 Music for your humane soul
by Nilma Dole
Prasad Karunamuni is a veteran
in the field of music but he always aims to do much more than just
produce music. “I want people to be moved and emotionally satisfied
after listening to my music. Life can give many reasons for you to break
down and cry after the challenges you have to face. But through music, I
believe that moving on from anything is possible” he says humbly, with a
courageous smile. Speaking about his musical journey, Prasad is ever
determined to study as much as he can about the both international and
national world of music. “I studied at Horana Sripali College where I
first learnt music under three of my music mentors, Ariyadasa Ranawaka,
Wijesena Kodipillai and Amitha Atukorala” he said. Prasad then got his
break at the national folk music competition.
 “It was when I won the first place in the islandwide folk song music
competition in 1991, I got a footing in the local music industry. One of
the judges of this competition, Lionel Ranwala approached me and asked
me to join his folk music choir” he said. Eventually, Prasad went on to
hold two shows called ‘Prasad Gee’, one in Elphinstone Theatre in 1991
and one at Town Hall theatre in 1993.
“Thereafter, I felt the need to study music further and strengthen my
knowledge in music; so I went to distinguished singer Nanda Malini and
studied Hindustani music under her supervision”. He further commented,
“I even studied South Indian Karthali music under the renowned musician
Arundathi Sriranganathan”. Prasad’s love of learning music didn’t stop
there. “In order to give myself a thorough understanding of all aspects
pertaining to the fine art of music, I delved into studying music on the
internet from everything from Mozart to opera and classical to the more
modern new age music styles” he said.
Prasad did his first recording in 2001 when he produced the song
‘Sonduru Kawak’ which was written by Nihal Wickrama Edirisuriya and
music done by Harsha Randimal. “It was only 8 years later that I decided
to do a music video with the help of video producer Suranga Fernando”
said Prasad. The song is available on youtube and can be downloaded from
major Sinhala mp3 music websites around the world. “I made my songs
freeware for the whole world to experience because I want to help people
appreciate my music. This is why I want to take time to produce a piece
of fine art music instead of just commercially producing junk material”
he emphasized.
Prasad has been a part time Electronic Media journalist and is now in
the process of building his image as a musician in the area of ‘mind
relaxation’. “I want to reveal much about mind relaxation music because
internationally, this type of music is very popular among people who
want to ease their mind and calm their soul” highlighted Prasad. He
further said, “I believe it is the best form of therapy which can be
good for keeping your humane soul intact giving it comfort and peace of
mind.”
So much so, Prasad has also produced a song in the name of the armed
forces just before the war was over titled ‘Rupun Oda Theda’. It was
well-received and his other songs which have gained him popularity are
‘Mage Sitha’ and ‘Sitha Kurutu Ge’.
Acknowledging his sister Renu who works as a psychologist, Prasad
said that he understood the human mind better once he learnt of the
different musical influences one can be subjected to by simply listening
to music. “That’s why they ask pregnant women to listen to ‘Angulimala
Piritha’ and people to listen to ‘Bana’ and ‘Pirith’ in order to cleanse
and purify the soul.”
Prasad thanks all those who have supported him in the music industry
and hopes to better the lives of Sri Lankans by giving them
soul-satisfying music.
Prasad also thanks the media including Sunday Observer for supporting
his music career. “I’m also glad to help up coming musicians and keen on
working with them to further their musical careers” concluded Prasad
with a friendly smile.
Pic: Janaka Ranasinghe
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