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MUSICAL Genes
Umaria Sinhawansa
I’m a home bird really; I love to stay home,” says Umaria Sinhawansa who is seated at a table inside a mi-nuscule dressing room. She is dressed to kill in an outfit that she’s worn for a photoshoot; but her bold choice of colour and chic attire are in complete contrast to her chirpy and bubbly personality.
She adds: “I’m a workaholic and perfectionist.” We’re inclined to agree since she was the youngest artiste to have the honour of being nominated for the Best Singer award two years in a row – in 2007 and 2008 – at the Sarasaviya Awards. She was also the Silver Award winner at the 11th Pan-Asian Music Festival.
Umaria is feisty and goal-oriented, and has broken through the barriers and obstructive mindsets of people who get in the way of one’s progress to achieve his or her dream. “But if you strip away the glitz and glam-our, I simply like to stay home with my family and husband,” she adds with a shrug. With a laugh that’s infectious, big brown eyes, wavy hair and a bright smile, Umaria Sinhawansa is an ab-solute delight to meet and chat with.
Ashwini Vethakan sits down with the award-winning singer and asks her about all the things that are real to her – such as her love for husband Dimitri, passion for work and of course, plans for the future.
LIFE
" Mine was a
happy home
and although
I was very
insecure in
public "
Q: Besides the arts and music, what other passions do you have?
A: I love reading, painting and binge-watching Netflix.
Q: What sort of child and teenager were you?
A: I was an introvert with the people I didn’t know. Growing up in the public eye and music industry complicated things for my sister. Because whenever we had to do interviews or were asked questions in public, I’d simply nudge my sister and expect her to answer them.
Mine was a happy home and although I was very insecure in public, I’m rather loud and bubbly with those I know and am comfortable with.
Q: Tell us about the most memorable moments in your life so far…
A: I’ve had so many. While I’ve achieved a lot in my life, I’d have say that my first memorable moment was my wedding day. We were married in Paris at a very intimate and beautiful ceremony, surrounded by my closest friends and family.
The other treasured moment for me was working on a song with the legendary Sri Lankabhimanya Pandit W. D. Amarade-va. Unfortunately, he passed away but not before finishing the song with me.
It was his last, and I will never forget how lucky I was to be able to share a song and work with him. What makes it more special is that none of the other singers from the younger generation will ever have an opportunity of working with him.
Q: Would you call yourself a romantic? And if so, what’s the most romantic thing you’ve done or had someone do for you?
A: I definitely consider myself a romantic. As for the most romantic thing… well, you could call mine a ‘long-distance mar-riage’ since my husband lives and works in Paris, while I’m living and working in Sri Lanka.
My career is demanding and strenuous, and can cause a strain on any relationship. But for the sake of my marriage, I travel to Paris every week to be with the man I love.
For instance, if I have concerts throughout the weekend, when they’re done and dusted, I’m on the next flight out to Paris. It doesn’t get any more romantic than that…
Q: What’s your happy place?
A: Home. Any place where my husband is – that’s home for me. And of course, the rest of my family must be there too.
Q: If you weren’t a musician and had you not become the star you are today, what would you have been?
A: Either a hotelier, anything related to marketing or a homicide detective – because of the love I have for the television crime series Forensic Files.
" While I’ve achieved a lot in my life, I’d have say that my first memorable moment was my wedding day "
About Umaria
5 January 1991
EDUCATION
Gateway College
HOBBIES
Eating
Reading
Painting
Watching Netflix
FAMILY MEMBERS
Dimitri (Husband)
Umara (Sister)
Harthono and Subandrio (Brothers)
Tony (Father)
Ayesha (Mother)
LOVES
Family
Husband
Music
HATES
Rude people
MUST-HAVE THINGS
Peace of mind
Food at all times
Personal headspace
PET PEEVES
Rude and pretentious people
When people stare at you but don’t smile
ALWAYS WANTED TO BE
Remembered and independent
ROLE MODELS
My parents – “They’re musicians too and everything I’ve learned, I learnt from them.”
MOTTO IN LIFE
“Live, love, laugh and be kind to one another.”
CAREER
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received about singing or performing?
A: My dad once told me to remember that the stage is my kingdom. So when I’m on stage, I am in charge.
This is something that I still focus on when I’m performing. It’s a tough crowd out there and it’s especially hard for female artistes. His words have definitely helped me in my quest to perform and go beyond boundaries.
Q: And what’s the most memorable critique you’ve had of your singing?
A: Honestly, I think I’m my own best or worst critic – to this day, my sister and I are the same in that regard.
We go on stage and sing; and once the show is over, people would come by and compliment us. But we would know if we sang off-key or if something didn’t sound right, and we’ll constantly work to better ourselves and our craft. So yes, I’m my own critic.
Q: Can people be taught to sing or is it an innate talent?
A: It’s an innate talent that has to be cultivated. And it’s like any other job. The best example would be that of a cricketer – a cricketer may have the talent but if he doesn’t practise and make an effort to improve his game, he’s not going to be a good player.
It’s the same for a musician. It’s a talent you’re born with but you need to put in the effort to perfect your skill.
