• Set to release first original ‘Kawdo Me’ on 8 Sept.

Dewakie Kotelawala is currently navigating her path in the music industry. She will be releasing her first single Kawdo Me on 8 September. Kotelawala partnered with Kaizer Kaiz for the track, with Harini Dias credited for the melody, Sajith Akmeemana for the lyrics, and Kaizer Kaiz for the rap lyrics.

Ahead of the release of Kotelawala’s first single, The Daily Morning Brunch had the opportunity to speak to this upcoming singer about her work in the industry thus far and what else she has in store for fans.

“As a newcomer, I am working hard to establish myself in this field. My first original is the first big step towards that goal. Additionally, I’m currently living in Canada and I am pursuing a master’s degree in marketing, which keeps me quite busy in life right now,” she told us.

Inspiration

When asked what drew her to music, Kotelawala shared that throughout her childhood, she was an energetic child, constantly dancing to the tunes of the radio. “Music had a strong presence in my upbringing, and somehow, it became a source of comfort for me. During my younger years, I had a deep admiration for Beyoncé, appreciating her captivating performances. As a budding singer myself, I drew inspiration from talented local artists like Umara and Umaria,” Kotelawala said.

This interest and inspiration led Kotelawala to live performances. When asked about this aspect of a musician’s career, Kotelawala said performing in front of an audience always presents a challenge, specifically, feeling nervous before every performance. “Despite having performed countless times, I still experience those pre-show jitters. However, once I become familiar with the crowd and my surroundings, I effortlessly transition into being my authentic self, which is an incredible sensation.”

She added: “One aspect of performing that I particularly adore is the power it holds to create a warm and inviting atmosphere through the music we sing and play. This is a fundamental aspect of music that has always resonated with me.”

Local music industry

In terms of the music industry in Sri Lanka, Kotelawala said it is one with a rich and diverse history, encompassing a wide range of genres from classical to contemporary pop and rock. “In my opinion, there is immense potential for the industry to expand and gain recognition on a global scale. This is largely due to the number of talented artists who are infusing their work with deep emotional and artistic significance,” she added.

The local music industry has its share of scandal and drama, with copyright infringement and conflict between the original artist of a song and the cover artist not being uncommon. Since Kotelawala herself has relied on the music of other singers in her career, we asked Kotelawala about her thoughts on these issues.

“The original artist should wholeheartedly support cover artists,” she said, adding: “We all find inspiration and express our love for singing through these original songs. Without the support of the original artists, it would be challenging for new talent to emerge. Additionally, it is important for cover artists to properly credit the original creators.”

‘Kawdo Me’

Before our conversation drew to a close, we asked Kotelawala about her upcoming song. She shared that Kawdo Me revolves around a one-night stand that unexpectedly turns into a deep love connection. “I must clarify that this narrative is not based on personal experience, but rather a story that my team and I have brought to life,” she added.

“The concept of the song was the most challenging aspect for me. It presented a different setting compared to the conservative culture we are accustomed to. However, I am grateful to everyone involved in making it possible,” she went on to say. She extended a special thank you to Harini Dias for her assistance with the melody, Kavishka Dombawela (K2) for producing the song, Sajith Akmeemana for the lyrics, and all the other key contributors who helped bring it to life. “And I especially want to thank my mother for believing in me and supporting me throughout the project.”

Kotelawala is already working on her second original and said she is really excited about it. “I can’t wait to share updates and news about it with you in the future.”

In terms of her career thus far, Kotelawala said she was really content with her current situation, even considering the decisions she has made. “There aren’t many things I would change, as I genuinely prefer to be where I am right now,” she said.

She shared some words of wisdom for those who also wish to pave a path in music: “If I had to give advice to anyone, it would be to always stay true to yourself, regardless of the circumstances, because that’s when you truly shine. Don’t be afraid to make difficult choices and never lose faith in yourself.”