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Umaria
UMARIA SINHAWANSA
Umaria Sinhawansa (Born 5th of January 1991) is a Sri Lankan pop, R&B and Jazz singer. Born and raised in Colombo, attained her education at muslim Ladies College and Gateway International school, Colombo, Sri Lanka. She was first exposed to singing competitions as a child. The talent and the love for music comes naturally, she comes from a well known family of musicians. At the age of 11 years she started her professional career where she performed for a large audience along with Her older sister, Umara who is one of the most sought-after top female vocalists in Sri Lanka.
Umaria joined up with the biggest names of the Sri Lankan music industry, BNS, for her debut in Sri Lankan music, singing a duet which was known as "Pethu Pem Pethum" sung with BNS for the very popular movie 'Asai Mang Piyambanna’ (I would like to fly). The song and the video became an overnight hit and the song became a chart topper. After much hard work and and effort, it is still one of the most requested songs and will continue to be so. Her second song, which was for the film 'Rosa Kele' stayed on top of the charts for months after its release both in audio and video. With her songs becoming instant hits, Umaria was invited by BNS to perform and be a part of their musical shows. So far she has performed in both local and international shows and won the hearts of audiences all over the world with her unique style of performance. In 2010 she represented Sri Lanka at the "Asia New Singer Competition" in Beijing, and managed to grab the Silver award for her country.
Along with her commercial successes came offers from International organizations like coca cola to do commercial jingles which have become major hits in the country. Umaria has cited various artists who have influenced her musical style. She grew up listening to songs of Destiny’s child, Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Engelbert Humperdinck, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Frank Sinatra, Earth wind and fire, Eagles and many more.
Umaria is the youngest artist who has had the honor of being nominated for the Best Singer Award for two years in a row, for the years 2007 and 2008, at Sri Lanka's premier Film Awards - Sarasaviya Film Awards.
The road to International fame and success has just begun for this young lady. Using her background in western music as a platform and achievements as a motivator, 24-year old Umaria Sinhawansa is presently planning on her album for the local market and looking forward to taking Sri Lankan music to greater heights by reaching out to the International arena with her unique vocal range and style.