Q: Your sister and you are both in the music and entertainment industry. Have you ever felt that this is competition too?
A: Firstly, I like to think I’m my own competition. As for my sister or anyone in this industry, I believe that we live in a world that is temporary. I don’t see the point in competing when there are enough and more opportunities, for everyone to work, shine and coexist.
Q: If you could pick a location to perform, where would it be?
A: In Madison Square Garden someday.
Q: What do you think Sri Lanka lacks when it comes to fostering new talent?
A: Encouragement. There’s a lot of talent and I’m not talking about only the music industry.
Sadly, we live in a society where everyone would like you to do well but at the same time, not too well. It’s a cutthroat world out there and as such, if there’s one thing we need more of, it’s people who encourage others to grow.
LIFESTYLE
LIFESTYLE
"Sadly, we live in a society where everyone would like you to do well but at the same time, not too well"
Q: Tell us about your definition of success...
A: If you have a home to live in, food to eat, a family that loves you, a husband who adores you and God’s blessings… well, that’s success
Q: How would your family and friends describe you?
A: Workaholic, goal-oriented and driven, talkative, sensitive, normal, crazy and kind.
Q: If you suddenly find yourself stranded alone on an uninhabited island, what are the five most important things you’d need?
A: A pocket knife. I don’t think I’d need anything else.
Q: What’s your ideal holiday destination and why?
A: I don’t have an ideal holiday destination as such but I do love Paris. When I’m over there, it’s simply unqualified relief – be-cause everything is so fast-paced for me when I’m here in Sri Lanka.
Q: Describe your ideal date...
A: At home with lots of junk food and Netflix.
Q: Which local or international celebrities would you like to perform with on stage?
A: Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Bruno Mars.
QUICK-FIRE ROUND
Sunrise or sunset
Sunset
Beach or mountains
Both
Ride or drive
Drive
Fight or flight
Fight (to resolve)
Truth or dare
Truth
Dogs or cats
Neither
Chocolate or vanilla
Vanilla
Mocktails or cocktails
Mocktails
Dress up or dress down
Dress down
Lipstick or mascara
Mascara
Diamonds or pearls
Pearls
Bath or shower
Shower
Men or shoes
Shoes
Work or play
Work
Live or recorded
Live
Radio or TV
Both
Online or offline
Offline
Facebook or Instagram
Instagram
THE BEST
BEST SINGERS
Umara
Stevie Wonder
Aretha Franklin
BEST MUSICALS
The Lion King
Wicked
Grease
GLOBAL ICONS
Michael Jackson
Etta James
Diana Ross
FAVOURITES
SONGS FROM A POPULAR MOVIE/ANIMATION
Never Enough (from The Greatest Showman)
I Will Always Love You (from The Bodyguard)
SONGS TO BRING AN AUDIENCE TO ITS FEET
Any of my songs!
My Heart Will Go On (Celine Dion)
BRANDS
“I’m not fussy when it comes to brands and use whatever suits my skin and is comfortable.”
FOOD
Mom’s cooking
Mother-in-law’s cooking
Japanese cuisine
Thai cuisine
THINGS TO BE REMEMBERED FOR
As a kind human being and driven artiste
FUTURE
LIFESTYLE
"The other treasured moment for me was working on a song with the legendary Sri Lankabhimanya Pandit W. D. Amaradeva"
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received about singing or performing?
A: My dad once told me to remember that the stage is my kingdom. So when I’m on stage, I am in charge.
This is something that I still focus on when I’m performing. It’s a tough crowd out there and it’s especially hard for female artistes. His words have definitely helped me in my quest to perform and go beyond boundaries.
Q: And what’s the most memorable critique you’ve had of your singing?
A: Honestly, I think I’m my own best or worst critic – to this day, my sister and I are the same in that regard.
We go on stage and sing; and once the show is over, people would come by and compliment us. But we would know if we sang off-key or if something didn’t sound right, and we’ll constantly work to better ourselves and our craft. So yes, I’m my own critic.
Q: Can people be taught to sing or is it an innate talent?
A: It’s an innate talent that has to be cultivated. And it’s like any other job. The best example would be that of a cricketer – a cricketer may have the talent but if he doesn’t practise and make an effort to improve his game, he’s not going to be a good player.
It’s the same for a musician. It’s a talent you’re born with but you need to put in the effort to perfect your skill.
Q: Your sister and you are both in the music and entertainment industry. Have you ever felt that this is competition too?
A: Firstly, I like to think I’m my own competition. As for my sister or anyone in this industry, I believe that we live in a world that is temporary. I don’t see the point in competing when there are enough and more opportunities, for everyone to work, shine and coexist.
Q: If you could pick a location to perform, where would it be?
A: In Madison Square Garden someday.
Q: What do you think Sri Lanka lacks when it comes to fostering new talent?
A: Encouragement. There’s a lot of talent and I’m not talking about only the music industry.
Sadly, we live in a society where everyone would like you to do well but at the same time, not too well. It’s a cutthroat world out there and as such, if there’s one thing we need more of, it’s people who encourage others to grow.
