Nanda Malani

She gained more popularity dueting on the song "Galana Gangaki Jeevithe" with Narada Disasekara for Ranmuthu Duwa in 1961. For the performance she was awarded the first ever Sarasaviya Award for Female Playback Singing.

Malini continued her training after achieving fame, learning under B. Victor Perera, studying for a year at Heywood and moving on to Bhathkande University at Lucknow, India in 1963. She would later return to the University to obtain a Visharada degree in 1984.

Upon her return to Sri Lanka, Malini appeared on Amaradeva's programme Madhuvanthi singing "Sannaliyane" and "Ran Dahadiya Bindu Bindu."

Malini has had a string of successful releases: Perada Maha Re, Pahan Kanda, Sathyaye Geethaya, Hemanthayedi,Tharuka Es, Pavana, Sindu Hodiya, Kinduriyakage Vilapaya, Madhu Bandun, Tharu, Malmada Bisau, Cinema Geethavalokana, Kirimadu Vel, Londonyedi Geyu Gee, Yathra, Handahami, Sanka Padma, Pembara Lanka,Kunkuma Pottu, Gramaphone Gee, Araliya Landata, Malata Renu, Nilambare, Sari Podittak and Pirith Pen.

Sunil Edirisinghe

He is a singer with a mission. His musical art is not merely or even mainly, a mode of entertainment; it is, above all, a mission, a vehicle of his conscience.

His songs deal not only with the themes of love, friendship, family relationships, ethical obligations and ethnic harmony, but even peaceful of revolution.

His voice, once a lover's whisper, once a father'skind by advice and once a true friend's caring always touches the deepest chords of ones' soul.

Born on the December 19th , 1949 Patikirige Sunil Jayapreethi Edirisinghe was the youngest among seven siblings, talented artists. Considering to the likes of Visharada Amaradeva, Sunil Shantha, Ananda Samarakoone and Rukmani Devi, the pioneering place among the sinhala singers of the modern age , and and to the likes of Visharada Nanda Malini, Victor Rathnayaka and Sanath Nandasiri, as the representatives of he second generation. Sunil Edirisinghe would most certainly ranks among the leading humanities of music representing the third generation.

On completion of his secondary education, Sunil joined the Government Printing Corporation in 1969. The same year, he embarked on his musical career as a play back singer in the film "Matara Achchi" directed by his illustrious brother Satischandra Edirisinghe. The Music Director for his first song "Sandakada Pahana" was Victor Ratnayaka, while the lyrics were composed by Wally Nanayakkara.

Sunil gained instant popularity as a play-back singer and soon was in high demand, and has played that role in more than 25 films. [In 1975 having graduated with First Class Honours, from "Bhatkande" the famous Academy of Music in India he joined the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation where he soon excelled as a semi classical singer .] In 1977 for the first time, four of Sunil's songs were recorded in a CD for which he had Rohana Weerasinghe the musical director was . His fans got had the opportunity to enjoy his first complete cassette in the latter half of 1980.

In 1985 Sunil launched his own musical show "Sandakada Pahana" with a highly acclaimed and successful tour of six European countries. It has been one of the most popular shows in Sri Lanka, with over 150 shows being held at various locations.

Having over 600 songs to his credit, Sunil Edirisinghe has won a number of " Sarasavi Awards" and was also honoured with a Presidential Award in 1983. He has won the " Swarna Sankha Award" on two occasions.

The service rendered by Sunil Edirisinghe to the development of Sinhala music was recognized at the State Music Festival held in 1999.

Sunil has always shown a preference for songs with meaningful lyrics, which touch our hearts and go deep down to our soul.

Nadini Premadasa

Nadini Premadasa the talented young artist who started to show colours in school life add a sparkle to her music career with the Super Star Season 2 and awarded 5th place. She has come a long way by being an all rounder singer featuring and colourful many more stage performances, such as pop, hip hop, R & B, techno music, semi rock, semi classical.

Currently she is studying in University Of Performing Arts to make her academic background a steady platform and majoring in music. Stay in touch for more amazing updates.

