Jump to content

Baila music: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Citation bot (talk | contribs)
Bots
5,271,439 edits
Alter: title, url, template type. Add: year, isbn, author pars. 1-1. Removed parameters. | You can use this bot yourself. Report bugs here. | Suggested by AManWithNoPlan | All pages linked from cached copy of User:AManWithNoPlan/sandbox2 | via #UCB_webform_linked
 
(43 intermediate revisions by 33 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|music of Sri Lanka}}
{{Short description|Music of Sri Lanka}}
{{about|the Sri Lankan, Indian Konkani speaking music genre|Senegalese village|Baïla|Romanian village also known as Băila|Leordeni|other uses|Baila (disambiguation)}}
{{Refimprove|date=August 2014}}
{{Refimprove|date=August 2014}}


'''Baila''' (also known as '''bayila'''; from the [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] verb ''bailar'', meaning ''to dance''<ref name="Times"/>) is a form of [[music]], popular in Sri Lanka and among Goan Catholics. The genre originated centuries ago among the [[Portuguese Burghers]] and [[Sri Lankan Kaffirs]]. Baila songs are played during parties and weddings in [[Sri Lanka]], [[Goa]], [[Mangalore]] and [[Portugal]] accompanied by dancing.
'''Baila''' (also known as '''bayila'''; from the [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] verb ''bailar'', meaning ''to dance''<ref name="Times"/>) is a form of [[music]], popular in Sri Lanka and among Goan Catholics in India. The genre originated centuries ago among the [[Portuguese Burghers]] and [[Sri Lankan Kaffirs]]. Baila songs are played during parties and weddings in [[Sri Lanka]], [[Goa]], and [[Mangalore]] accompanied by dancing.


Baila music, as a form of folk art, has been popular for centuries in Sri Lanka. During the early 1960s, it entered into Sri Lanka's mainstream culture, primarily through the work of police officer turned singer [[Wally Bastiansz]]. He began adapting the 6/8 "''kaffirhina''" rhythms to accommodate [[Sinhalese language|Sinhala]] lyrics. By the 1970s musicians, including [[MS Fernando]] and Maxwell Mendis, had helped Bayila grow into a well known and respected style of Sri Lankan popular music. It is primarily considered [[dance music]].
Baila music, as a form of folk art, has been popular for centuries in Sri Lanka. During the early 1960s, it entered into Sri Lanka's mainstream culture, primarily through the work of police officer turned singer [[Wally Bastiansz]]. He began adapting the 6/8 "''kaffirhina''" rhythms to accommodate [[Sinhalese language|Sinhala]] lyrics. By the 1970s musicians, including [[MS Fernando]] and Maxwell Mendis, had helped Baila grow into a well known and respected style of Sri Lankan popular music. It is primarily considered [[dance music]].


==History==
==History==
After their arrival in 1505, the Portuguese began to convert the Sinhalese to Roman Catholicism, building their wealth and power through the spice and slave trade. As early as 1630, African Kaffirs were brought to Sri Lanka to work as slaves or soldiers. The Kaffirs were once described as a people 'steeped in opium and witless with drink'. The Kaffirs' carefree spirit inspired two music forms known as chicote and "''kafrinha''" infusing them with humour and satire.<ref name="Times">{{cite web | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/060416/plus/1.html | title=Stepping back in time with Baila | publisher=Wijeya Newspapers Ltd. | accessdate=6 December 2015}}</ref>
After their arrival in 1505, the Portuguese began to convert the Sinhalese to Roman Catholicism, building their wealth and power through the spice and slave trade. As early as 1630, African Kaffirs were brought to Sri Lanka to work as slaves or soldiers. The Kaffirs were once described as a people 'steeped in opium and witless with drink'. The Kaffirs' carefree spirit inspired two music forms known as chicote and "''kafrinha''" infusing them with humour and satire.<ref name="Times">{{cite web | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/060416/plus/1.html | title=Stepping back in time with Baila | publisher=Wijeya Newspapers Ltd. | access-date=6 December 2015}}</ref>


