INIRAH is one of Sri Lanka’s leading female DJs and a rising music producer rooted in progressive and Afro house. In just a few years, she has performed at major festivals alongside international artists and co-founded one of the country’s most influential underground music collectives.  

A creative since childhood, INIRAH’s journey has spanned art, music, sport, and fashion. From singing at 16 to swimming for Sri Lanka at the Asian Aquatics Championships and later becoming First Runner-Up at ‘Top Model of the World 2018,’ she has always pushed boundaries. She has also walked runways for Colombo Fashion Week and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. 

From Harini Silva to INIRAH, tell us about the transformation. What inspired your artist identity and the journey into DJing?

I consider Harini Silva as someone who creates art through the expression of creativity in various interpretations, through movement, embracing the beauty of character, and visual storytelling. 

Be it modelling, conceptualising, visual designing, or stage designing, I consider her a multi-tasker pursuing her passion for art and creativity through different avenues. She believes in always pushing boundaries and taking on new challenges to explore her true capabilities and potential.

Whereas INIRAH, which stands for my actual name, Harini, in reverse, is rooted in my love and fondness for electronic dance music, especially genres like progressive house and Afro house from the underground scene. As much as I have a soft side, I also have an energetic, darker side that’s drawn to groovy, raw, bass-heavy synth sounds and the art of building a journey within a set.

I remember when I was first introduced to the underground music scene, it was heavily dominated by male artists. I was inspired by their talent, skill, and artistry, but I was also driven to challenge the narrative that DJing is only meant for men in Sri Lanka. I wanted to show that DJing isn’t exclusive to any gender. 

I channelled my masculine energy and pursued a career in DJing. Since day one, it has been a beautiful journey to look back on. 

Your sound is rooted in progressive and Afro house. How did you discover these genres and what draws you to them creatively?

I’ve always trusted my intuition, and when a sound truly resonates with me, I know it will resonate with others too. That’s exactly how I connected with progressive house and Afro house; they weren’t just genres I discovered, they were sounds I felt.

Progressive house moves like a story, full of emotional depth and slow-building energy, while Afro house brings raw, tribal textures and earthy percussion. Together, they let me express both my softness and boldness, something that keeps me grounded and inspired.

I was introduced to progressive house through a talented local artist, Farshan, whose sets were transformative. Artists like Guy J, Stereo Underground, and Tantum also shaped my sound identity, while legends like Black Coffee, Caiiro, and Shimza have been major influences in the Afro house space.

Though these are my main genres, I don’t believe in limiting myself. As an artist, staying grounded in your sound is important, but staying open to new rhythms and ideas is what truly fuels growth and creativity.

As both a top-tier DJ and a high-fashion model, how do you navigate and balance these two intense, high-profile worlds?

Life is all about balance, and while it’s not always easy, staying focused on my goals helps me prioritise what truly matters.

I juggle multiple roles: I’m actively involved in modelling, DJing, and music production, while also serving as Co-Founder, Director, and Creative Director of Island Inc. Alongside growing the brand with my business partner, I’ve worked in digital marketing and advertising for over five years and am currently pursuing higher studies in business management.

My mindset is simple: it’s now or never. Every dream has its own timeline and you have to start now to see it grow.

But I don’t do it alone. I’m deeply grateful to my family, friends, fans, and even kind strangers who have supported me every step of the way.

Today Island Inc. is a leading artist management and booking agency in Sri Lanka’s underground music industry. As its Co-Founder, what was the original vision behind the company and how do you see it continuing to reshape the local creative scene today?

Island Inc. was founded on the belief that Sri Lanka’s underground music and creative talent had untapped potential. 

When we started, artist management was unfamiliar in the local scene and personal connections often took precedence over professionalism and accountability. There were no booking agencies supporting underground artists, so we set out not just to create one, but to build a movement that challenged norms and created real opportunities.

Managing over 20 artists for more than five years has been a humbling journey. We have stayed rooted in authenticity, collaboration, and community, values that have helped inspire others to launch their own agencies and uplift the industry.

Today, Island Inc. is more than a booking agency; it’s a creative hub connecting music, art, and culture. We are committed to curating safe, inclusive, and immersive experiences that resonate with the next generation. Our journey has shown that passion and purpose are what truly shape a scene.

