Derrick to sing to home audience

Derrick Junkeer, the popular TV and recording artist now based in Australia comes home this month to perform in Colombo on October 27 for his large Lankan following. Appearing at the BMICH concert with Derrick will be two well known female Australian singers.

St. Joseph’s College Colombo Sports Council in conjunction with DK Promotions. Gold FM, Trans Asia Hotel, and Wijeya Newspapers are the sponsors of the show. Derrick J, as he is internationally known became a household name in Sri Lanka with his song “Come What May”. In 1973 he migrated to Australia, wanting to pursue his successful music career.

Not long after arriving Down Under, he made his debut entering a talent quest, then one of the highest rating shows on Channel 9. The encouragement award handed to him at this contest opened many doors which led to a successful career. He has released 8 albums, with two gold albums and a DVD titled “ Never Give Up”.

Today, Derrick sings to packed audiences all over Australia and has bookings almost 12 months in advance. Little wonder that he receives the “Best Male Vocalist” award year after year.

Derrick is also a talented actor. He has played numerous roles, appearing in “Neighbours”, “Kath & Kym”, “Newly Weds”, “Gross Misconduct” with Jimmy Smit, “Sensing Murder”, and many more. He has also been in many commercials such as Heinz, Fox FM, Aust Post and others. Currently he hosts a TV show called the Sri Lankan Morning Show on Channel 31 televised every Sunday, where he has interviewed distinguished guests such as the Governor of Victoria, Sri Lankan-born Prof. David de Kretser, Judge Christopher Weeramantry, former vice president of the International Court of Justice, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake and Kamahl, just to name a few.

People who have seen him perform in the past will know that he favours Engelbert Humperdinck songs. This show will be slightly different, with Derrick singing hits from Tom Jones, Engelbert, Michael Buble, Elvis and the Platters to name a few.

Kelly Symthe and Deborah Wilson who are performing with Derrick will sing hit songs made famous by Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Tina Turner, Etta James, Olivia Newton John, Anastasia etc. Popular band Misty will back the singers. Tickets for Derrick’s concert at the BMICH are available at the Trans Asia Hotel.