In 1894, Advocate [[Charles Matthew Fernando]] wrote that chicote as a "slow and stately" music, while "''kafrinha''" is "faster and more boisterous" and "with a peculiar jerky movement". The word "''kafrinha''" itself comes from "''kaf''" (Kaffirs) and "''rinha''" which means "local lady".<ref name="Times"/>
In 1894, Advocate [[Charles Matthew Fernando]] wrote that chicote as a "slow and stately" music, while "''kafrinha''" is "faster and more boisterous" and "with a peculiar jerky movement". The word "''kafrinha''" itself comes from "''kaf''" (Kaffirs) and "''rinha''" which means "local lady".<ref name="Times"/>
The Kaffirs and Portuguese Burghers mixed freely, and chicote and "''kafrinha''" gradually came to be known as baila, from [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] verb 'bailar' meaning 'to dance'.<ref name="Times"/>
The Kaffirs and Portuguese Burghers mixed freely, and chicote and "''kafrinha''" gradually came to be known as baila, from [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] verb 'bailar' meaning 'to dance'.<ref name="Times"/>


Historically, Bayila was a popular folk tradition along the coastal districts, where the Portuguese cultural influence was the strongest.<ref name=folk>[http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2010/10/31/imp03.asp Kaffirinha - the spurned folk art] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210213403/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2010/10/31/imp03.asp |date=2015-12-10 }} By Amal HEWAVISSENTI (Sunday Observer) Retrieved 8 December 2015</ref> These communities, mainly consisting of Portuguese traders, and the slaves that they had brought with them from the western coast of [[Africa]], gradually combined with communities of native Sri Lankans. The musical style, now referred to as "Bayila", emerged from this cultural interchange.<ref name="Afro"/> The genre was quick to spread around the whole island of Sri Lanka and was even influenced by [[Cuba]]n '[[Habanera (music)|habanera]]' music, a form of dance music popular in the 1800s. With a history of over five hundred years, it is older than other relatively recent semi-classical traditions.
Historically, Baila was a popular folk tradition along the coastal districts, where the Portuguese cultural influence was the strongest.<ref name=folk>[https://archives.sundayobserver.lk/2010/10/31/imp03.asp Kaffirinha - the spurned folk art] By Amal HEWAVISSENTI (Sunday Observer) Retrieved 8 December 2015</ref> These communities, mainly consisting of Portuguese traders, and the slaves that they had brought with them from the western coast of [[Africa]], gradually combined with communities of native Sri Lankans. The musical style, now referred to as "Baila", emerged from this cultural interchange.<ref name="Afro"/> The genre was quick to spread around the whole island of Sri Lanka and was even influenced by [[Cuba]]n '[[Habanera (music)|habanera]]' music, a form of dance music popular in the 1800s. With a history of over five hundred years, it is older than other relatively recent semi-classical traditions.


The [[Sri Lanka Kaffirs|kafirs]], particularly in [[Puttalam]], view Bayila and "''Kaffirinha''" tradition to be as intertwined with wedding ceremonies as wine and cake. The songs are accompanied exclusively by [[percussion]] instruments. Sri Lankan Burghers (the descendants from Portuguese) are the other group of inheritors of Bayila and "''Kaffirinha''", particularly in [[Baticaloa]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2001/pix/PrintPage.asp?REF=/2010/10/31/imp03.asp|title=Kaffirinha - the spurned folk art, by Amal HEWAVISSENTI (Sunday Observer, 31.10.2010)|access-date=2018-10-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304195529/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2001/pix/PrintPage.asp?REF=%2F2010%2F10%2F31%2Fimp03.asp|archive-date=2016-03-04|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[violin]], [[viola]], [[acoustic guitar]] and the [[tambourine]] are the accompanying instruments.<ref name=folk/>
The [[Sri Lanka Kaffirs|kafirs]], particularly in [[Puttalam]], view Baila and "''Kaffirinha''" tradition to be as intertwined with wedding ceremonies as wine and cake. The songs are accompanied exclusively by [[percussion]] instruments. Sri Lankan Burghers (the descendants from Portuguese) are the other group of inheritors of Baila and "''Kaffirinha''", particularly in [[Baticaloa]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archives.sundayobserver.lk/2001/pix/PrintPage.asp?REF=/2010/10/31/imp03.asp|title=Kaffirinha - the spurned folk art, by Amal HEWAVISSENTI (Sunday Observer, 31.10.2010)|access-date=2018-10-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304195529/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2001/pix/PrintPage.asp?REF=%2F2010%2F10%2F31%2Fimp03.asp|archive-date=2016-03-04|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[violin]], [[viola]], [[acoustic guitar]] and the [[tambourine]] are the accompanying instruments.<ref name=folk/>


