The excitement in the air was almost tangible as the audience at the St. Joseph’s College Sports Complex waited impatiently for the show to begin, and a deafening roar ensued at the sight of two guys who have become icons of the Sri Lankan music scene.
Bathiya and Santhush- or B&S as they are commonly referred to- true to form and true to the name of the concert, rocked the stage that night, accompanied by fellow idols Ashanti, Randir, Umara and Dushyanth Weeraman.
Hits that radio DJ’s faithfully play repeatedly throughout the day, which are used as phone ring tones and in well known TV commercials, were given a new and refreshing take as the duo did what they do best. Kids, teenagers, young adults, parents and grandparents alike sang along with gusto, stood on chairs, danced and clapped throughout the energetic performances. Singing some of their older numbers which first brought them to fame, B&S also wowed the audience with some new singles from their latest album while reviving more traditional favourites like Nimal Mendis’ ‘Master Sir’.
A party atmosphere continued throughout the evening with some dazzling lighting, vibrant sets, dancers and an area reserved for the more enthusiastic fans to enjoy the show a few feet away from the performers who successfully displayed their versatility with some energetic rap numbers and performances such as Beyonce’s Halo sung by Umara.
The most striking aspect of the show however, was the fact that each artiste’s own personal style came through without any imitation or aping of western pop idols.
A show with something in it for every member of its audience, with entertaining anecdotes and dialogues between the performers, distinctive and memorable tunes and a sense of fun and enjoyment felt by the artistes which the spectators could not help but echo. |
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