 by Nilma Dole
It must have been difficult for Dushyanth Weeraman to swallow the
fact that his icon Michael Jackson is dead. However, he did perform
‘Billie Jean’ perfectly revealing that even though the ‘King of Pop’ had
passed away, his memory and music will remain forever. Despite music
critiques saying that he basically copies MJ’s style, Dushyanth has
proved that his talent will be valued now more than before.
Looking at him draw a sad face, he stunned the audience with his MJ
moves displaying his brilliant dance and song charisma.
 Hearing Sinhala popstar amazing Umara Sinhawansa sing in English for
the first time was an attractive experience. Her powerfully vocal chords
and her crystal clear voice proved that this versatile musician is more
than just a pretty face with a vivacious body. Singing Shirley Bassey’s
“I (who have nothing)” originally done by Ben E. King was a hit with the
melody melting hearts as she did justice to the song.
Event management guru Imran of ‘Funtime’ worked wonders to make this
concert a success at Water’s Edge and the show was opened by the Yes FM
DJs Steven Stone and Michael Fox.
Singing the first song was Ricky Bahar who also went on to give a
memorable medley of a ‘Three Generation’ music collaboration with his
father the renowned Ishan Bahar and daughter Shyanne.
Veterans in the music industry like Maxi Rozairo who sang to the max
and strong soprano voiced Noeline Honter, the fantastic Sohan
Weerasinghe better known as the `Godfather’ of the local western music
scene, the subtle voice of Damien, the `Volare’ vibrant Rajitha (a.k.a.
Mr. Misty) and the husky sound of Monique with her dreamgirls with the
hot stepping dancers who backed them up. Hats off to the back-up
vocalists like Mariam who ensured that the melody was kept upbeat.
Directed by Shobi Perera, the great musical support came from the X-Periments
together with Mano of Wildfire fame on sax, Gayan from Heat on trumpet
and Razmah Lye from Phase 3 on percussion.
Under charismatic conductor Vinod Senadheera, the 50 strong Canto
Perpetua Choir lent their voices to put the icing on this star studded
performance.
It was a show to remember and a nostalgic walk down memory lane. |