Along with some [[rhythmic]] elements, the often light-hearted [[Humour|comical]] lyrics, deceptively philosophical and the wada ([[debate]],) bayila tradition appears to be uniquely Sri Lankan. The western coast, in particular [[Modara]] and [[Moratuwa]]-[[Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia|Galkissa]] regions, are the traditional abodes of the art of Wada-Baila.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xc3lMELD5EQ Uththareethara 29-08-2012, 9:40], Hiru TV, Accessed 10-10-2015</ref> The viola, [[mandolin]], [[rabana]] as well as the [[harmonium]] and [[tabla]] were used. The [[trumpet]] and [[military drums]] such as the [[snare drum|snare]] and [[cymbals]] form part of the Papare bands popular throughout the coastal districts. In addition the [[tavil]] is used when accompanying religious processions such the [[Kataragama]] and the [[Devinuwara temple]] festival.
Along with some [[rhythm]]ic elements, the often light-hearted [[Humour|comical]] lyrics, deceptively philosophical and the wada ([[debate]],) baila tradition appears to be uniquely Sri Lankan. The western coast, in particular [[Modara]] and [[Moratuwa]]-[[Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia|Galkissa]] regions, are the traditional abodes of the art of Wada-Baila.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xc3lMELD5EQ Uththareethara 29-08-2012, 9:40], Hiru TV, Accessed 10-10-2015</ref> The viola, [[mandolin]], [[Raban (drum)|rabana]] as well as the [[harmonium]] and [[tabla]] were used. The [[trumpet]] and [[military drums]] such as the [[snare drum|snare]] and [[cymbals]] form part of the [[Papare (music)|Papare]] bands popular throughout the coastal districts. In addition the [[tavil]] is used when accompanying religious processions such the [[Kataragama]] and the [[Devinuwara temple]] festival.


The popular Bayila singer Wally Bastian, who introduced the [[chorus (song)|chorus]] to the traditional baila, is referred to as the "Father of Bayila in Sri Lanka".<ref name="Afro"/> There is a popular Bayila song by Saman de Silva in tribute to him. M.S. Fernando A.K.A. "Bayila Chakrawarthi" was a key figure in Sri Lankan Bayila history between the 1950s and 1980s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2004/05/30/mag01.html |title=Remembering M.S. Fernando |publisher=The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd. |accessdate=6 December 2015 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303224905/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2004/05/30/mag01.html |archivedate=3 March 2016 }}</ref> Nithi Kanagaratnam started Bayila's in Tamil in 1967 and was also the key figures in the development of the genre.
The popular Baila singer Wally Bastiansz, who introduced the [[chorus (song)|chorus]] to the traditional baila, is referred to as the "Father of Baila in Sri Lanka".<ref name="Afro"/> There is a popular Baila song by Saman de Silva in tribute to him. M.S. Fernando A.K.A. "Baila Chakrawarthi" was a key figure in Sri Lankan Baila history between the 1950s and 1980s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archives.sundayobserver.lk/2004/05/30/mag01.html |title=Remembering M.S. Fernando |publisher=The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd. |access-date=6 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303224905/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2004/05/30/mag01.html |archive-date=3 March 2016 }}</ref> Nithi Kanagaratnam started Baila's in Tamil in 1967 and was also the key figures in the development of the genre.


