- Sonic fusion of Lankan and international performances with seven headliners, and an aspiring community performance, to rock the stage in a joyous 4 February celebration
The Matara Festival for the Arts (MFA) yesterday announced its Independence Day Concert lineup – a multifaceted celebration of music and artistic expression set to ignite the Mahinda Wijesekara Grounds within the historic Matara Fort on 4 February 2024.
This electrifying concert, curated by the musician and educator Dr. Sumudi Suraweera of Music Matters, promises an immersive journey through a vibrant tapestry of sounds.
“This Independence Day, we wanted to create a sonic landscape that reflects the richness and diversity of Sri Lanka’s multi-lingual musical heritage and contemporary evolution, while pushing the boundaries of artistic expression,” says Suraweera. “From avant-garde approach to traditional ritual music, to modern pop and jazz, to funky groovy riffs with sonic explorations, bossa nova and reggae rhythms, and a genre-fluid DJ set.”
Get ready to be captivated by the pop-folk fusion of Amila Sanduruwan, the rituals and rhythms of Baliphonics, the smooth artistry of the Matara Jazz Quintet, the infectious energy of Orange Mango, the electrifying beats of Paloma, the dynamic collab of SDP Ft. Paula, the Carnatic-infused RnB and hip-hop stylings of American singer-songwriter Rolex Rasathy, and the beloved experimental blends of The Soul, and other surprise features in store.
U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung expressed support for the festival, stating, “The United States is proud to support the Matara Festival for the Arts. Using music as the universal language of diversity and inclusivity, this festival amplifies a range of voices, such as American singer-songwriter Rolex Rasathy, and champions freedom of expression through USAID-supported youth programs. The United States recognises that supporting the arts is not just a cultural endeavor but an essential pillar of democracy, empowering individuals to share their narratives, contributing to more vibrant communities.”
Starting in January and entering the festival period, USAID will be working with the MFA team on the “Freedom Sounds” Community program that collaborates with youth in Matara (ages 21-40) to explore the possibilities of music to facilitate self-expression, critical introspection and action social-good. Through activities that will tap into the practices of story-telling, empathy and advocacy – this program will help aspiring Matara performers harness their capabilities for connecting with others and making positive change through music. Participants in the Freedom Sounds project will interact with all the performers and bands participating in the concert through its series of activities – some of which will also be open to the wider public attending the festival. This will also allow them to learn more about how these musicians have made viable careers through music, giving them insight into creative-economic pathways they too may wish to pursue more fully.
A few of the most promising participants of the program will also join the professional performers on stage for a highlight performance at the concert.
We are working to ensure the environment for the show is spacious and welcoming to all, and we encourage attendees to bring their picnic mats and enjoy the event comfortably, and of course – get up and dance! They can also support local vendors in Matara by buying their mats and throws at local stores.
We ask attendees to keep in mind the ‘Leave No Trace’ principles when planning for and attending the show, especially in thoughtfully disposing of trash at the many collecting bins that will be made available.
A parking map will also be shared for those driving in to attend, with shared transport and public transport details also coming out ahead. The number of passes will be limited to ensure the enjoyable capacity for the concert.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @MataraForArts or via our festival WhatsApp Community linked to those pages to learn how to secure these limited concert passes when they are released.
For any additional information, including partnerships please email your inquiries to
