Entertainment / People

Saamaya - Peace from Jayasri

by Mahes Perera

The year 2006 has been a successful year for Jayasri, based in Vienna, and spreading the positive Sri Lankan vibe to fans in Europe. The group's latest album Saamaya - Peace which they launched in April has done well for themselves in Europe. Rohitha tells us that the album has become popular also in the Netherlands, Germany, UK, France and Italy.

The Austrian No 1 Radio ORF's Radio Wien programme featured six of their new songs in a cultural programme and happy to say the songs moved into the playlists of many other Stations. In the Netherlands, Johnny Reggae radio featured Jayasri as the album of the month for two consecutive months in their programmes.

Multi Kulti Radio in Germany and many world music radio stations have given their music positive airplay. The album which contains fifteen tracks is quite different compared to their previous albums. It is a dedication in music to Peace - a topic which is not only a big need in Sri Lanka but also the world over.

There are three special songs. Saamaya - Peace and the English version Commonland, plus Ay may all focus on reality, facts, reasons, corruption and WAR! The other tracks are Maha Muhuda - a tsunami song to which the group has given an Asian underground chill out touch.

Then there's Situ Kumariye, Kiyanna Kiyanna, C devi, Janapadakalyani in reggae rhythm and what they call dance hall style. For variety Jayasri has included a soft rock ballad Himakumaree, Unplugged in 6/8 rhythms are two interesting selections Pitarata Wistara and Welikathare, which proves the creativity of the group.

Doi Doi carries a message to the youth to respect parents - which is important in today's youth lifestyle. Jayasri and their creativity in music has given them popularity in a foreign land and we hope in the New Year their success will be double fold.

Sanath Nandasiri - now Professor of music

by Reashinie Shakya Moonesinghe

Maestro Sanath Nandasiri was honoured with the title professor of music recently. Dean of the Faculty of Music, University of Aesthetic Studies, he was also conferred with the titles Kalasuri, Kalakeerthi and Kalabhushana in recognition of his excellent contribution in the field of music and has won Presidential and Sarasaviya awards.

A student of the prestigious Lucknow University of India, he returned to Sri Lanka in 1968 and was appointed as a music teacher to the Uhana Maha Vidyalaya, Ampara.

Subsequently, for the betterment of his future prospects, he joined the Government School of Music as a lecturer and rose to be the head of the Department of Music at the Kelaniya University. A valuable mentor to all his students Professor Sanath Nandasiri is acknowledged as an 'Indian guru' in the true classical sense.

Not to be left out is his wife Malkanthi who has been a strong moral force towards his success.

'Rock & roll on the ocean floor'

An unusual theme is the end of the year presentation titled "Dive into 2007 and Rock & Roll on the Ocean Floor".

This exciting psychedelic experience will be staged at the Taj Airport Garden Hotel, Seeduwa, with the fantasy intent of taking guests to the depths of the ocean! The music will be provided by the band Ecstasy who are looking forward to the occasion along with the nightingale of song Judy. Spinning the dance grooves will be Mumbai's popular DJ Dhananjay.

It's going to be a whirlpool of fun and games with return air tickets among the many prizes and a fabulous fireworks display at midnight. Greet 2007 with the music of the band Ecstasy, and Judy the featured artiste.

MP

ITN Rantaru 2006

The band of the year finals today

The band selected from the final round will provide music at the final programme. The final round made up of 08 tiers and out of which the best band of the year will be selected at the end of the competition.

The ten winning teams include, best youth Band of Sri Lanka, the most popular band (selected by fans vote by SMS / post cards / Fax), best pilot vocalist, best Lead Guitarist, best bass-guitarist, best Rhythm guitarist, best drummer, best Octpad player, Best Organ player and the Best group song.

"The selected bands will be announced on ITN after midnight. The ten selected groups were given individual 10 numbers.