==Contemporary Bayila==
==Contemporary song==
Today, this "''kaffirhina''" style (often referred to by its "6/8" time)<ref name="Afro">{{cite web | url=http://www.afropop.org/8469/baila-for-dummies-a-quick-guide-to-sri-lankas-afro-portuguese-pop-music/ | title=Baila for Dummies: A Quick Guide to Sri Lanka's Afro-Portuguese Pop Music | publisher=World Music Productions. | accessdate=6 December 2015}}</ref> has been adapted from [[violin]], [[bongo drums]] and [[mandolin]] to accommodate modern instruments &mdash; specifically the [[electric guitar]] and [[synthesiser]]/[[Music workstation|workstation keyboards]], [[octapad]], [[bass guitar]] and [[drum kit]]. Due in part to this evolution, it is most often heard during parties, school reunions, charity dinner dances, hotel concerts and weddings. Contemporary Bayila is also characterized by comical lyrics, often loosely adapted from themes derived from Sri Lanka's history and/or folklore.
Today, this "''kaffirhina''" style (often referred to by its "6/8" time)<ref name="Afro">{{cite web | url=http://www.afropop.org/8469/baila-for-dummies-a-quick-guide-to-sri-lankas-afro-portuguese-pop-music/ | title=Baila for Dummies: A Quick Guide to Sri Lanka's Afro-Portuguese Pop Music | publisher=World Music Productions. | access-date=6 December 2015}}</ref> has been adapted from [[violin]], [[bongo drums]] and [[mandolin]] to accommodate modern instruments &mdash; specifically the [[electric guitar]] and [[synthesiser]]/[[Music workstation|workstation keyboards]], [[octapad]], [[bass guitar]] and [[drum kit]]. Due in part to this evolution, it is most often heard during parties, school reunions, charity dinner dances, hotel concerts and weddings. Contemporary Baila is also characterized by comical lyrics, often loosely adapted from themes derived from Sri Lanka's history and/or folklore.


There are four subgenres of Bayila:
There are four subgenres of Baila:


* '''Chorus Baila''': typical Bayila song.
* '''Chorus song''': typical Baila song.
* '''Waada Baila''': this is a contest between several Bayila singers, often spontaneous. Judges give them a topic and competitors must compose their own lyrics for the specific Bayila rhythm. Marks are given in different criteria including quick-wittedness, meaningfulness, flow and rhyme.
* '''Waada song''': this is a contest between several Baila singers, often spontaneous. Judges give them a topic and competitors must compose their own lyrics for the specific Baila rhythm. Marks are given in different criteria including quick-wittedness, meaningfulness, flow and rhyme.
* '''Papare Baila''': instrumental baila usually played outdoors using trumpets and drums influenced by marching bands. Popular in carnivals and cricket matches, the crowd joins in by singing and dancing.
* '''[[Papare (music)|Papare]] Baila''': instrumental baila usually played outdoors using trumpets and drums influenced by marching bands. Popular in carnivals and cricket matches, the crowd joins in by singing and dancing.
* '''[[Calypso-style baila|Calypso baila]]''': influenced by [[Calypso music]], played typically with [[acoustic guitars]] and [[bongo drums]].
* '''[[Calypso-style baila|Calypso baila]]''': influenced by [[Calypso music]], played typically with [[acoustic guitars]] and [[bongo drums]].
* '''[[Ranidu Lankage|Bailatronic]]''': introduced by [[Ranidu Lankage]], by mixing baila and electronic music together.


Popular Bayila artists include: M.S. Fernando, [[Anton Jones]], [[Paul Fernando]], [[Desmond de Silva]], [[Nihal Nelson]], [[Maxwell Mendis]], [[Sunil Perera]] ([[The Gypsies (Sri Lankan band)|The Gypsies]]), Saman De Silva, Danapala Udawaththa, Rajiv Sebastian, Claude de Zoysa, Marriazelle Goonathilake, Nithi Kanagaratnam, A.E.Manoharan, and Dalreen among others.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QzX8THIgRjUC&pg=PA230&lpg=PA230&dq=baila+music+history#q=baila%20music%20history | title=World Music: Latin and North America, Caribbean, India, Asia and ..., Volume 2 | isbn=9781858286365 | accessdate=6 December 2015| last1=Ellingham | first1=Mark | year=1999 }}</ref>
Popular Baila artists include: [[M. S. Fernando]], [[Anton Jones]], [[Paul Fernando]], [[Desmond de Silva]], [[Nihal Nelson]], Maxwell Mendis, [[Sunil Perera]] ([[The Gypsies (Sri Lankan band)|The Gypsies]]), Saman De Silva, [[Dhanapala Udawaththa]], Rajiv Sebastian, Claude de Zoysa, [[Mariazelle Goonetilleke]], Nithi Kanagaratnam, [[Ceylon Manohar|A. E. Manoharan]], and Dalreen among others.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QzX8THIgRjUC&dq=baila+music+history&pg=PA230 | title=World Music: Latin and North America, Caribbean, India, Asia and ..., Volume 2 | isbn=9781858286365 | access-date=6 December 2015| last1=Ellingham | first1=Mark | year=1999 | publisher=Rough Guides }}</ref>


