In the bustling world of music, a young talent is making waves – Imaya Jayawardene, a student at Frank D. Paulo Intermediate School in Staten Island, NY, is not your average teenager. Recently, her original song ‘Paata Paata Heena’ successfully aired on radio, and the official music video is poised for release, marking a remarkable achievement for this budding musical prodigy.
Imaya’s passion for music knows no bounds. Proficient in playing the guitar, flute, saxophone, and some piano, she has a profound love for exploring diverse musical horizons. Notably, she cherishes singing songs in various languages, including English, Sinhala, Hindi, French, and Persian, showcasing her versatility as a vocalist.
During a brief summer visit to Sri Lanka, Imaya found unexpected inspiration to create her own song and music video. Despite the visit being primarily for a cousin’s wedding and lasting less than three weeks, Imaya, with the help of a close family friend, managed to turn her musical aspirations into reality. She selected a song, collaborated with lyricist Shehan Galahitiyawa for compelling lyrics, and found the right music director, Priyantha Nawalage, to bring her vision to life.
In a tight two-day timeframe, Imaya learned the song and recorded it, showcasing her dedication and swift musical prowess. The music video was no exception – produced just four days before departing from Sri Lanka, with Ramesh Malintha leading an efficient crew to create a remarkable visual accompaniment to her song.
Imaya’s determination didn’t stop there. Despite facing the challenge of live interviews in Sinhala, a language she understands but cannot fluently speak, she successfully promoted her song, ‘Paata Paata Heena,’ reaching a broader audience as it aired on radio stations, including Sirasa and M-entertainment.
Looking ahead, Imaya harbors ambitions to create more music videos, eager to showcase her talent to a wider audience. Beyond her musical pursuits in Sri Lanka, Imaya remains active in her school’s jazz band, where she serves as the lead singer and tenor saxophone player. Her contributions have helped the band secure the highest award, ‘Gold with Distinction,’ in a music competition last year. She is also an integral part of her school’s Pop-rock Band, where she lends her skills as a singer and bass guitarist, continuing her musical journey with different instruments and genres.
Imaya’s story is not just about a song and a music video; it’s a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and cross-cultural creativity. From the halls of Frank D. Paulo Intermediate School to the airwaves of Sri Lanka, Imaya Jayawardene is carving her own musical path, captivating hearts with her talent and determination.
