More than a shy gal
Lakshika Fernando’s question -Having come out in 2012 – what is the message you have for the LGBT community in Sri Lanka
Being true to yourself and living an authentic life is the best decision a person could ever make. I did not know what would happen when I came out. I actually expected the worse, but nothing has felt better. It feels better than money or things or having hit songs, and it is something I highly recommend to anyone. Be yourself in spite of what others may think about you. Self approval is a freedom and a gift that we give to ourselves and it cannot be taken away from you.
Shehani De Abrew’s question :
Love your songs. What has changed for you since you began your career and when do we get to hear more music from you ?
Thank you so much. I made a decision to become an independent artist in 2010. Though I truly appreciate the success I’ve had with the major labels (Sony and Warner) I wanted to retain my intellectual properties (my music) have more creative control and do more projects that fulfilled me rather than just make me “richer,” so I started my own label “ThinkLikeAGirL Music” and now release my songs through it. I am also working with other female and non binary artist as a label head, not as an artists. It has been a secret passion of mine to share my knowledge and finances to help upcoming artists like myself who do not fit in a box, free of cost with their first projects. I proudly released my first indie album “AGirLNameKING” (one word) a few years ago. Its available on all music download and streaming platforms. New music is coming soon from myself and all these artists.
Sandy Perera’s questions :Are you excited to be in Colombo and what do you like the most about travelling to Asia ?
I am very happy to have been invited. I have been in talks with various agents and promoters to visit for a few years and now it’s finally coming true. I love to travel to new countries and experience new cultures, and I love my fans and any opportunity to perform for them and do all the above is a blessing. Asia is especially dear to me, because it is the first region that fully embraced my music. I also get to visit with family in India sometimes when I am in the area. I am half African half Indian Jamaican
Adrian De Silva’s question: You recently got married – what has that journey been like for you ?
I still pinch myself in disbelief. Coming from a culture and society like I grew up in Jamaica, I never thought anything like this was possible for me. When I did not accept or even fully know myself, I was married before in my 20s. Its been an awesome journey. I am more self aware and mature now and I have learned to always do my best, remember to breathe and take everything one day at a time, enjoy the present moments and always be grateful. Life is short.
Tina Ratnayake’s question : An interesting fact that few know about yourself ?
When I wrote and produced the songs from my last album “AGirLNameKING” I could not walk or feel most of my body. I was diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) and was told I may never walk again. After months of a myriad of conflicting emotions , I realised I had to make a change. I got up one day and just walked, even though I still could not feel my legs. My doctors still cannot believe it. It was purely the power of my mind. I then learnt how to produce music and I wrote over a 100 songs. And with each song I wrote, I felt better and better, happy. I have never taken any drugs for MS. Only meditation and music. Sometimes I still cannot feel my legs and you’d never know, I am equally grateful and fascinated.