Iraj

Iraj is Sri Lanka’s maestro of hip-hop and the island’s new generation star. Going where no local star has gone before, Iraj has amazed Sri Lanka’s music moguls through his unprecedented climb to the helm of the island’s entertainment industry. His amazing track record of number one singles, a consecutive series of top ten hits, and his debut number one album ‘Iraj’ and his follow up number one album – ‘Chapter Two Aloke’ has made him go beyond a local household name, into an internationally recognized and celebrated icon.

Iraj is also the first Sri Lankan music artist to have entered into the Kollywood Music Industry. His first South Indian composition together with Vijay Anthony featured in the movie Veittakarran staring Kollywood superstar Vijay ranked number one in the Chennai Charts and as a result Iraj is currently contracted to compose for his forth South Indian movie.

These records are but a fraction of the phenomenal success of Iraj, who has developed over the years into a brand itself. Dubbed by analysts and critics as the revolutionary of the Sri Lankan music industry, Iraj’s success saw him drawn into a record breaking series of merchandising and marketing campaigns. The change of Iraj’s image, from maestro to icon, has seen Sri Lanka experience technological breakthroughs in his many videos and the establishment of a truly household name. His sold out world tour over the last two years has seen Iraj in venues all across the island and in some of the world’s most celebrated international platforms. The tour saw Iraj performing to packed audiences at the Sydney Opera House, Melbourne, London, LA , Paris , New York, Cyprus, Korea , Male, Seoul, Doha and Dubai – strengthening his fan base and promoting Sri Lankan music the world over.

Ashanthi

Currently signed with Sony Music & M Entertainment, Ashanthi is the new face of Sri Lanka's youth music and the youngest and only female in the island to be signed to an internationally recognized record label (Sony Music) The Ashanthi'n'Ranidu album 'Oba Magemai' produced under the Sony Music & M Entertainment labels in 2003, was a phenomenal success in the Sri Lankan market. Branching out as a solo artiste with her up-coming debut solo album, Ashanthi, the first Sri Lankan female to be signed to an international recording company, is geared to take the Sri Lankan music industry by storm with a sound unique to her alone.

Taking a step forward to reach out to the mass market, while maintaining her hold within the urban / semi urban markets, Ashanthi plans to add new flavour to her music to cater to all three of these segments alike. Ethnic R&B / Hip Hop coupled with lighthearted pop & soul ballads of mass market appeal come together to create a new fusion in Ashanthi's unique genre of 'ethnic music' for the new album. It will be entirely in Sinhala language (with the exception of 2 English songs) and will consist of 12 tracks. Although the album is targeted to the local market, it is one with global appeal with international musicians being featured.

Ranidu Lankage

Ranidu Lankage is the undisputed icon of Sinhalese RnB and hip hop who has captured the imagination of the Sri Lankan masses with his breathtaking voice and enigmatic compositions. He is also the individual who has single handedly taken the genre of Sinhalese RnB/ pop to new and never before seen heights in the international arena. Ranidu is the first Sinhalese artist to be played on the venerated Radio1 of the BBC and also the creator of the first Sinhalese single to be played on MTV, channel V and Z music India.

Bathiya and Santhush

Bathiya & Santhush (BNS) are one of the biggest names in the Sri Lankan music industry who were pop/rap duo composed of Bathiya Jayakody and Santhush Weeraman, who met while at Mary Anne David's school for singing in Colombo (training mainly under the categories of classical and show tunes).

Bathiya Jayakody was educated at Ananda College Colombo while his partner, Santhush Weeraman was educated at Royal College Colombo. Santhush comes from a musical family,his brother Dushyanth is also a musician of repute.

Since the inception of their act in 1998, they have released six albums and had seven Sri Lankan number one singles. Bathiya & Santhush are one of the biggest musical acts to hit the Sri Lankan musical scene since the 1990s, mixing Sinhala, Tamil and English lyrics in their originals, bringing out their contemporary style and revolutionising the music industry in Sri Lanka.