Bayila has also influenced the music of many popular artists such as: [[Annesley Malewana]], [[Clarence Wijewardene]], [[C.T. Fernando]], Anil Bharathi, Christopher Paul, Priya Peiris [[La Bambas]], [[Super Golden Chimes]], [[Los Flamingos]], [[Sunflowers (band)]], The Gypsies, and even [[Pandit]] [[W. D. Amaradeva]].<ref>[http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/13115 Amaradeva at 85: Giving tongue to a nation’s soul, by Ajith Samaranayake] dbsjeraj - 4 December 2012</ref>
Baila has also influenced the music of many popular artists such as: [[Annesley Malewana]], [[Clarence Wijewardene]], [[C.T. Fernando]], Anil Bharathi, Christopher Paul, Priya Peiris [[La Bambas]], Super Golden Chimes, Los Flamingos, [[Sunflowers (band)]], The Gypsies, and even [[Pandit]] [[W. D. Amaradeva]].<ref>[http://dbsjeyaraj.com/dbsj/archives/13115 Amaradeva at 85: Giving tongue to a nation’s soul, by Ajith Samaranayake] dbsjeraj - 4 December 2012</ref>


[[Moratuwa]] has produced a large number of these artists and is often referred to as the unofficial home of Bayila.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elakiri.com/forum/showthread.php?t=128303|title= Moratuwa, the City of Pioneers (Purogameethwaye Nagaraya); ElaKiri Community}}</ref> The Roshan Fernando foundation is a charity committed to the welfare of baila and other musicians.<ref>[http://www.donateinfaith.org/founder/ founder]{{Dead link|date=October 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, donateinfaith.org Accessed 17-10-2015</ref> Radio broadcaster [[Vernon Corea]] has been credited with having helped to spread Bayila music to the English-speaking world via English-language programmes aired on [[Radio Ceylon]] and [[BBC Radio London]] during the late 1960s and 1970s.
[[Moratuwa]] has produced a large number of these artists and is often referred to as the unofficial home of Baila.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elakiri.com/forum/showthread.php?t=128303|title= Moratuwa, the City of Pioneers (Purogameethwaye Nagaraya); ElaKiri Community}}</ref> [[Gerald Wickremesooriya]] and his [[Sooriya records]] played a significant role to promote this genre of music.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Wickramasuriya|first1=Gerald|title=Dancing to our own tune|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/981018/plus5.html|access-date=17 August 2015|work=The Sunday Times|date=18 October 1998}}</ref> Radio broadcaster [[Vernon Corea]] promoted Baila music in the English-speaking world via the English-language programmes aired on [[Radio Ceylon]] and [[BBC Radio London]] during the late 1960s and 1970s. The Roshan Fernando foundation is a charity committed to the welfare of baila and other musicians.<ref>[http://www.donateinfaith.org/founder/ founder]{{Dead link|date=October 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, donateinfaith.org Accessed 17-10-2015</ref>


