Beautician-cum-musician…

Remember Kay Jay…in the good ole days, performing with various bands, in the scene here?

Kay Jay now lives in Germany and says she is back in the music scene.

“I mainly play with Derrick Rathnam and Sanjaya Alles in their band called Chapter One. I also do sing with Sharmalee De Silva, as a duo, and whenever I’m called by other bands, I get on stage with them, as well.”

The singer gleefully said that she now enjoys travelling and singing.

Kay Jay already has work coming her way and hopes to travel to Australia, shortly, for some gigs.

“I’m happy to be back in the music scene, after about 25 years. It was not easy getting back. I had to train my voice, all over again.”

Kay Jay started her music career with her dad, Ivan Jayaratne, when she was just 17, singing down south, with him, at some of the leading hotels.

While into music, she also got her diploma in hair and beauty culture.

Kay Jay later joined Ayesha and the band Dream Team, and was also a member of 20th Century and Cardinals Outburst.

After her marriage to musician Ushan Gunesekere, she gave up music, in 1996, and the couple left for Germany where she got involved in the cosmetics scene.

“I started my own company, Kay Jay Cosmetics Germany, in 2005, and, before long, I came up with my very own products, all registered under the European Union.

“The Papaya Miracle Anti-ageing Cream became a hit among my clients, after the Papaya Face Cream. I also invented serums, and papaya lip balms to name a few. “

However, the year 2020 turned out to be a sad year for Kay Jay as she lost her husband, Ushan, that year, in August.

“It was a hard battle for me to overcome, but now I have a new partner who’s a kind, caring and a loving person. I’m now engaged to him – Sanjaya Alles.”

Kay Jay says it’s so nice being a beautician and a musician. “Yes, I’m enjoying both,” adding that she is sure her late dad, Ivan Jayaratne, will be so happy that she is back in the music seen.

“In fact, he never wanted me to give up music. It was difficult staying away from the music scene. My happiest times were when I was doing music, and I’m happy that I’m back.”

Kay Jay has worked on an original, called ‘Jesus My Saviour’ which, she says, will be released soon.

Referring to her cosmetics, she says she hopes to lunch Kay Jay Cosmetics in Sri Lanka, as well.

Right now, the music scene is certainly hotting up for Kay Jay Gunesekere…all over again.