In 2008 BNS marked the end of their most successful concert series after over 150 performances "Neththara Live". This was replaced with a brand new concert series named "Shaheena" after their 2008 No. 1 single and the same titled promotional album for Lux.

With the release of their 5th main album "Sara Sihina - the 5th Element" Bathiya and Santhush became the only Sri Lankan artists to feature with popular Indian singers Hariharan (in the song Yaalpanamen) and Asha Bhosle (Dedunna Sedi)

Sunil Perera

Sunil Perera born 14 September 1952 is a Sri Lankan vocalist, guitarist, songwriter and composer . He is the leader and the lead vocalist of the popular Sri Lankan band, Gypsies. 1969 as soon as he left school, Sunil joined the band The Gypsies. The band was formed in 1969 by his father, Anton Perera, a confectioner at the Glucorasa company.

Sunil Perera was the main vocalist of the band. Their first hit Linda Langa Sangamaya was released in 1972/1973. Other tracks sung by Sunil Perera include, None Mage Sudu None 1977, Lunu Dehi 1987, Kurumitto, Oye Ojaye 1989, Pity Kotapan None and Signore 1997.

Sunil remains one of the most famous singers in the country, while his band Gypsies remains one of Sri Lanka’s biggest musical franchise for the past three decades, with regular foreign tours, several hit albums and sold-out concerts.

Sunil Perera's recent works such as I don't know Why addresses mere sociopolitical issues through humor. Several of his songs have been banned by the state media.

Sanath Nandasiri

Nandasiri took the Part I examination in vocal music and obtained first class at the "Nipun" examination in 1992 ...

Sanath Nandasiri learnt Indian classical music in Lucknow in the 1960s

He first sang on the radio in 1955

Sanath has dedicated his life to music.

Mahesh Denipitiya

Mahesh Denipitiya needs no formal introduction being the son of the eminent musician - Patrick Denipitiya. Music runs in Mahesh’s blood.

A Computer hardware engineer by profession - he was destined to become a musician which he took to like a duck takes to water. Mahesh gave up a brilliant IT career to move into music to become a remarkable keyboardist, composer and arranger.

“My life story began at Kaduwela in 60’s” says Mahesh relaxing at his home in Colombo when I met him one Sunday afternoon.

“I was the second in a family of three and at the time my father had his own Combo which featured C. T. Fernando who was the main pop artist. I initially stepped into the world of music with a guitar with the blessings of my father. He presented me with a guitar as a birthday gift from him,” recalled Mahesh.

“So began my music career with my father taking the decision which was given priority considering the fact that I was a student in school. Though recordings and shows which meant late nights, took much of my time, my father taught me how to manage time, hence it did not disrupt my studies.

This was the time I met my wife Nandika. I first met her when I was involved with a ‘Bakthi gee’ programme. My wife being Buddhist and a lover of music was an admirer of my ability. Though I was a Roman Catholic I had no religious discriminations.

I have two children a daughter Dulani and a son Eshan who are both schoolgoers and are very good at music. Both are very creative.” Both of them demonstrated their creativity when they played a duet on the piano at the request of their proud father.

When inquired how he met the Super Stars - Mahesh became very thoughtful and silent - suddenly he broke the silence and said “The producers and directors spotted me at a live concert and requested me to play solo. However, it was my choice that various instruments should be introduced to enhance the music of the songs I had to play.”

When asked his views about the show ‘Super stars’ Mahesh said “This gave momentum to hidden talent - a new out look in the field of music as people became more interested in trying out and weighing their talents.

These were the people who were waiting to display their creative talents through the world of music.

Edward Jayakodi

he is a Sri Lankan musician, singer and composer. Jayakody had directed the music for hundreds of Sinhala films and television serials; he has also composed many songs for children's programming ("Koppara Koppara").

Jayakody won the Swarna Sanka Award in 1987 for Best Male Singer for the film Gedara Budun Amma. He won Best Music Director in 1979 and 1980 for the plays Nidane and Aparadaya Saha Danduwama.

