Sri Lankan drummer succumbs to Covid-19

It was a shocker, indeed – the news that Nihar Hamid is no more with us!

Yes, it was sadness all round, especially to all those associated with the showbiz scene – both local and abroad – when it was revealed that Nihar had succumbed to Covid-19.

The renowned drummer, and leader of the group Friends, did have some health issues, but no one expected him to depart so quickly.

I’m told that Nihar had, in fact, invited some of his friends, for a Sri Lanka-style dinner, and then a few days later, he fell ill and had to be rushed to hospital, where he was tested positive for Covid-19.

He, eventually, passed away, while in hospital.

Nihar, as a drummer, and leader of Friends, was a legend in the music scene, and was loved, and admired, by all.

The tributes that have poured in, for this great artiste, via social media, speaks volumes for his contribution to the music industry.

Sohan Weerasinghe, in a post on his Facebook, had this to say:

“You leave behind a great legacy. One of the greatest band leaders we ever had. You were a true friend to all of us.”

The group Friends, with Suzi Croner (Fluckiger) in the spotlight, were top of the pops, in Sri Lanka, decades ago, and had a fan club, with over 1500 members.

While based in Europe, they made regular trips, to Colombo, during the festive season, to oblige their local fans.

There are also reports that another local artiste has been tested positive for Covid-19 but is on the road to recovery.