Yohani’s Debut Album ’’Kella’’

South Asian pop sensation Yohani has achieved a remarkable milestone with her debut album "Kella" being officially submitted for consideration in the Best Global Music Album category at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. This submission marks a historic moment, not only for Yohani but also for Sri Lankan music, as "Kella" becomes the first album from Sri Lanka to be considered for this prestigious global accolade.

Released on December 8, 2023, "Kella" features 14 tracks that seamlessly blend traditional Sri Lankan sounds with contemporary global music. With 11 songs in Sinhalese and 3 in English, the album incorporates native Sri Lankan percussion, folk stories, and cultural motifs. Yohani, who first captivated international audiences in 2021 with her viral hit Manike Mage Hithe, views "Kella" as a deeply personal expression of her roots and her musical vision.

"From the very beginning, my dream has been to bring the sounds and stories of Sri Lanka to the world," Yohani said. "This album is a reflection of my heart, my roots, and my love for Sri Lankan music. Having "Kella" considered for the Grammy Awards is beyond anything I could have imagined. I am incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication of everyone who was part of this journey, and I hope this recognition will inspire more artistes from our region to share their music with the world."

The production of "Kella" was spearheaded by Dilanjan Seneviratne, Founder and CEO of Outright Play, who played a pivotal role as the creative producer and lyricist for seven tracks on the album. Under Seneviratne’s direction, "Kella" was shaped by a talented group of Sri Lankan producers, including Pasan Liyanage, Shenal Maddumage, Hibshi, and Wayanaka Perera, with the album being mastered by sound engineer Misjah in the Netherlands to meet global standards.

"Working on "Kella" has been an incredible experience," said Seneviratne. "Yohani’s vision to blend Sri Lankan traditions with modern global sounds was the driving force behind every step of the project. To see the album now being considered for the Grammy Awards is a moment of immense pride—not just for our team but for Sri Lanka as a whole. Our goal was always to showcase the beauty and richness of our culture, and this recognition feels like a major step in that direction."

The Grammy submission for "Kella" marks a milestone for Sri Lankan music, highlighting its potential to resonate with international audiences. This is the first time an album from Sri Lanka has been submitted in the Best Global Music Album category, underscoring Sri Lanka’s growing presence on the world stage. Yohani’s success opens doors for other Sri Lankan artistes, showing that global recognition is possible for talent from emerging markets.

In addition to the Grammy submission, Yohani has continued to grow her international profile with several upcoming projects. She recently collaborated with Moroccan artist 7aliwa and is preparing for the release of her second studio album in early 2025, which promises to build on the momentum of "Kella". Fans can also look forward to her upcoming live performances, including a return to Sri Lanka for the Ballad of Warriors Show on November 7, 2024, and her first full solo concert in Sri Lanka at the Outright Stage Concert on January 18, 2025.