Pandemic unearth hidden talent

The Coronavirus pandemic seems to have created a new scene for some of our musicians – helping to bring out their original ideas. .

Over the past few months, many have been dabbling with their own creations, while some have worked on originals, with the help of other artistes. And, now, joining that setup is Neenka Muthukuda.

Neenka is certainly not new to the entertainment scene: I would consider him a veteran, having had links with the bands Bottom Line, Crossroads, Revelation, Vintage, and several other popular outfits.

He has been doing his thing for the past 20 years – overseas, as well, in Zanzibar, Thailand, Dubai, the Maldives, and in South Africa.

Now pursuing a solo career, as a singer/guitarist, Neenka says he is ready to release his latest Sinhala single, called ‘Hithumathey.’

“I’m super excited about this particular song as it’s a modern Bluegrass kind of a track – definitely something very new to music lovers here.”

Neenka gives credit for this creation to his buddy and former bandmate Nisha Peiris, who is now based in South Africa.

“Nisha put together the music side of this track, in South Africa, using professional South African studio musicians, and it has come out beautifully.

“I’m so happy to have worked with him, and also the guy who penned the lyrics of this particular song – Dilalkshon Senavirathna.”

Neenka went on to say that he and Nisha always had plans to work on some Sinhala and English originals.

“When we used to play together, overseas, our chats were always centered around creating something new and exciting. And, now all that has become a reality as we have more free time, due to the pandemic!.”

Nisha is an extremely talented Blues guitarist who has impressed many in South Africa, playing with some of the top Blues musicians in the Club Circuit, in Pretoria.

He is also into music producing and has released a couple of fantastic tacks, featuring local artistes.

As a solo artiste, Neenka has performed in Spain, and England, too, “when I used to travel there,” but he couldn’t do any travelling, last year, due to the pandemic, he said, adding that he’s pretty sure ‘Hithumathey’ will turn out to be a massive hit.