“Naadha Gama: Where music becomes a moment of peace, connection, and collective memory.”
Words Arrenga H Nadaraja.
In a world that moves relentlessly fast, music often becomes a refuge — a place of calm amid chaos. It has the power to soothe the mind, spark joy, create connection, and transport listeners to an entirely different emotional space. Studies show that music can enhance focus and emotional well-being, and in Sri Lanka, few experiences embody this sense of peace and connection like Naadha Gama.
Naadha Gama is a collaborative concert series created by a collective of seven artists — Methun SK, Ridma Weerawardena, Dinesh Gamage, Kanchana Anuradhi, Dhanith Sri, Supun Perera, and Manuranga Wijesekara — who work together as a unified creative unit.
United by a shared vision of simplicity, emotional honesty, and connection, the collective has shaped a musical experience that feels both intimate and expansive. What began as a small, intimate live music gathering has grown into one of Sri Lanka’s most distinctive and widely celebrated musical series among the youth. Rooted in emotional depth, simplicity, and authenticity, Naadha Gama creates a space where music feels personal, communal, and deeply human.
The very first Naadha Gama in Matara marked the beginning of this journey. That inaugural performance featured Methun SK, Ridma Weerawardena, and Dinesh Gamage, setting the foundation for what would later evolve into a powerful live music movement. What started with a modest audience gradually expanded through word of mouth and shared experience, resonating with listeners seeking calm and connection. Over the years, several artists have contributed to shaping the Naadha Gama journey.
Dinupa Kodagoda was also part of the movement during its formative phase from 2019 to 2020. Today, Naadha Gama stands as a highly recognized and distinctive musical series, celebrated for its emotional depth, simplicity, and powerful connection with the audience. Together, they bring a unique blend of vocal styles, harmonies, and musical textures to life, performing primarily original Sinhala songs while occasionally incorporating well-loved Hindi and Tamil pieces.
What sets Naadha Gama apart is its authenticity. The music performed is deeply personal and emotionally grounded, reflecting real experiences, memories, and shared stories. When the voices of the collective come together on stage, the result is a powerful shared moment — one filled with emotion, nostalgia, and a sense of shared humanity.
A defining ritual of every Naadha Gama performance is the song “Datha Dara.” Sung when the artists first step on stage and again at the end alongside the audience, it has become the anthem of the movement. The song carried Naadha Gama through the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, serving as a symbol of resilience and continuity when the music industry came to a standstill.
At the heart of Naadha Gama lies its bond with the audience. Performances are intentionally intimate, designed to dissolve the boundary between artist and listener. The aim is to sing with the audience rather than to them, creating a shared emotional space filled with peace, happiness, and unity — a place with “zero problems.” This sense of togetherness extends beyond the stage. Supported by a closely bonded team of friends and family, Naadha Gama remains a family-friendly, youth-friendly, and welcoming destination for all generations. Its mission is simple yet powerful: to create music that gives everyone a place to belong. This connection was especially evident during the first large-scale Naadha Gama Festival, held in September in Nuwara Eliya.
Carefully curated and deeply immersive, the event featured memorable experiences such as a glowing campfire setting and Notes on a Hill, moments that many described as truly magical.
Naadha Gama continues to expand beyond Sri Lanka, with an upcoming performance at Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl in October 2026.