In December 2006 a nonstop dance CD with the greatest Bayila hits titled ''Sri Lankan Open House Party'' was released in Sri Lanka. The music was directed by renowned composer Suresh Maliyadde while the music on the CD was provided by Niresh Perera (The Gypsies) on drums, Mahinda Bandara [[Stanley Peiris|Fortunes)]] on guitar, Tilak Dias on bass, Tissasiri Perera on keyboard, and Visharadha Monaj Pieris on percussion. Singers who were empowering these all time evergreens are Kanishka Wijetunga, Ganesha Wijetunga, Mariazelle Goonetilleke, and Suresh Maliyadde.
In December 2006 a nonstop dance CD with the greatest Baila hits titled ''Sri Lankan Open House Party'' was released in Sri Lanka. The music was directed by renowned composer Suresh Maliyadde while the music on the CD was provided by Niresh Perera (The Gypsies) on drums, Mahinda Bandara [[Stanley Peiris|Fortunes)]] on guitar, Tilak Dias on bass, Tissasiri Perera on keyboard, and Visharadha Monaj Pieris on percussion. Singers who were empowering these all time evergreens are Kanishka Wijetunga, Ganesha Wijetunga, Mariazelle Goonetilleke, and Suresh Maliyadde.


There are Baila songs in Tamil, which were popularized by Nithi Kanagaratnam, Stany Sivananthan, Tobel Ragal, Kanapathipillai, Emanuel, S Ramachandran, Ceylon Manohar (A.E.Manoharan), M.P.Paramesh, Amuthan Annamalai, et al.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQmQyPQ0fd0|title=Amuthan Annamalai - Youtube}}</ref>
There are Baila songs in Tamil, which were popularized by Nithi Kanagaratnam, Stany Sivananthan, Tobel Ragal, Kanapathipillai, Emanuel, S Ramachandran, Ceylon Manohar (A.E.Manoharan), M.P.Paramesh, Amuthan Annamalai, et al.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQmQyPQ0fd0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/TQmQyPQ0fd0 |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|title=Amuthan Annamalai - Youtube|website=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

The [[Sinhala language|Sinhala]] Baila song ''Pissu Vikare (Dagena Polkatu Male)'' by [[H. R. Jothipala]], [[J. A. Milton Perera|Milton Perera]], [[M. S. Fernando]] is a cover version of the [[Tamil language|Tamil]] song ''Dingiri Dingale (Meenachi)'' from the 1958 [[Tamil language|Tamil]] film ''[[Anbu Engey]]''. And it was covered again in [[Sinhala language|Sinhala]] as a folk song named ''Digisi/Digiri Digare (Kussiye Badu)''.


==See also==<!-- PLEASE RESPECT ALPHABETICAL ORDER -->
==See also==<!-- PLEASE RESPECT ALPHABETICAL ORDER -->
⚫
* [[Music of Goa]] ([[Konkani language|Konkani]] songs similar to Baila)
* [[Bailatronic]]
* [[Calypso-style baila]]
* [[Cumbia]]
⚫
* [[Music of Goa]] ([[Konkani language|Konkani]] songs similar to Bayila)
* [[Sellankandal]]


==References==
==References==
Line 57: Line 55:
==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.allsrilanka.com/directory/entertain/music.htm Sri Lanka Music Directory]
*[http://www.allsrilanka.com/directory/entertain/music.htm Sri Lanka Music Directory]
*[http://www.granadabaila.com/ GranadaBaila]


{{Lusophonemusic}}
{{Transitional period topics}}
{{Transitional period topics}}
{{Lusophone countries music}}

[[Category:20th-century music genres]]
[[Category:20th-century music genres]]
[[Category:21st-century music genres]]
[[Category:21st-century music genres]]
[[Category:Lusophone music|Lusophone music]]
[[Category:Music of Sri Lanka]]
[[Category:Sri Lankan music]]
[[Category:African diaspora in Sri Lanka]]
[[Category:African diaspora in Sri Lanka]]

Latest revision as of 16:08, 21 April 2024

Baila (also known as bayila; from the Portuguese verb bailar, meaning to dance[1]) is a form of music, popular in Sri Lanka and among Goan Catholics in India. The genre originated centuries ago among the Portuguese Burghers and Sri Lankan Kaffirs. Baila songs are played during parties and weddings in Sri Lanka, Goa, and Mangalore accompanied by dancing.

Baila music, as a form of folk art, has been popular for centuries in Sri Lanka. During the early 1960s, it entered into Sri Lanka's mainstream culture, primarily through the work of police officer turned singer Wally Bastiansz. He began adapting the 6/8 "kaffirhina" rhythms to accommodate Sinhala lyrics. By the 1970s musicians, including MS Fernando and Maxwell Mendis, had helped Baila grow into a well known and respected style of Sri Lankan popular music. It is primarily considered dance music.

