Biography

Ashanthi De Alwis's groundbreaking career in music is rooted in a rich history and a vibrant musical lineage. Raised in an artistically inclined household, Ashanthi inherited her passion for music from her mother, Antoinette de Alwis, a renowned jazz and pop singer from Sri Lanka. Surrounded by diverse musical influences from an early age, Ashanthi's upbringing fostered her creativity and nurtured her innate talent for singing and performing. Her formal education in classical and operatic music further honed her skills, laying the foundation for her future success in the industry. With a musical heritage deeply ingrained in her upbringing, Ashanthi embarked on a journey that would transcend genres and captivate audiences worldwide.  

Today, Ashanthi De Alwis stands as a major force in both the Sri Lankan and global music scenes. With hit albums like "Sandawathuren" and "Daas Paanawa," she has continuously pushed the boundaries of modern music by blending urban sounds with soulful R&B vocals and infectious dance beats. Her crossover album "Rock the World," distributed by Universal Music, marked a pivotal moment in her career, establishing her as the first female musician from Sri Lanka to release an album internationally with a major label. Awarded multiple times for Best Pop Act and Best Female Singer, Ashanthi's unwavering dedication to excellence has solidified her status as an icon of contemporary music. Beyond her musical endeavors, Ashanthi's impact extends to nurturing emerging talent through her music school and offering innovative solutions through her production company, further cementing her legacy in the industry.

Ashanthi's vibrant talent has shone on the international stage, where she has shared platforms with renowned artists such as Vanessa Amarossi and Sean Paul, and performed alongside iconic groups like Aqua and the Venga Boys. From enchanting audiences at prestigious venues like the Sydney Opera House to collaborating with celebrated musicians like Asha Bhosle and Anthony Calea, Ashanthi's performances have transcended borders and cultural divides. Her participation in events like the IIFA Awards with Salim Suleiman underscores her role in using music as a means of bridging diverse cultures, further enhancing her reputation as a prominent figure in the global music scene.

Ashanthi De Alwis has enriched the local music scene through vibrant collaborations with fellow Sri Lankan artists and producers. Collaborations with acclaimed rapper Randhir and renowned duo Bathiya and Santhush (BNS) have produced upbeat songs that resonate with audiences across the island, blending hip-hop with traditional Sri Lankan influences. Additionally, Ashanthi's involvement in the production industry through Ethno Entertainment Audio & Video Productions has provided a creative platform for top bands and advertising firms in Sri Lanka, contributing to the growth and flourishing of the country's music business. Through these collaborations, Ashanthi continues to showcase her versatility as an artist and elevate the profile of modern Sri Lankan music on the global stage.

TOYP (Ten young outstanding personalities award) for her contribution to the Arts in Sri Lanka, awarded by the Junior Chamber of Commerce (2012)

Winner of Bite My Music Global Awards (The Grammy’s of Independent International music) - Best Pop Act (GOLD)

Winner of IndieGo Music Awards Asia – Best Female Singer (GOLD) Best Pop Act of Asia (SILVER), Best Hip Hop Act of Asia (Silver), Honarary Award for Most Creative & Innovative Act (2011)

Ashanthi released the single ‘Raavanan Raajyam' together with Dinesh K for the UK Movie ‘Tooting Broadway’, an official selection for the London Indian Film Festival, which premiered in June 2012.

Winner of Best Baila Music Video of the year for ‘Papare’ Derana Music Video Awards (2011)

Team Leader / Judge on Sri Lanka’s most watched reality show ‘Sirasa Mega Sangeeth’ (Sri Lanka’s equivalent to ‘the Voice’) that is currently making waves in the revolution of reality TV in Sri Lanka. (2011 – 2012)

Brand Ambassador for Dialog Telekom’s pre-paid brand ‘KIT’ (2006 – 2009)

Winner of the ‘Most promising Singer award’ at the Shanghai Asia music festival, where she represented Sri Lanka in China (2000)

Winner of ‘song of the year’ for her Solo hit ‘Angel’ on the ‘Oba Magemai’ album at the Golden Clef Music Awards in Sri Lanka (2003)

Winner of Best Hip Hop Video of the year at The Derana Music Video Awards (2008)

Judge for Sri Lanka’s own version of American Idol music reality TV show ‘Yes Superstar’ (2010)

Ashanthi is also actively involved in Advertising (lyric writing & production) and has created many Ad’s / theme songs / Original songs which have been aired on international TV stations such as BBC, Channel V & MTV