Before joining the band in 2004, she performed with Quest and Clear Waters Duo. Xavier’s College, Marawila, playing with such bands as Sunshine before joining the Gypsies in 2004.īorn in 1981, Radika Rajavelu is a full-time musician and the main female vocalist of the Gypsies. He is one of Sri Lanka’s most experienced and sought-after drummers.īorn in 1981, Dushan Jayathilake is the youngest member of the band. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa, and is married with one child, who is also a music enthusiast.īorn in 1961, Gordon Athula played with Ultimate Upeka, Eternal Soul, and number of jazz bands before joining the Gypsies in 2008. Derek is married with two children.īorn in 1965, Ranil Vas is a full-time musician who began his career with the Golden Reeds in 1982, playing in several other groups before joining the Gypsies in 2005. He hails from a large musical family and was educated at Wesley College, Colombo. Married with two children, Piyal is also a director of the confectionery company established by his late father, Anton Perera.īorn in 1956, Derek Hepponstall is a full-time musician who played with a number of bands in Sri Lanka and overseas before settling down with the Gypsies in 1995.
He has performed with the Gypsies since 1975, first as a percussionist and later adding vocals to his role, and today leads the group with Sunil. Sunil is married and has two sons and two daughters.īorn in 1959, Piyal, like his brother Sunil, was educated at St. Under Sunil’s leadership, the Gypsies was named Dance Band of the Year in 19. Among many other honors, Sunil was named Sri Lanka’s Showbiz Personality of the Year in 1990. Peter’s College, Colombo, where he got his start in music as a member of the school band. He was educated at two of the premiere Roman Catholic institutions in Sri Lanka: St. Today the Gypsies are often in demand for high-end wedding celebrations, both in Sri Lanka and abroad.īorn in 1952, Sunil Perera became a founding member of the Gypsies after he completed school in 1969. This was followed by international tours to countries with significant Sri Lankan communities, including the United Kingdom, Singapore, the United States, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. The band’s first engagement outside of Sri Lanka was a three-month stay at the Delhi Taj in India. One of the Gypsies’ most popular songs is “I Don't Know Why?” which addresses corruption in Sri Lankan politics. The band’s first audiocassettes in the 1980s included its novelty hit “Kurumitto” (dwarfs), a cover version of “The Smurf Song” by Dutch musician Father Abraham (musician Pierre Kartner). The Gypsies released five LPs in the 1970s, including Dance with the Gypsies. Currently, this leadership is provided by Sunil and Piyal Perera. In subsequent decades, the group’s lineup changed, but members of the Perera family continued to lead the band. Anton turned a portion of his house in Ratmalana into a recording studio and recorded the band’s first album there. It was formed in 1969 by Anton Perera, also founder of a confectionery company, and originally consisted of his five sons: Sunil, Nihal, Piyal, Nimal, and Lal Perera. The Gypsies is perhaps the most experienced band actively performing baila music in Sri Lanka. You’re My Best Friend (Wayland Holyfield) Yaman Bando Wesak Balanna (Wally Bastiansz)īambara Kannale (J. Lankawata baila gena wally bastiansz (Wally Bastiansz) Swing Low, Sweet Chariot (Wallace Willis) Irene, Josephine, Roseline, Angeline (Wally Bastiansz)
Guest artist: Hemapal Perera, mandolin Song (Artist)
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