A song for the children

'Circle of Life' the charity concert takes place at the BMICH on April 28. Billed to perform are many of Sri Lanka's best known entertainers...in fact, the line-up reads like a who's who of showbiz.

There's Independent Square, Kreb's Cycle, Stigmata, Dejavu, Druvi, Serela, Dilip, Dillain and Dellai, the Old Joes' Chorale, Thilan, Shalika, Dushyanth, Natasha, Malith, Chadwick, Antonio's Dance Circle, El Latino, Nine Lives and Bathiya and Santhush.

The people behind the Circle of Life concept are the Synergy School of Marketing, an institute accredited to the Chartered Institute of Marketing, U.K. Director Michael Ranasinghe says that producing the event with his team of committed young students has been a wonderful experience and one that has shown him how talented our youth are. 

"The thrills and the spills we experienced in putting the show together were many but I believe, a divine hand from above guided us all. There were days when students stayed overnight to meet the various deadlines which was really an expression of their commitment to the cause of making a better world for the children," he says. 

The artistes themselves were equally enthusiastic. Said young singer Serela, ' Circle of Life is a brilliant idea and I'm thrilled to be taking part in it." Bathiya and Santhush said that mindful of their success from small beginnings, they considered it their duty to be part of shaping the future of a child.

"Ask not what rock and roll can do for you, but what you can do for rock and roll. It's great to see all these artistes coming together for such a worthy cause. As for us, it's always special when we are up on stage but when it's for something like this, it gives us an even bigger rush," quipped Anil of Independent Square.

For some, like Nine Lives, the show will be their first big public appearance. Says Neidra, "We just love to make music together and this is a fabulous concept.' 

Adds Michael Ranasinghe, "Circle of Life will bring the best of Sri Lankan talent together on one night for one cause." He has hopes of making it an annual event and even taking it beyond the shores of Lanka. 

Dilip Seneviratne and Druvi De Silva co-produce the music. "This event is very special to me as it is for all other artistes. From the 28th, these children will no more be 'nobody's children, but everybody's," says Dilip. Adds Druvi, "As a gospel artiste, I cherish this opportunity which ventures into educating children who are our future." 

The show is sponsored by Debug, TNL and Lite 89.2 and The Sunday Times.

Tickets for Circle of Life are available at the Synergy School of Marketing, 21, Aloe Avenue. Colombo 3 (tel: 564464/5), TNL or Deli Market.

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