 
by Mahes Perera
The key to success in the music industry they say is to really know
who you are. The knowledge of who you are is the most crucial thing in
trying to get your idea or creation to happen in the way you want it.
And singer Yasmin de Silva is confident in achieving what she wants with
no undue fuss.
Her song ‘A New Day is Dawning’ for which she wrote the lyrics, the
music and sang it received air play over radio and recently when the war
was over she introduced it globally through an Australian website (www.yasminfonseka.ming.com)
and was happy with the overwhelming reaction she received.
“The chorus Wake my people a new day is dawning with peace for
everyone, I thought was appropriate to introduce it to more music
lovers. Sri Lanka Radio in Melbourne when they heard the single
interviewed me to learn more details of the song” Yasmin tell us when we
met up with her after a gig last week with the band Sohan and the
X’periments.
Yasmin the female glitz with the band is enjoying herself singing to
a wide spectrum of audiences - from youth to the older generation. Her
repertoire ranges from contemporary pop to evergreens. She has had many
opportunities to perform abroad with the boys and during all their trips
was influenced by the musical moments of each country.
Talking of influences her favourite singer she tells us is Diana Ross
and the whole range of the Supremes songs. Also Shirley Bassey, Elton
John, Stevi Wonder and Roberta Flack.
 Yasmin was nurtured on a diet of music. “My father Placidus Fonseka
was a performing pianist, we were six in the family and all of us are
musicians. Carrying on the tradition now are my sister Shyami, my
brother Yohan and myself. In October with my other sister Marcia we are
having a concert calling ourselves The Three Sisters.
Prior to this we have done such concerts and were happy with the
appreciation - our repertoire was a mixed one - pop, ballads, soul and
gospel”, reveals Yasmin.
Herself a choir director at the St. Padre Pio Shrine her strong
foundation in music is an asset. Her fluid voice strong in ballads and
contemporary pop will soon be heard in a film theme song “The Moment I
Saw Her” a duet with Sohan.
Yasmin has set her heart on composing songs and soon a CD will be
released with the X’periments which will reflect her creativity as well.
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