Athula dances with 'Hithuwakkari'

Singer Athula Silva is a popular figure in the music scene. Though he released his maiden CD 'Hithuwakkari' recently he has been in the scene since 1980.

Athula started his career of singing in the mid 80's as the main vocalist of the band 'Bumble Bees' based in Kalutara. 'It was a western music band and I have been singing with them at many tourist hotels in Down South area' he said.

In the late 1988, he switched to 'Infinity' and formed his own band 'Dot N' Dash', which became very popular amongst Down South resort hotels.

'Most of the members of 'Dot N' Dash' were with of 'Infinity'. Popular singer Athma Liyanage of ' Liyathambara' fame was with me and he was the keyboardist of 'Dot N' Dash'.

'Hithuwakkari' comprises of fifteen originals. Some of the songs are released as singles to radio channels. This song is a very popular song among the listeners and viewers of radio and television' he added.

'Out of the lot, 'Hithuwakkari' has become an instant hit.

Music and melody of music and melody of 'Hithuwakkari' was created by Cyril Perera, while lyrics were penned by Kelum Srimal.
'Sudu Mal Kakuli', 'Mali', 'Bambara Gum, Gum',' Parada Pata', Guru para' and 'Huthuwakkaari' extented rap version are some of the songs popular on air.

Athula is a versatile singer, who can sing in six different languages.'I have been singing for dances, get-together parties for moer than two decades. I have entertained thousands of foreign and local people within during this period'.

He also has performed in Maldives on contract for long period of time in 2003 with his band.'I released my very first cassette tape of English Original Songs 'You are my Heart' (composed by myself) together with singer Rohan Patrick. Also I am a registered member of the 'Performing Rights Society of Sri Lanka.

He sings songs of Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, Elton John, Engelbert, Shaggy, Richard Marx, Enrique Iglasious, George Michael, Bee Gees, Eagles, ABBA, Boney-M, Modern Talking, Kool and the Gang and many more. Veteran music Directors Cyril Perera, Nawaratna Gamage and young music directors Suneth Kelum, Mahendra Pasqual provided their melodies and music for Athula's maiden CD.

Lyrics by Kelum Srimal, Pulasthi Ediriweera, Mahinda Kumara Dalupota, Chaminda Ratnasuriya, Rohana Hettiarachci.'Hithuwakkari' is produced and distributed by 'SAWANA' Record Bar Nugegoda.