Gamini commenced to pen lyrics as he possessed innate ability for his own sons and for others too to be recognised as a popular lyricist For all his songs it was George Seneviratne who had composed music. Gamini’s song “Sanda Paya” with a music video had become a hit.
Subsequently with the invitation of Lahiru Senaratne and Namal Buddhika Gamini had become a media personnel joining to the Mahima Radio as the media coordinator where Gamini is entrusted among other duties to music interviews particularly who are novice artistes to make them known to the public This was indeed a good boost for novice vocalists to break into the field. One more such a program was titled as “Gee Tharu Yaya”..This opportunity is hailed by many mostly by the novice singers who were tapping at the door. Not only that for veteran artistes programs like “Hithaka Mahima’.”Aravinda Yaya” by which details of them are made knowm to listeners to renew their past memories,..Gamini had quipped that by describing their abilities he had been able to coordinate such activities the radio Mahima channel to make them popular to which Gamini is truly contended.
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Gamini is well known as a popular lyricists having compiled lyrics to many popuar vocalists like Nihal Nelson, Wijayabandara Wellituduwa,Mercelline Pathirana and many others.Gamini had made lyrics to a duet with Chamila Thushari “Sihina Kinnarawi” the music video had been watched by over four lakhs within a brief period which Gamini believes is a huge triumph.. Another song which Gamini had compiled a set of different lyrics recently was for the duet of Anjali Herath and Sanjeewa Gunaratne also had been viewed by many The recent music video ’’Kara Kaara Badinnata’ song also had become a hit.. Both song lyrics and the melodies belonged to Gamini.Matharage while recording and conduction was by Professor Hemalal Geethadewa. The latest song of Gamini is “Yal Devi Pramadai’ where the lyrics, vocals and music are owned by Gamini himself but the melody belong to Chanaka Senadhira, recorded at the “Addict’ studio the recording engineer been Suneth.Kelum. It should be added that it is musician Chanaka Senadhira who had composed music melodies for most of Gamini’s songs
Gamini has functioned as a committee member of the Sri Lanka’s songsters Association for a considerable period of time.. Gamini Via this association has been bestowed with an All Island Justice of Peace prestigious label.
