Umaria Binthy Ayesha Sinhawansa popularly referred to by the mononym Umaria, is a distinguished Sri Lankan pop, R&B, and jazz singer. Her journey in the music industry has been marked by numerous accolades and milestones, making her a prominent figure in Sri Lankan music.
Early Life and Education
Umaria was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to Tony and Ayesha Sinhawansa, both musicians who fostered her early exposure to music. She pursued her education at Muslim Ladies College and Gateway International School in Colombo. Her academic journey culminated in a BA Honours degree in Music, alongside diplomas in Interior Designing and Videography.
Her family background is rich with artistic influence. Her grandmother, Rani Perera, was a notable actress in Sri Lankan cinema, and she is also the granddaughter of the legendary songstress and actress Rukmani Devi. Her sister, Umara Sinhawansa, is also a musician, while her brother Hharthono is a music producer and entrepreneur.
Career Beginnings
Umaria’s musical career began at the tender age of 11 when she performed alongside her sister Umara on various stages. Her debut as a playback singer came with the film “Asai Man Piyabanna,” marking the beginning of her journey in the professional music industry. Her breakthrough came with the song “Pathu Pem Pathum” from the same film, which became a significant hit and established her presence in the industry.
In 2007, she became the youngest nominee for the Best Female Playback Singer at the Sarasaviya Awards. She continued to voice for films, television commercials, and teledrama theme songs, including the theme song for the television serial “Gehenu Lamai” in 2009.
International Recognition
Umaria’s talent soon gained international recognition. In 2010, at the age of 16, she represented Sri Lanka at the Pan Asia Music Festival in Beijing, China, where she won a silver medal. She also competed in an international singing competition in Turkey, winning a bronze medal. Her participation in the Crimea Music Fest in Ukraine, along with her sister, further solidified her international acclaim, earning them a third-place finish.
Success and Accolades
Umaria’s success continued with numerous hits and collaborations. Her first original hit, “Denuwan Piya,” produced by Bathiya and Santhush (BnS), was a commercial success. She became a judge on the reality show “Sirasa Superstar” and joined the celebrity reality show “Hiru Mega Stars.” She also featured in the reality program “Youth with Talent – Generation Next” as a guest judge.
In 2018, she was honored by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for her rendition of “Vaishnav Jana To” on Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th Birth Anniversary. She also performed at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) opening ceremony in 2013 and collaborated with prominent musicians like W. D. Amaradeva.
Recent Works and Continued Success
In recent years, Umaria’s career has reached new heights. Her single “Manda Pama,” released in 2020, became a super hit, amassing 10 million views in a short time and ranking #1 on iTunes and Apple Music in Sri Lanka. She has also served as a coach on “The Voice Sri Lanka,” where she led her team to victory in the 2021 season.
Her contributions to music have been recognized with several awards, including the “Kala Keerthi Abhimani” award and the “Aya Pranama Award.” She is the youngest musician to be awarded an A-Grade by the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation and remains the most followed Sri Lankan singer on Instagram.
Artistry and Influences
Umaria is known for her light lyric soprano voice, possessing a four-octave vocal range and a whistle register. Her musical style encompasses pop, R&B, and jazz. She cites her mother and sister as her primary influences, alongside international icons like Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, Celine Dion, and Michael Jackson.
Conclusion
Umaria Binthy Ayesha Sinhawansa’s journey in music is a testament to her talent, dedication, and the rich musical heritage she hails from. Her achievements, both in Sri Lanka and on international platforms, highlight her as a significant cultural ambassador for Sri Lankan music. As she continues to innovate and inspire, Umaria’s legacy in the music industry is set to endure for generations to come.
