Is it her invigorating charm, youthful beauty or angelic voice? Could it be that it’s the perfect blend of all three? See her, hear her, perhaps just momentarily and you will be enchanted and embraced! Meet Nilanka Anjalee – Sri Lanka’s ‘singing doctor extraordinaire’. A past pupil of St. Bridget’s Convent, and currently reading for her PhD in Gastro Intestinal Physiology, she meets with Youth Observer and resonates on her life and passion!
Q: If you did not become a musician what would you be doing right now?
I loved music. So ,if I did not have my music its plan B for me as I am a doctor and a lecturer attached to the Colombo Medical Faculty.
Q: What is the funniest or weirdest thing you have been asked in an interview?
Ages ago when I did my first TV interview, I was asked whether I liked a certain marketed beverage. I answered saying no and that it tastes disgusting. Turns out they were the main sponsor for the program. It was quite awkward.
Q: What do you feel is the best song you’ve ever released, and why?
It’s a song called Himakirama composed and directed by Kasun Kalhara which was released some years back. Though not a main stream song and it didn’t quite catch on, I love it as it has elements of both opera and rock and was a style not yet done in Sinhalese music.
Q: Do you have any upcoming shows?
Yes. I am performing as a guest artist together with Friends-in-Harmony for a Christmas concert for charity on December 19, at the Russian Cultural Centre. The proceeds are in aid of service projects of the Zonta Club 1 of Colombo. We hope to bring on the Christmas cheer with unique renditions of much-loved seasonal songs including some played on the Caribbean drums by Dr. Prashanthi Mendis, an ethnomusicologist.
Q: If you can have your fans remember one thing about you what would it be?
When I sing I put my whole heart and soul into it. I believe that is what made my rendition of Danno Budunge rather popular this past year. So, most of my fans might remember me for that song.
Q: How good is your new single compared to your last one?
I’m hoping to release a new original song after the Christmas season is over. It has a catchy, dreamy ,floaty vibe to it and I hope it will be well liked.
So far, I have done two original music videos with Iraj Weeraratne and Kasun Kalhara and numerous covers which went on TV channels and YouTube too.
Q: What got you into music?
My father. He and his brothers were in a band when they were young and every party at home was a musical event. We even had a small stage built in our living room with instruments permanently on it. All of us cousins invariably had to perform each time we met whether we liked it or not. Turns out that I liked it a lot. I then went to Ruwani Seimon and then Menaka Sahabandu de Fonseka for training and obtained a LTCL diploma in singing and an ATCL diploma in piano from Trinity College, London.
Q: Who inspired you to make music and what’s your favourite song?
Again, my father. He thought that my western classical music training gave my voice an uniqueness when singing eastern Sinhala songs. My favourite song would be Love story.
Q: How would you describe the music that you typically create?
Almost all of my songs and covers incorporate a western touch to them., be it opera, blues etc. I try my best to make sure that it blends well with the Sinhalese lyrics so that it feels natural.
Q: If you could go open a show for any artiste who would it be?Q: What is the one message you would give to your fans?
To have an open mind when it comes to music. I feel that Sri Lankan audiences generally like to listen only to one particular type of music, and rarely deviate and explore other avenues of sound and styles.
Q: Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favourite venues?
I have only performed in Sri Lanka so far. I love the Lionel Wendt Theatre as I feel it has the best acoustics and vibe to it. Not much of a fan of hotel gigs as the sounds aren’t always optimal and the audience is usually distracted.
Q: How do you think the Internet has impacted the music business?
I feel it’s generally positive. Earlier, upcoming artistes had to go behind television and radio channels to put out and promote their songs and you had to know someone who was someone to get things done. Now, with YouTube channels and Facebook pages, artistes are more independent and can reach the audiences if they are talented.
Q: If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
This unhealthy obsession with music videos. Even if you’re singing and the music is terrible, if you can make an expensive music video with some well-placed controversial content, you can become a star overnight.
Like the song video killed the radio star goes, music should be about music only. The video should be an adjunct and not the main focus.
Q: What’s next for you?
I took a break from music previously because of my medical studies and kids. I am hoping to release my original songs and get more involved with performing music in the future.
This year was exceptionally busy with many shows and gigs and I am looking forward to more excitement next year.
I also wish the readers an exciting New year for 2020 as well together with a Merry Christmas!
Pix: Gayan Pushpika