Sinhalese Distinct Singing Style: An Exploration of Musician W. B. Makulloluwa

Abstract

Traditional music, as an essential aspect of Sri Lankan civilization’s long-term growth system, inherits its cultural heritage in a number of ways. Throughout human history, music has been an important cultural and social factor. William Banda Makulloluwa was one of the pioneers in the study of folk music in Sri Lanka. The research objective is to investigate Makulloluwa’s methods in building and sustaining the Sinhalese musical style. This study is based on the narrative method of qualitative research. Interviews, records, autobiographies, various reports, and books written by Makulloluwa were used to collect data. Seven in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted in November, December 2022 and January 2023 to gain a better understanding of Makulloluwa’s musical style, expectations, and ideologies. Non-probability purposive and snowball sampling were used as the sampling method. Content analysis was used to evaluate the data. After analyzing data, it was discovered that Makulloluwa used recording, documenting, rearranging, and educating methods to preserve the old Sinhalese musical melodies unique to Sinhalese. He established a formal system of local singing and laid the foundation for the Sinhala folk music style. As a musician himself, Makulloluwa took the initiative and a selfless interest to harbor and document Sinhala folk songs while dedicating a magnanimous effort by identifying, conserving, and presenting them to the next generation. According to the study, Makulloluwa is deeply committed to preserving and promoting Sri Lankan folk music and dance.