MALCOLM DE KAUWE – The Life & Times Highlights:

Malcolm de Kauwe A Tribute to Bill Forbes

Malcolm De Kauwe It’s About Time

1954 Beginning of musical career with the late Mr. Donovan Andre and performed nightly at his 3 Clubs Fun Fair along with the crème of Sri Lankan talent.

1955 Won 1st prize in Radio Voice Competion run by St Joseph’s College Colombo open to all comers.1955 Performed solo with rave reviews at the Mr Lanka Contest and continued as a solo Performed at various functions. 1957 Was booked by Donovan Andre as supporting act for the ever popular Tony Brent at The Green House Performed regularly for entrepreneur Mr. Mubarak Thaha at the Atlanta nightclub, With good buddy Cliff Foenander. 1958 Joined the Harold Seneviratne Combo (Sri Lanka’s leading dance band) as lead vocalistand Bass player at the No1 leading night club “ The Blue Leopard” in the Taprobane Hotel (formerly the GOH) 1969 Toured with the Harold Seneviratne Combo as resident band at the Oberoi Intercontinental Hotel New Delhi. 1971 Migrated to Sydney Australia 1972 Signed up by Lou Menzer Enterprises (who launched Kamahl’s career) to perform In the club circuits and RSL clubs in Sydney Wagga Wagga Tamworth and Brisbane 1974 Moved to WA and wasted no time in joining The Hawaiian Rhythm Kings (band leader Mr. Don Fernandez)

1975 Joined the “WELLS’ a popular dance band in Perth playing at venues like The Pagoda Ballroom, The Embassy Ballroom, Association dances, Pubs & Hotels besides being supporting act along with International & Interstate artists until they disbanded 1987 Joined “Midnight Sun”as lead vocalist. Took over leadership and successfully Became Perth’s most popular cabaret band. He also performed as a solo artist both Locally and interstate. He was guest artist in Canberra for the Penny De Kauwe School of dancing for their 21st Anniversary celebrations.

 1993 Friends of Malcolm held a big show “Malcolm De Kauwe in Concert “ at the Moorabbin Town Hall, which was well supported and was a tremendous success. That same year he was special guest along with Harold Seneviratne (former band (leader) at the “Good Times Ball” in Melbourne backed by the Raddy Fereira Orchestra. This event was also well supported and turned out to be a very nostalgic and Successful night.

1994 Malcolm launched his 1st cd “IT’S ABOUT TIME” at a gala dance at the Pagoda Ballroom, which was well attended. The CD itself was well received and is still on Sale when requested.

1995 Visited Sri Lanka after 26 years and promoted his CD. He was also awarded the “Golden Clef Award 1994 for his long-standing contribution to music as a Sri Lankan abroad. Later in the same year the Consulate of Sri Lanka for New York invited him to perform as a solo and guest artist at The Sri Lankan Medical Dinner & Dance at Birchwood Manor New Ark. It was a ballroom classic of the most opulent Nature. He was a big hit with the audience.

2003-2006Malcolm has been proud and honoured to be invited back year after year to open Harmony Week Folk Fest held at the Burswood Casino Perth. Government Dignitaries hailed his rendition of the Australian National Anthem as one of the best and heartwarming rendition they’ve heard.

2004 Marked a milestone in Malcolm’s 50-year musical career. The Hyde Park Hotel was packed to capacity with ardent fans and supporters as he celebrated this auspicious Event. Malcolm was overwhelmed and touched by the accolades and acknowledgement  of his contribution to music, and entertainment. His longevity in the business is born by his undoubted talent, professionalism, dedication and his commitment to the old adage “The Show Must Go On”

2005 Malcolm was again invited back to perform at the Royal College old boys assoc held inNew York backed by a terrific Phillipino band “ MUSIC BOULEVARD” and was a great success

2006 Invited by Mr. Jay Liyanage (Hon Consul for SL In New York) to sing in Sri Lanka at his 75th Birthday. He was also guest artist at a 50th Wedding Anniversary at The Bay Leaf restaurant. While in Sri Lanka, Malcolm took the opportunity to produce his 2nd CD “BY REQUEST” at Sonexco Studios. 2007 Performed at The Grand in Melbourne on the 29th September for a nostalgic show produced by Alston Koch as a tribute to Dallas for his 50 years in show biz. In October he took his whole band “Midnight Sun” along with his famous daughter Amanda Dee to perform at the prestigious Awards Night at the famous Crystal Ballroom of the historic Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles California. Malcolm has no intention of slowing down and will continue to woo audiences with style and panache until “The Voice” packs up.

2016 Malcolm de Kauwe A Tribute to Bill Forbes

Regards

Patrick Ranasinghe