- Singer Umara Sinhawansa on her upcoming show ‘One Mic-Phase 3’
Umara Sinhawansa, a prominent figure in the Sri Lankan music industry, is determined to pave the way for future generations and introduce new dimensions to the local music scene. Her vision to establish herself as a Sri Lankan music brand on the international stage led to the creation of the Umara Music Studio Academy and the organisation of the highly anticipated “One Mic” concert series, which showcases the incredible talents of her students.
With the third instalment of the concert series just around the corner, Umara shared her excitement and preparations for the upcoming event. “I am buzzing with excitement and energy as I busily prepare for the upcoming ‘One Mic – Phase 3’ concert,” Umara expressed with unwavering enthusiasm and joy.
The “One Mic” concert series aims to cultivate a new generation of young talent in the Sri Lankan music industry, nurturing their skills to achieve international acclaim. Umara initiated this concert series two years ago, envisioning a future where her students would become shining stars in the music world.
Umara reflected on the establishment of the Umara Music Studio in February 2017, emphasising its purpose of providing aspiring musicians with the necessary tools and guidance to succeed in the industry. Through the academy, Umara imparts her knowledge and expertise, teaching students the proper techniques required to become accomplished singers.
The highly anticipated “One Mic – Phase 3” concert is scheduled for 21 June at 7 p.m. and will take place at the Lotus Hall, BMICH. The line-up for this year’s concert boasts an impressive array of talent, including performances by the band Freeze and a guest performance by the band Daddy. Methun, Fallon, Ridma, Dinesh, and Kaiser Kais will also grace the stage.
This year, the concert has undergone notable changes, including the introduction of a graduation ceremony before the main event. This ceremony aims to honour and celebrate the achievements of those who have learned and grown under the guidance of the Umara Music Studio Academy.
With approximately 3,500 students currently enrolled in the Umara Music Studio, 24 talented individuals will have the opportunity to perform at the “One Mic – Phase 3” concert. The event will also feature successful alumni from Umara’s academy, who have already made a name for themselves in the music industry with the guidance of industry experts. Additionally, three music videos from Subhat Sanjula, Harith Wijeratne, and Sayumi Sasanga, who were trained at the academy, will be launched.
Umara has not only focused on showcasing her students’ talents but also plans to release some of her own songs during the concert. While she has not revealed the specific tracks, she hints at the possibility of unveiling two new songs, promising the audience an evening full of surprises.
Despite the recent socio-economic challenges, Umara and her team remain resolute in their commitment to providing a platform for their students to shine. The determination to host the “One Mic” concert series has remained unyielding, fueling their efforts to create a memorable experience for all involved.
Umara previously expressed her desire to collaborate with Umaria. Although their busy schedules have delayed this plan, both artists aspire to make the joint musical venture happen in the near future.
Grateful for the invitations she continues to receive for concerts, Umara expresses deep satisfaction and sees the return of live performances as a positive sign for the entire industry. She believes in supporting one another in the field, as it leads to collective success.
Umara acknowledges the exceptional talents of new stars emerging in the music world and believes they deserve top priority. Through the “One Mic – Phase 3” concert, she is dedicated to nurturing and producing such gifted individuals.
When it comes to reality stars gracing concert stages Umara emphasised the importance of stage presence and performance skills rather than solely focusing on their reality show background. She appreciates individuals who have honed their stagecraft and offers admiration for those who can captivate audiences.
Looking ahead, Umara envisions a solo concert featuring her own collection of songs. While the exact timeline is yet to be determined, she hopes to bring this dream to fruition next year.
As Umara frequently travels abroad for concerts, she considers herself fortunate to represent Sri Lanka on a global stage. Grateful for the numerous invitations she received, she recognised the growing international recognition of Sri Lankan music.
Umara acknowledges the ups and downs of life and emphasised the importance of persevering through adversity, drawing from her personal experiences. She is grateful for the current sense of freedom and the ability to breathe more easily after the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Umara embraces each moment and is dedicated to advancing the reputation of Sri Lankan music.
Driven by her passion, Umara is steadily progressing towards her goals, striving to elevate Sri Lankan music to new heights and leaving an indelible mark on the international music industry.
Umara extends an invitation to all music enthusiasts to join her at the “One Mic – Phase 3” concert. Promising a unique and unforgettable experience, she invited everyone to attend the event. “Save the date and immerse yourself in an evening of exceptional musical talent at this much-anticipated concert.”