The electronic music industry remains male-dominated globally. How do you approach your role as a female leader and disruptor within that space?

Being a woman in the electronic music scene has never been about proving others wrong, it has been about proving to myself what is possible through purpose, passion, and authenticity. From day one, I didn’t just want to be another name on the lineup, I wanted to reshape what representation looks like in music, both on and off stage.

My focus has always been on creating safe, inclusive spaces where sound speaks louder than stereotypes. Whether I’m DJing, producing, or building platforms through Island Inc., I feel a responsibility to open doors for others, regardless of gender.

I’m especially passionate about encouraging more women to step into this space, not just as fans, but as DJs, producers, creatives, and leaders. We need a local rave culture where women feel safe, seen, and celebrated, free to enjoy music without fear or judgement.

The barriers still exist – underrepresentation, double standards, lack of safety – but I’ve learnt to use them as fuel. My hope is that one day, we won’t label artists by gender. We’ll just call them what they are – DJs.

You have worked with iconic designers like Tarun Tahiliani and walked global runways. What do you take from the world of fashion into your music and vice versa?

Both fashion and music are languages of identity and expression; they speak before you say a word, and they both thrive on emotion, energy, and intention. 

Working with iconic designers like Tarun Tahiliani and being part of global runway moments taught me the art of storytelling through aesthetics, presence, and confidence. On the runway, it’s about how you carry the fabric. In music, it’s about how you carry the energy. 

Both worlds constantly influence each other in my life. It’s like designing sound the way you design a silhouette: with shape, texture, and impact. Whether I’m behind the decks or in front of a camera, I’m always creating a moment.

Sri Lanka’s electronic music scene is growing fast. How do you see your role in its evolution and what excites you most about its future?

Sri Lanka’s electronic music scene has come such a long way over the past decade and I have been incredibly grateful to witness and be part of that growth from the ground up. From empty dance floors to full-blown raves, we have seen the culture shift, the sounds evolve, and the community expand. 

I see my role as both a contributor and a connector, pushing boundaries with the music I play, but also creating platforms that aim to create opportunities and spaces where diverse voices can be heard and celebrated.

What excites me the most is the fresh wave of energy coming from the next generation of DJs, producers, creatives, and ravers who are genuinely passionate about the culture. There’s a hunger to experiment, collaborate, and take risks. And now, more than ever, there is room for new stories, new sounds, and a more inclusive approach to building the scene.

It’s a really special time and I’m here for all of it. Not just to play my part, but to help shape a future where the scene feels honest, inclusive, and unapologetically Sri Lankan.

Your debut release is coming soon. Can you give us a glimpse into your sound as a producer and what fans can expect?

I’ve wanted to release an EP for a long time, but it never felt truly ready. My mentors, Farshan and Shannon Davin, always told me, ‘When it’s ready, you’ll know, so don’t rush.’ That’s why it took nearly four or five years to finish. 

I’m quite a perfectionist, and as an artist/producer, I believe releasing an EP is a significant milestone. I was patiently waiting for the right moment, and now it feels like that moment. 

For me, this release will be a tribute to everyone who has fought quietly within themselves, to those who refuse to give up, and to the unspoken courage we all hold. I want listeners to connect with that energy, to find comfort, and to celebrate their own inner strength.

What message do you want to send to the next generation of female artists watching your journey, whether in music, fashion, or beyond?

To every young woman watching this journey, whether you dream of music, fashion, art, or any path that calls to your soul, know this: the world needs your fearless voice and your unapologetic presence. 

You are not here to fit into a mould or to play small. You are here to break ceilings, rewrite the rules, and build new paths where none existed before. There will be challenges. There will be moments when the noise around you tries to drown your fire. But remember, greatness is born in those moments of struggle. 

Your passion, resilience, and authenticity are your greatest weapons. Own your story, every scar, every triumph and let it fuel your rise. 

Success isn’t always linear and the journey can be challenging, but every step, no matter how small, is part of building your story. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, keep learning, and most importantly, stay true to who you are.

PHOTOS © INIRAH