Windy Goonathilaka won the Best Emotional Song of 2023 award at the 16th Edison Awards in Chennai, South India, for her rendition of the Sri Lankan Dravidian song ‘Ayyo Saami’.
This marks a milestone as it’s the first Tamil original song of the decade to win this award. Windy Goonathilaka and Sanuka received the honour at the event held on March 28.
Windy and husband
Sanuka Wickramasinghe
The song ‘Ayyo Saami’ features lyrics by Pothuvil Asmin, a Sri Lankan poet based in Chennai, known for his debut in Tamil cinema with the song ‘Thappellam Thappe illai’ in the movie ‘Naan’ starring Vijay Antony. Asmin has also penned promo songs for viral films like ‘Viswasam’ and ‘Annatha,’ as well as Jayalalitha’s funeral song.
The composition is by Sri Lanka’s very own Sanuka Wickramasinghe, while vocals are by Windy.
Significance
Was it the enchanting voice, the alluring charm, or the heartfelt gaze of Windy Goonatillake that propelled this song to fame? We would never know. While it has a Sinhalese rendition, the Tamil version seems to have garnered global acclaim. It exudes both coolness and emotion, blending the Apollonian and Dionysian aspects, as if touched by divine inspiration.
It is a pivotal moment for our country’s culture. This is a moment when a musician has decided to create something that can be enjoyed by everyone in the country despite the barrier of language.
This is a manner in which harmony can be promoted between different ethnic groups. What better to bring people closer together than the universality of heartbreak.
The team that produced
the song ‘Ayyo Saamy’
Artists, through their creative endeavors, play a vital role in improving social and psychological well-being and fostering harmony, particularly among divided communities and I believe this one such attempt we must greatly appreciate. Therefore, this win is a huge deal for the harmony within the Sri Lankan artistic scene.
Windy Goonatillake is a Sri Lankan singer and YouTuber. Her father Rookantha Gunathilake and mother Chandralekha Perera both were prominent singers during their eras. Her sister Ryni Goonatillake is a notable singer in this generation as well. Thanks to Windy’s musical background she started playing music early in life and grew fascinated with diverse musical genres. Later, she pursued music studies at the University of Colombo, refining her abilities and exploring different styles.
Her first album – ‘Hela Udanaya’ was released in 2010. This album blends traditional folk melodies with modern pop and electronic influences. Since then, she’s produced numerous albums that received critical acclaim. Her latest release, ‘Vasantha,’ came out in 2018, showcasing collaborations with various artists. Windy has also teamed up with others on multiple occasions.
Windy’s music intertwines traditional Sri Lankan folk melodies with modern pop and electronic nuances, offering a refreshing sonic fusion. Through innovative use of instruments and textures, she creates an immersive auditory journey that resonates with listeners. Drawing inspiration from both traditional Sri Lankan folk tunes and contemporary electronica and hip-hop, Windy’s compositions reflect a diverse musical palette.
Her work garners praise for its distinctive blend of styles and textures, captivating audiences with each masterpiece.