History

[edit]

After their arrival in 1505, the Portuguese began to convert the Sinhalese to Roman Catholicism, building their wealth and power through the spice and slave trade. As early as 1630, African Kaffirs were brought to Sri Lanka to work as slaves or soldiers. The Kaffirs were once described as a people 'steeped in opium and witless with drink'. The Kaffirs' carefree spirit inspired two music forms known as chicote and "kafrinha" infusing them with humour and satire.[1]

In 1894, Advocate Charles Matthew Fernando wrote that chicote as a "slow and stately" music, while "kafrinha" is "faster and more boisterous" and "with a peculiar jerky movement". The word "kafrinha" itself comes from "kaf" (Kaffirs) and "rinha" which means "local lady".[1] The Kaffirs and Portuguese Burghers mixed freely, and chicote and "kafrinha" gradually came to be known as baila, from Portuguese verb 'bailar' meaning 'to dance'.[1]

Historically, Baila was a popular folk tradition along the coastal districts, where the Portuguese cultural influence was the strongest.[2] These communities, mainly consisting of Portuguese traders, and the slaves that they had brought with them from the western coast of Africa, gradually combined with communities of native Sri Lankans. The musical style, now referred to as "Baila", emerged from this cultural interchange.[3] The genre was quick to spread around the whole island of Sri Lanka and was even influenced by Cuban 'habanera' music, a form of dance music popular in the 1800s. With a history of over five hundred years, it is older than other relatively recent semi-classical traditions.

The kafirs, particularly in Puttalam, view Baila and "Kaffirinha" tradition to be as intertwined with wedding ceremonies as wine and cake. The songs are accompanied exclusively by percussion instruments. Sri Lankan Burghers (the descendants from Portuguese) are the other group of inheritors of Baila and "Kaffirinha", particularly in Baticaloa.[4] The violin, viola, acoustic guitar and the tambourine are the accompanying instruments.[2]

Along with some rhythmic elements, the often light-hearted comical lyrics, deceptively philosophical and the wada (debate,) baila tradition appears to be uniquely Sri Lankan. The western coast, in particular Modara and Moratuwa-Galkissa regions, are the traditional abodes of the art of Wada-Baila.[5] The viola, mandolin, rabana as well as the harmonium and tabla were used. The trumpet and military drums such as the snare and cymbals form part of the Papare bands popular throughout the coastal districts. In addition the tavil is used when accompanying religious processions such the Kataragama and the Devinuwara temple festival.

The popular Baila singer Wally Bastiansz, who introduced the chorus to the traditional baila, is referred to as the "Father of Baila in Sri Lanka".[3] There is a popular Baila song by Saman de Silva in tribute to him. M.S. Fernando A.K.A. "Baila Chakrawarthi" was a key figure in Sri Lankan Baila history between the 1950s and 1980s.[6] Nithi Kanagaratnam started Baila's in Tamil in 1967 and was also the key figures in the development of the genre.

Contemporary song

[edit]

Today, this "kaffirhina" style (often referred to by its "6/8" time)[3] has been adapted from violin, bongo drums and mandolin to accommodate modern instruments — specifically the electric guitar and synthesiser/workstation keyboards, octapad, bass guitar and drum kit. Due in part to this evolution, it is most often heard during parties, school reunions, charity dinner dances, hotel concerts and weddings. Contemporary Baila is also characterized by comical lyrics, often loosely adapted from themes derived from Sri Lanka's history and/or folklore.

There are four subgenres of Baila:

  • Chorus song: typical Baila song.
  • Waada song: this is a contest between several Baila singers, often spontaneous. Judges give them a topic and competitors must compose their own lyrics for the specific Baila rhythm. Marks are given in different criteria including quick-wittedness, meaningfulness, flow and rhyme.
  • Papare Baila: instrumental baila usually played outdoors using trumpets and drums influenced by marching bands. Popular in carnivals and cricket matches, the crowd joins in by singing and dancing.
  • Calypso baila: influenced by Calypso music, played typically with acoustic guitars and bongo drums.
  • Bailatronic: introduced by Ranidu Lankage, by mixing baila and electronic music together.

