Paul and Nihar bid goodbye
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Sri Lankan music scene lost two of its popular stars during the past few weeks. Singer Paul Fernando, veteran Baila maestro, passed away last Monday after a brief illness. Meanwhile the news from Europe announced the sudden demise of drummer Nihar Hamid of the band ‘Friends’ due to Covid-19 complications.
Nihar is the very first Sri Lankan musician to succumb to Covid-19, while working in Europe. According to the news reaching from that end, he fell ill, while working at home and had to be rushed to hospital, where he was tested positive for Covid-19. He, eventually, passed away, while in hospital.
Nihar is the second member of the band ‘Friends’ to depart within just six months. The sudden death of ‘Friends’ bassist Ushan Gunasekera was reported in June this year.
Paul
Nihar, as a drummer and leader of ‘Friends’, was a legend in the music scene. Nihar and his band wagon ‘Friends’, with Suzi Croner were one of the most sought-after bands in steaming music scene in Colombo during the latter part of the 80s.
Singer Paul Fernando, an uncrowned ‘Baila King’ bid goodbye last week at the age of 68 while receiving treatment at the Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Kalubowila.
‘Mage Pasal Kalaya’, ‘Awe Wana Bambarek Wage’, ‘Ran Kirilliye’, ‘Golu Hadawatha Wiwara Karanna’, ‘Maala’, ’Dona Katharina’, ‘Supunsandak Ahase Pavuna’ ‘Fernando’, Paan Mama’, Wana Bambarek Wage’ and Demapiyan Kiyana Nisa’ are some of the ever green songs sung by Paul Fernando.
Friends in late 80s: Chithral Somapala, Reza Samsudeen, Udaya Welikala, Suzette Croner and Nihar Hamid