He was the music teacher at Nalanda College Colombo in mid 1980s

Prasad Karunamuni

Prasad Karunamuni is a modern eastern musician , who has just entered thr music field , & intending to make his career as a singer & became a succesful artist , in this field . His main interest is eastern music where he hopes he could does better with it than any other music varieties , and with his ability. Being a new comer ,his recently released songs , " Soduru kavak novana vaga premaya " & "Kashmeeraye " are being appriciated by a audience . He 's hoping to release more in the recent future .He guesses he is more towards to the romantic area which is mostly being grabbed by the YOUTH ;

He has passed with first divition distinction in the Praveshika Examination in vocal from the Bathkande Music college in Laknow, India . And passed with distiction in first and second exam in vocal at Bathkande Music college .He 's presently studing south Indian Karnataka ] music & north Indian [ Hindustani ] at the Indian cultural centre in Sri Lanka .Prasad has studied Sri lankan traditional folk songs for a period of 12 years under the guidence of former folk song researcher Lional Ranwala . * He has won the first place at the Kaluthara district inter school group folksong competition ,organised by the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Coporation in 1991 .

Nirosha Virajini

Nirosha Virajini was born Virajini Lalithya de Silva. The very first musical group that that recognized her potential and hoisted her on to the stage of entertainment, (Supersons) wanted a name that would both appeal to the audience (at this time she was a complete non-entity) while also blending and harmonizing with the field itself. Theirs was a mixture of north and south Indian music being replayed in Sri Lanka catering to the very large audience that appreciated Indian music. In retrospect it is amazing how right Supersons have been.

Born in the hill-capital of Kandy, Sri Lanka to a family with liberal ideas, that imposed no great obligations on the children, the family later moved to the outskirts of Colombo coinciding with Nirosha's father's departure overseas for employment. Eldest in a family of four (another sister and two brothers) Nirosha's early inclination was for Indigenous dancing. This she did with commitment over the years at school. However destiny had other plans, especially with a determined mother who recognized Nirosha's innate talents. Virjinia (Nirosha's mother) was the relentless planner for children's welfare and upbringing while the farther Mervin de Silva was a silent contributor from across the seas. It was Virjinia who took to music (though after marriage) with a degree of dedication, characterizing her need to carve out an identify for herself. However while Virjinia (talented) but with opportunities that were limited both in scope and substance finally decided to fully dedicate herself to shaping a future for Nirosha. Nirosha's debut was under the guidance of maestro late Austin Munasinghe who happened to be Virjinia's musical mentor. She was selected for chorus singing in a regular children's educational program being broadcast by the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation.

Nirosha's uncle's friends who formed the group "Supersons" agreed to try out Nirosha if she could cope with emulating North and South Indian singing styles - high pitch and wide range. Nirosha's natual talent easily coped with the challenging task and she entered the musical field as a semi-professional stage artiste. The group though small was highly talented and enjoyed a wide audience especially among Tamil and Muslim minorities. Natually Nirosha sang Tamil and Hindi songs and, to put it aptly, Nirosha's representation of the original Hindi and Tamil songs if at all further enhanced their own identity. However the mother again thought of a "future' for her daughter and Nirosha was off to South India (Chennai) for possible development of her dancing and singing skills. Here in Chennai, Nirosha came under the strong influence of Karnataka music that largely contributed to her, achieving a level of singing that was truly remarkable. On a short vacation back at home, Nirosha's mother took yet another daring step by changing plans (in concurrence with various factors) and deciding that Nirosha would still have a career even without completing her educational activities in India. Thus Nirosha re-entered the fray - by now a highly competitive almost inundated with talent. The step was daring and decisive but proved to be absolutely correct.

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While she became an artiste "mandatory" for stage with her enormously successful Hindi and Tamil singing style that retained the original depth and even the vocal projection; at about the same time, she made her debut with a Sinhala cassette " Sitha Handai" (a heart cries)named after the theme song. Though a popular Tamil melody, Nirosha gave the song and originality of her own and it was an instant success.