Popular Baila artists include: M. S. Fernando, Anton Jones, Paul Fernando, Desmond de Silva, Nihal Nelson, Maxwell Mendis, Sunil Perera (The Gypsies), Saman De Silva, Dhanapala Udawaththa, Rajiv Sebastian, Claude de Zoysa, Mariazelle Goonetilleke, Nithi Kanagaratnam, A. E. Manoharan, and Dalreen among others.[7]

Baila has also influenced the music of many popular artists such as: Annesley Malewana, Clarence Wijewardene, C.T. Fernando, Anil Bharathi, Christopher Paul, Priya Peiris La Bambas, Super Golden Chimes, Los Flamingos, Sunflowers (band), The Gypsies, and even Pandit W. D. Amaradeva.[8]

Moratuwa has produced a large number of these artists and is often referred to as the unofficial home of Baila.[9] Gerald Wickremesooriya and his Sooriya records played a significant role to promote this genre of music.[10] Radio broadcaster Vernon Corea promoted Baila music in the English-speaking world via the English-language programmes aired on Radio Ceylon and BBC Radio London during the late 1960s and 1970s. The Roshan Fernando foundation is a charity committed to the welfare of baila and other musicians.[11]

In December 2006 a nonstop dance CD with the greatest Baila hits titled Sri Lankan Open House Party was released in Sri Lanka. The music was directed by renowned composer Suresh Maliyadde while the music on the CD was provided by Niresh Perera (The Gypsies) on drums, Mahinda Bandara Fortunes) on guitar, Tilak Dias on bass, Tissasiri Perera on keyboard, and Visharadha Monaj Pieris on percussion. Singers who were empowering these all time evergreens are Kanishka Wijetunga, Ganesha Wijetunga, Mariazelle Goonetilleke, and Suresh Maliyadde.

There are Baila songs in Tamil, which were popularized by Nithi Kanagaratnam, Stany Sivananthan, Tobel Ragal, Kanapathipillai, Emanuel, S Ramachandran, Ceylon Manohar (A.E.Manoharan), M.P.Paramesh, Amuthan Annamalai, et al.[12]

The Sinhala Baila song Pissu Vikare (Dagena Polkatu Male) by H. R. Jothipala, Milton Perera, M. S. Fernando is a cover version of the Tamil song Dingiri Dingale (Meenachi) from the 1958 Tamil film Anbu Engey. And it was covered again in Sinhala as a folk song named Digisi/Digiri Digare (Kussiye Badu).

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Notes
Footnotes
  1. ^ a b c d "Stepping back in time with Baila". Wijeya Newspapers Ltd. Retrieved 6 December 2015.
  2. ^ a b Kaffirinha - the spurned folk art By Amal HEWAVISSENTI (Sunday Observer) Retrieved 8 December 2015
  3. ^ a b c "Baila for Dummies: A Quick Guide to Sri Lanka's Afro-Portuguese Pop Music". World Music Productions. Retrieved 6 December 2015.
  4. ^ "Kaffirinha - the spurned folk art, by Amal HEWAVISSENTI (Sunday Observer, 31.10.2010)". Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2018-10-31.
  5. ^ Uththareethara 29-08-2012, 9:40, Hiru TV, Accessed 10-10-2015
  6. ^ "Remembering M.S. Fernando". The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 6 December 2015.
  7. ^ Ellingham, Mark (1999). World Music: Latin and North America, Caribbean, India, Asia and ..., Volume 2. Rough Guides. ISBN 9781858286365. Retrieved 6 December 2015.
  8. ^ Amaradeva at 85: Giving tongue to a nation’s soul, by Ajith Samaranayake dbsjeraj - 4 December 2012
  9. ^ "Moratuwa, the City of Pioneers (Purogameethwaye Nagaraya); ElaKiri Community".
  10. ^ Wickramasuriya, Gerald (18 October 1998). "Dancing to our own tune". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 17 August 2015.
  11. ^ founder[permanent dead link], donateinfaith.org Accessed 17-10-2015
  12. ^ "Amuthan Annamalai - Youtube". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-22.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Baila_music&oldid=1220061392"