Rocking their world

Tying up music with goodwill is always a rewarding way to do your bit for the world. And who better to do so than a well-known face in local pop music? Contributing to a worthy cause in the way he knows best, Dushyanth Weeraman, took his talent overseas, working with an organisation devoted to assisting children affected by the Tsunami.

‘Lankan Lounge,’ held in London on November 18 last year, was a charity event organised by Helplanka, a registered charity helping Tsunami affected and underprivileged kids in Sri Lanka. Run by volunteer staff, the charity focuses on assisting school-going kids, and schools in these regions, with the funds raised.

While the show targeted between 300-350 people, the venue was "Worship," in London, and had over 450 people present. "The show was a huge success, and the Lankan audience was extremely supportive of the cause, and we collected upto over 3000 pounds," said Dushyanth. With him singing about five songs, the original music was a hit with the audience. "Sandu Maa Haa," one of my newly released singles, especially, got a good response."

Following this show, Dushyanth was invited to perform at the APSL Annual General Meeting, once again to help raise funds for Helplanka. "I was also invited to perform at Farlington Girls' High School, which was also a charity event, for the same charity. The response I had there was the best response I've received so far. I performed about seven songs, and by the end of the concert, I had quite a bit of the audience on stage, with me!"

Once he returned, he got involved with yet another venture organised by the charity, where about 20 kids from Tsunami affected areas in the South, between the ages of 8-12, were taken on a tour of the Dehiwala Zoo. "We spent the entire day there, and did a few video clippings for my video of Sanda Maa Haa. It was an enjoyable experience, spending time with these kids, who have experienced so much."

As for what else is happening in his life, Dushyanth is to perform yet again at a charity event in London, on February 3. In keeping with Sri Lankan Independence day, the event is titled Independanz, and will be held at Hammersmith Town Hall, London. "We will start to perform on the 3rd, but will continue onto the 4th, to signify Independence day."

Apart from Dushyanth himself, the event will feature Bathiya, Santhush, Ashanthi. Randhir, Ranidu with Iraj and Yauwana. "I will be performing for about one and half hours, and will be doing about five originals, as well as about five covers. I hope to do "I'll Make Love To You" by Boyz II Men and "You Rock My World," by Michael Jackson."

As for updates in his musical career, an original by him is to be released soon, while a video clip for an already released single will be completed soon. “My latest completed original, “Karaliya” will be released in about two weeks, and the video clip for "Jayththu Nonay” will be ready soon."
You can also check out the latest happenings in his music scene, by logging onto www.dushyanth.com. "The website will be launched from March 1, but at the moment, you could listen to and download my already released originals." And, of course, all of you interested in pure, original local creations – look out for his CD which will be released in the near future!