Yohani Diloka De Silva, widely recognized as Yohani, is not just a singer; she's a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Beyond her enchanting vocals, she is a rapper, music producer, composer, and songwriter hailing from the vibrant landscape of Sri Lanka. Her artistry has transcended borders, making her a global sensation with a massive following on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
Early
Life and Musical Genesis
Born on July 30, 1993, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Yohani, at the age of 28, has already etched her name in the annals of the music world. Her journey began at Vishakha Vidyalaya in Colombo, where she not only excelled academically but also showcased prowess in sports, being a swimmer, wushu fighter, and water
polo
player.
Yohani's foray into music was nurtured by her family,
notably her mother, who recognized her innate talent. Despite no professional
musicians in her family lineage, Yohani's grandfather's brief dalliance with
music hinted at the artistic genes that would later manifest in her.
Her educational pursuits led her to General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University in Colombo, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Logistics Management and Professional Accounting. Her thirst for knowledge didn't end there; she pursued a master's degree in accounting from CQUniversity Australia.
YouTube
Stardom
Yohani's YouTube journey commenced in 2016, and today, her
channel boasts a staggering 3.38 million subscribers, a testament to her
widespread appeal. She holds the distinction of being the first female singer
from Sri Lanka to achieve such a remarkable following on the platform.
Initially lending her voice to commercials, Yohani soon expanded her repertoire
by uploading cover versions of popular songs.
Rising
Star
The turning point in Yohani's musical career came in 2019
when she joined hands with the Sri Lankan record label Petah Effect. This
association paved the way for her eventual signing with Red Bull Records in
August 2020. Her debut single, "Aaye," released in the same year,
garnered over 2.4 million views on YouTube, providing a glimpse into Yohani's
personal journey within the music industry.
Subsequent releases like "Sitha Dawuna," "Rawwath Dasin," and "Merry Christmas Baby" showcased her versatility as both a singer and composer. In 2021, she continued to make waves with the single "Haal Massa Viyole Viyole," once again exhibiting her prowess as a composer and singer.
Manike
Mage Hithe Sensation
The true zenith of Yohani's musical journey arrived with the
release of "Manike Mage Hithe" in May 2021. A cover version that took
the world by storm, the song propelled Yohani to global fame. The simplicity
and universality of the Singhalese love song captured hearts worldwide,
amassing a staggering 200 million views on YouTube. The unexpected success
affirmed the transcendental power of great music.
It's noteworthy that the original singer, Satheeshan Rathnayaka, joined Yohani in the cover version, and the composition by Chamath Sangeeth, coupled with lyrics by Dulan ARX, created a musical masterpiece.
Global
Impact and Bollywood Connection
Yohani's influence stretched beyond her home country,
resonating in various Indian languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam,
Bengali, Marathi, Kannada, Hindi, Bhojpuri, Assamese, Punjabi, and Gujarati.
She personally lent her voice to the Tamil and Malayalam versions, showcasing
her linguistic versatility.
Her Bollywood connection solidified as she shared stages
with icons like Salman Khan on Bigg Boss 15 and Ranveer Singh on The Big
Picture. Yohani's overseas tour in India in October 2021 underscored her
growing international appeal.
Her contribution to the Bollywood film "Shiddat" marked a significant milestone, overcoming language barriers. The anticipation surrounding her appearance in the Hindi version of "Manike Mage Hithe" in the film "Thank God," featuring Ajay Devgn, Sidharth Malhotra, and Rakul Preet Singh, further attests to her burgeoning global presence.
Entrepreneurial
Ventures and Philanthropy
Yohani's story isn't confined to music; she's a dynamic
entrepreneur involved in the import and export of musical instruments. Her
business acumen complements her artistic endeavors, showcasing a well-rounded
personality. Additionally, Yohani actively engages in philanthropy, leveraging
her platform for positive societal impact.
Family
Roots and Academic Pursuits
Yohani's family background, with her father being an ex-Army officer and her mother a former air hostess, adds a layer to her narrative. Her academic journey, marked by dedication and achievement, underscores her commitment to both education and artistry.
The
Future of Yohani
As Yohani continues to break barriers and captivate
audiences globally, her future projects and collaborations are eagerly
anticipated. Her musical journey, laden with unexpected successes, proves that
Yohani is not just a singer; she is a cultural phenomenon with a promising
trajectory.
In a world where music transcends boundaries, Yohani stands
as a testament to the universal language of melody and rhythm. Her story is not
just about notes and lyrics; it's a narrative of resilience, creativity, and
the indomitable spirit of a true artist. Yohani, the 'rap princess of Sri
Lanka,' is undoubtedly poised for even greater heights in the global music
landscape.
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