Nirosha successfully followed the cassette with her first one-man show - a mixture of Hindi and Tamil songs popular with her audience. By now Nirosha was synonymous with singing Tamil and Hindi songs. Nirosha's scope and range began to expand. She was sought by commercial advertisers for jingles; also several experimental but ground breaking songs were done. He sharp, resonant voice easily captured the mood behind a song and she delivered it as conceived by the lyricist and musical director. The foremost trend-setter in the Sinhala film music , Maestro Premasiri Khemadasa (a no-nonsense radical) had Nirosha (to the chagrin of many a Tamil) sing the famous "famous" peace song (Ven Purawe) in Tamil. The grouse, why get a Sinhala artiste to sing a Tamil song and for that matter a song of national significance. However Nirosha justified the confidence placed in her by the maestro. The song strove to cut across the ethnic barriers that was the root cause of a bloody armed struggle by the a section of the Tamil minority.

The second one-man show followed and coincided with Nirosha's investiture to becoming a Sinhala vocalist. A dream her mother nurtured. This was a daring move. The field was dominated by the elite of Sinhala vocalists. Her second cassette and the first CD carved a "niche" for Nirosha. Once again it was the late Austin Munasinghe, the man who recognized Nirosha's talents initially who had the privilege to make a break-through with a song based on feelings of a simple woman, dreaming of the yet unborn son. "Pun Sanda Reta" (Full Moon in the Night) the song itself written by a foremost lyricist of the time; the vocal rendition by Nirosha and the haunting music, combined to give one of the most beautiful songs of the time. The year 1995 was one of the most productive. Nirosha sang a Malayalam song in radical play-write Jayantha Chadrasiri's television drama filmed in Kerala. The year also saw her reaching a pinnacle of sorts when was she was adjudged " Super Grade" by the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation in Tamil singing.

Increasingly Nirosha (prematurely and grudgingly though) was inducted to the exclusive fraternity of elite artistes. You could not simply ignore her. During a short spell she had achieved so much. She had brought about a unique freshness. Films came her way and so did television drama. 1996, 1997 and 1998 saw Nirosha with a extremely busy schedules with both local and foreign assignments. She passed yet another milestone in her career when she was invited to back ground sing for a Tamil movie made in Chennai. Initially considered for one song, the music director Udaya, had her sing an additional song in the film "Urawaku Mariade" (respect the relationship) . One of the two songs was a hit of the year.

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Her third cassette and second CD was produced for a thundering reception. Nandunana Sihinaya II (Unrecognized Dream) had two particularly successful songs. One based on popular but traditional Portuguese "kapiringnga" (a version of calypso though not in Spanish style), " Sanda Sakki (let the moon bear witness) and the other a song that conveyed supreme, unselfish, sublime love bordering the spiritual. It is not wrong to say that " Sina Thotak" (fountain of laughter) was a milestone, as it touched the deepest of emotions; lyrically, musically and vocally.

Added to her vastly expanded repertoire was her acting debut in prominent teledrama director Bertram Nihal's " Lantern" adaptation from Japanese story that depicted social injustice. To say the least she did this with great versatility. Many thought she could do both - singing and acting. However Nirosha remained dedicated to her original track. Through all these vast strides being taken, Nirosha not only remained the quintessential stage singer but also did not forget her original audience that wanted to hear her renditions of Tamil and Hindi songs.

Both maestros Ameradeva (winner of Padma Shri in India and Ramon Magsaysay in Philippines) the formost Sinhala musician and Premasiri Khemadasa the foremost trend-setter in Sinhala cinematic music, had no hesitation in paying their highest compliments to Nirosha's talent. She was singled out as one of the few vocalists who would do absolute justice to lyrics and music. Lyricists agreed that Nirosha's voice coupled with her unique ability to convey feelings as conceived and her vocal variations, made their songs wholesome.

