Randhir Witana
Randhir | |
---|---|
Birth name | Randhir Yasendra Witana |
Origin | Colombo, Sri Lanka |
Genres | R&B, Hip-Hop, Ethnic |
Occupation(s) | Singer, Rapper, Music Producer |
Instruments | vocals |
Years active | 2006-present |
Labels | Universal Music, M Entertainment |
Associated acts | Bathiya & Santhush, Ashanthi, Umara & Umaria |
Website |
Randhir Yasendra Witana is a popular Sri Lankan Hip-Hop/RnB musician signed to Universal Music & M Entertainment. Randhir's style of music blends together RnB vocals with ethnic Sri Lankan instrumentation and heavy Hip Hop backbeats.
Background
Randhir was educated at Royal College, Colombo,[1] and completed his higher studies overseas.
Beginnings
Randhir began his professional music career as Hip Hop frontman for Sri Lankan pop supergroup Bathiya & Santhush,[2] featuring on their first Hip Hop/Fusion song "Siri Sangabodhi". In the early years of his career Randhir collaborated with many popular young Sri Lankan artists, notably Bathiya & Santhush featuring as a Rap Artist on many of the group's 'club tracks'.
Success with debut single "Namal Mitak"
In 2006, Randhir released his debut single "Namal Mitak". "Namal Mitak" was composed by Randhir and produced by Sachith Peiris. The release of "Namal Mitak" marked Randhir's entry into the Sri Lankan music industry as a solo artist and won him much acclaim among music lovers of all ages. The song topped many Sri Lankan radio charts while video recordings of his live performances were given heavy rotation on many Sri Lankan TV channels.
Namal Mitak - The Album
Randhir released his debut solo album Namal Mitak on 23 September 2008, through Universal Music & M Entertainment. The release of a music video for "Ojaye" ( which was another popular hit single) followed soon after the release of the album. The music video for "Ojaye" was awarded the prize for the best choreography at the Derana Music Video Awards 2010.
International Acclaim & Ambassadorship
In August 2008 Randhir represented Sri Lanka as the country's Dance & Electronic Music Ambassador at the C/O POP Music Festival. C/O POP is one of the world’s biggest dance music festival and is held in the city of Cologne, Germany. Randhir was the first representative from Sri Lanka to ever represent his country C/O POP.
In Nov/December 2008 Randhir volunteered to be the spokesperson for an AIDS Awareness Campaign by the National STD & AIDS Control Program [NSACP] of Sri Lanka. On 10 December 2008, Randhir received an award from the NSACP in recognition of his contribution towards AIDS prevention in Sri Lanka.
Discography
Studio Albums
- Namal Mitak (2008)
References
- ↑ Dole, Nilma (2008) "Raunchy Randhir!", Sunday Observer, 29 June 2008, retrieved 2011-07-24
- ↑ "Sri Lanka", in Hub, p. 79