This week Youth Observer speaks to New Zealand based upcoming singer Shehan Anuka.
Q: Could you share a bit about yourself and how your journey as a musician began?
A: I am Shehan Anjuka, and I am currently residing in New Zealand. While music is my hobby, I work as an IT professional. I have already created five songs, including a few duets as well. Some of the songs I have written by myself, and I have even composed the melody for some of them. I consider “Sara Sihine” to be my sixth song. All of my songs are available on major streaming services like YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music. If you search for ANJUKA, you will be able to find me.
I fell in love with music at a young age, surrounded by different sounds at home. My friends and family have always encouraged my interest in music. Music is my way of expressing feelings that are hard to put into words. It’s been an exciting journey, and I’m eager to see where it leads.
Q: Tell us about the inspiration behind your new song and how the creative process went.
A: I’ve always been interested in various aspects of music. Finding the right people was the challenging part. I met Chamath first and provided some references for what he could do. He came up with this beautiful melody and words from Dulan Arx, and I fell in love at first sight.
As I’ve always wanted to work with Smokio, I suggested bringing him into the picture, too. In the end, everyone connected, and this project came together.
Q: How do you maintain a connection to Sri Lanka while living in New Zealand? How does this influence your music?
A: Living in New Zealand while rooted in Sri Lanka deeply influences my music. Despite the distance, I stay connected by immersing myself in Sri Lankan culture and staying in touch with family and friends while following current events and updates.
This connection inspires my music, blending Sri Lankan rhythms, melodies, and stories with influences from New Zealand. Collaborating with artists from both cultures enriches my journey.
The contrast between these two worlds shapes my lyrics, exploring themes of identity and belonging. Maintaining this connection fuels my creativity and adds depth to my music.
Q: What is the inspiration behind your music, and are there any Sri Lankan elements that always influence your compositions?
A: Most of my music incorporates traditional Sri Lankan music and stories, inspired by my feelings and experiences.
Q: What challenges have you faced as a young artist, and what has been most rewarding about your musical journey so far?
A: As an upcoming artist, one of the major challenges I’ve encountered is the difficulty in getting assistance, especially when it comes to marketing my music. It’s tough to find people willing to help in this aspect. However, the most rewarding part of my musical journey has been receiving feedback from my friends and fans. Their support and feedback have been the biggest rewards for me.
Q: Do you aim to convey a particular message or theme through your music, especially in the context of Sri Lankan youth?
A: I’m focused on exploring fresh and innovative musical avenues that speak to the experiences and aspirations of Sri Lankan youth. I aim to create music that is both unique and relatable, pushing the boundaries of conventional sounds to offer something fresh and exciting for the audience.
Q: How do you perceive the reception of your music among the Sri Lankan youth? Any memorable reactions or feedback?
A: I believe the reception of my music among Sri Lankan youth has been positive. I’ve received encouraging feedback that my music resonates with them, which is incredibly rewarding. Some memorable reactions include fans reaching out to express how certain songs captured their emotions or experiences, which motivates me to continue creating music that connects with them on a personal level.
Q: What advice would you give to young artists who aim to incorporate multiple cultural influences into their creative work?
A: For young artists wanting to mix different cultures in their work, my advice is: ‘ Don’t give up, even if your style is different. Don’t be scared to create something new. Your unique blend can make your art really special. Keep trying new things and stay true to yourself.’
Q: How do you balance your personal experiences and emotions with the expectations of your audience when creating music?
A: I try to stay true to myself and my feelings while also thinking about what my listeners might like. It’s important to be honest in my music, but I also want it to connect with the people who listen to it. It’s a balance between being real and making music that others can relate to.
Q: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of your music career? Where do you see yourself in the next few years, and what milestones are you aiming to achieve?
A: In the coming years, I want to grow my music career more. I hope to share my songs with more people and make new music with other talented artists. I aim to perform at bigger places and reach more listeners around the world. My goal is to keep making music that people enjoy, and that means something to them.
