‘EzRA’: Raises the curtain on a refined era of live entertainment
View(s):By Sanath Weerasuriya
A fresh sound is making waves across Sri Lanka’s live entertainment circuit as ‘EzRA’ steps into the spotlight, setting out to redefine contemporary band performance with polish, versatility and musical finesse. Conceived as more than a conventional ensemble, ‘EzRA’ brings together a handpicked collective of accomplished musicians united by a shared vision, to elevate the standards of live music experiences across the island’s most prestigious stages.
Founded by vocalist and musical director Janaka Palapathwala, popularly known as JP, the band blends youthful vibrancy with seasoned professionalism, creating performances that resonate with both energy and refinement. Whether commanding the atmosphere of gala evenings, diplomatic engagements, high-profile weddings, dinner dances or exclusive private celebrations, EzRA demonstrates an ability to seamlessly adapt its repertoire and stage presence to suit diverse audiences and occasions.
With music spanning English, Sinhala, Tamil, Hindi and Baila genres, EzRA’s repertoire reflects the cultural richness of Sri Lanka’s entertainment landscape while maintaining a distinctly international appeal. At its core lies JP’s signature vocal style, shaped by over a decade of global performance experience, which infuses the band’s sound with elegance, emotional nuance and a timeless musical sensibility.
Supporting this vision is a line-up of musicians whose individual legacies bring depth and credibility to EzRA’s collective sound. Veteran guitarist Upali Fernando contributes decades of distinguished experience, having collaborated with renowned figures such as Clarence Wijewardena and Rookantha Gunathilake while also performing with the celebrated band ‘Gypsies’. Known for his technical finesse and stylistic versatility, Upali’s guitar work adds both texture and sophistication to the ensemble’s musical identity. On bass guitar, Kenath de Silva brings with him a remarkable heritage rooted in Sri Lanka’s golden era of popular music, having begun his journey with Clarence Wijewardena’s bands ‘Madara’ and ‘Universe’. His career has seen performances alongside iconic artistes including H. R. Jothipala, Milton Mallawarachchi, W. D. Amaradeva and Victor Ratnayake, experiences that enrich EzRA with both musical authority and commanding stage presence.
Completing the rhythmic backbone is drummer and music director Lelum Ratnayake, whose career reflects extensive collaboration across Western and Oriental music traditions. With international touring experience alongside many of the country’s foremost performers, Lelum’s precision, adaptability and stage command provide the driving pulse behind EzRA’s dynamic live performances.
Together, these musicians form more than a band, they create a cohesive musical force where experience meets chemistry. While each member carries an impressive artistic journey, it is their collective synergy that defines EzRA, delivering performance experiences that are immersive, polished and unmistakably world-class.
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