Singer Yohani de Silva

• Singer receives long-term residence visa in Dubai

Yohani de Silva, who is creating a name for herself as a singer and cultural icon, was recently awarded a Golden Visa in Dubai, marking a monumental milestone in her illustrious career. The Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa that enables foreign talents to live, work, or study in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) while enjoying exclusive benefits.

Receiving this honour serves as a testament to Yohani’s exceptional talent, global impact, and unwavering dedication to promoting cultural diversity through her music. Known for her captivating performances and unique fusion of traditional Sri Lankan folk music with contemporary pop, Yohani has garnered a devoted fan base and critical acclaim worldwide.

The Golden Visa, bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields, including arts, culture, and entertainment, recognises Yohani’s outstanding achievements as an artist and her unwavering commitment to artistic excellence. This symbol of recognition further solidifies her position as a cultural ambassador and an advocate for showcasing Sri Lankan heritage and culture to the world.

Announcing this achievement, Yohani took to social media to express her gratitude to Classic Global and Serendib Classic for their unwavering support throughout her career. “This achievement is not mine alone; it is a testament to the kind support and love from all of you,” the singer added.

With the Golden Visa in her possession, Yohani is poised to continue captivating audiences globally, inspiring a deep appreciation for cultural diversity through her mesmerising musical creations.

The Daily Morning Brunch dug deeper into Yohani’s remarkable artistic journey and reached out to Yohani to know more about her thoughts on receiving the Golden Visa, the process behind obtaining this prestigious recognition, and her future aspirations in promoting arts, culture, and entertainment on a local and international scale.

How does it feel to be awarded the Golden Visa in Dubai and what does this recognition mean to you and your career?

Receiving the prestigious Golden Visa in Dubai is an incredibly humbling experience, and it fills me with deep gratitude and joy. This recognition holds profound meaning for my career as it acknowledges the significance of my artistic contributions on a global scale. It serves as a reminder of the power of music to bridge cultures and foster appreciation.

Can you share some insights into the process of obtaining the Golden Visa and those who played a role in helping you achieve this milestone?

The process of obtaining the Golden Visa was an incredible journey, and it was made possible by the invaluable support of Classic Global, Serendib Classic, Classic Global Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sadhic Ali, and Serendib Classic CEO Asma Ali. Their unwavering guidance, expertise, and tireless efforts played a pivotal role in achieving this milestone. Their attention to detail and seamless execution ensured a smooth and memorable experience throughout the process.

Your music style is known for its unique blend of traditional Sri Lankan folk music and contemporary pop. How do you think this recognition through the Golden Visa will further promote cultural diversity and appreciation of Sri Lankan heritage on a global scale?

My musical style, which blends traditional Sri Lankan folk music with contemporary pop, has always been driven by a sincere desire to promote cultural diversity and celebrate our rich heritage. The recognition through the Golden Visa provides a platform to amplify these efforts and share the vibrancy of our culture with a global audience. I believe it will inspire a deeper appreciation and understanding of Sri Lankan traditions, fostering connections across different cultures, and nurturing a sense of unity. With my upcoming album featuring 12 new Sinhala songs, this opportunity opens doors to further showcase our musical heritage worldwide.

What are your future plans or aspirations in terms of promoting arts, culture, and entertainment, both locally and internationally, following this significant achievement of receiving the Golden Visa?

As a singer and cultural icon, my future plans and aspirations are centred on promoting arts, culture, and entertainment both locally and internationally. Following the significant achievement of receiving the Golden Visa, my commitment to these endeavours has been strengthened. I aim to continue creating music that transcends boundaries, touching hearts, and fostering cultural exchange. Through collaborations with artists from diverse backgrounds, I seek to share our unique stories and showcase the beauty of our collective heritage. Whether through captivating concerts, meaningful collaborations, or other artistic endeavours, my vision is to promote cultural dialogue and create a lasting impact that resonates with audiences worldwide.