Year 2000 dawned with her fourth cassette and third CD. " Sigiri Geeyak" (song of Sigiriya) . The theme song inspired by the universally known graffiti of of Sigiriya rock fortress, was written by the eminent lyricist and professor - Dr. Sunil Ariyaratne. The special feature of her cassette and CD productions has been her total involvement with every aspect while enjoying complete confidence of the investors with regard to her judgement. Year 2001 marked yet another phase when she was selected by the prestigious Presidential Award Panel as the best female vocalist in films. The same year she sang at the prestigious Wembley theatre in London in the company of the top layer of Sinhala artistes.

Year 2002 was still greater in terms of achievement. The prestigious " Sarasaviya" Sinhala film weekly that organizers the only film festival in Sri Lanka, selected her as the best female singer. It was followed by the only TV drama festival where once again she was adjudged the best vocalist in both categories. Her fifth cassette and fourth CD is just out - Duhulu Malak (frail flower) that bears testimony to her highly discriminatory and professional style of selections in terms of all aspects song presentations.

Within a relatively short time span of about 10 years Nirosha has achieved what many others would only achieve over a long period of time. On the other hand she is still at the top and would remain a " star" for a long time to come.

Ananda Waidyasekara

Ananda Waidyasekera is a versatile musician who has composed music and lyrics for both veteran and up and coming artists. He also has the experience of playing the role of lead gutarist in some leading music groups in Sri Lanka. He has participated in music concerts abroad especially for Sri Lankans in Middle Eastern countries. Also being a vocalist he currently leads

a three piece band which plays both western and oriental music at hotels and in concerts. He also engages in his own creations and recently released his own album 'Tharakaviye'.

Ananda Waidyasekara is the proprietor of Shri Recording Studio in Gampaha which has gained reputation among artists during the last five years. His speciality is that he in his studio plays all musical instruments in creating music tracks for new songs.He believes in playing musical instruments live for recordings rather than using programmed sounds.

His studio is equipped with facilities to cater to any needs of artists.

Saheli Rochana Gamage

Born on 1988.03.08 Saheli is now 20 years old and is reading for her Doctor of Medicine degree at the American National College in Sri Lanka and her sole aspiration is to be a doctor and explore the possibilities of healing illnesses through the use of music therapy especially in relation to cancer related patients. She did her Primary and Tertiary education at the Srimavo Bandaranayake Vidyalaya, Colombo 7 where she was a bright and an outgoing all round student who excelled both in education and extra curricular activities especially in relation to sports and music. She had played netball and basketball and held memberships in the school Western Music Band and the school Orchestra.

Visit Saheli Home Page www.saheli.me

Xtreme Band

We have 3 members in our band and specialize in providing professional, customized music for every occasion, including weddings, corporate events, and other special functions.

During a period of 13 years our participation in weddings has proved successful with so many creditable recommendations, specially for our participation in veteran actress Sangeetha Weerarathna's wedding. We have backed for many famous singers in Sri Lanka. And also we have a wide range of songs in three languages Sinhala, English & Hindi. We are also capable of supplying disco lights, Bubble machines, Fog machines etc. according to client�s request.

Our shedule

For couples is dressed in western style ,we normally play the wedding march when they arrive .It is the tempo that assist the bridesmaids & groomsmen to walk down according to the beat & it makes easy to capture the glamour for the on lookers. When the couple about to lighting the oil lamp we used to play a song with a meaning, which is more religious. At the time of cutting the cake we used to play congratulations. If it’s a traditional wedding. Instead of cutting cake the couple used to cut kiribath. Then we play soft music to suite the activity.

When the couple is seated we begin to sing, after plying some instrumental music. So the 1 St 1½ hours would be played soft mix songs in sinhala ,English & Hindi. While meals are being served our music will take a sentimental type . When the couple is dressed up for going away we invite the couple to the dancing floor & play a suitable English song which falls on the waltz beat, which will suits for a Ball-Room also. At the same time the guests will be invited to join the couple in dancing & then we gradually increase the tempo & continue up to nonstop baila songs. When the couple is leaving for their honeymoon we play songs wishing them luck for a golden future. However the above arrangement could be changed according to the needs of the couple.