TANUJA PERERA INTERVIEW...

t-taving been raised in
the UK and having music
instilled in her from a young
age, she has grown up to be
a singer who has enthralled
all those who listen to her.
She has now returned to her
motherland and performs
every Wendesday at the
Curve. Check out her take
on her life in Music.
r:’
WHAT BROUGHT
‘ YOU INTO MUSIC
I got nw musk by accident. Went to a
vocal trainer called Kevin Leo who thought
I had the natural ability and started to
mentor me. When he met my sister one
day he thought we would be great as a
group. Singing with my sister has given me
some of the best experiences of my life.
IfWOULDYOU DEFINE
. t STYLE OF SINGING
I think of myself as a soul singer because
sing from my heart. But I have a lot of grit and
power in my voice which I think comes across
as quite aggressive at times. I don’t know how
others perceive what Ido. I guess you could
define It as raw. It’s hard to break into the scene
here because everyone is just into hearing
people sing covers. I think its about time we
started to produce and perform more original
music that we could take to the world platform.
We have world class singers in this country.
7HOW DO YOU CONNECT
. WITH THE AUDIENCE
I usually connect with the audience
by cracking jokes or making fun of myself.
I think it’s important to look comfortabLe
on stage so that your audience is at ease.
Laughter always makes people drop their
guard so that’s usually howl connect.
7WHAT DOES MUSIC
. MEAN TO YOU
Music means the world to me. My passion
for music comes from deep within. It was
something I cut out of my life for years when I
was struggling with the loss of my father and
brother. Getting connected to music again has
made me feel alive and I know that they would
be so proud seeing that lam singing again.
YOUR MOST
. MEMORABLE GIG
One of the most memorable gigs Ihave
performed at was in Affica. It was infront of 10,1
people with my sister and feta kuti’s original bai
7TELL ME ABOUT ABOUT
. THE COMPETITION YOU
WEREA PART OF
I was scouted to audition for the X factor
in the UK Last year. it was definitely one of the
most nerve racking experiences I have ever be
through. Although I didn’t get as faras I hoped
the experience gave me the confidence in my
to start singing again and for that ¡ am gratefu
AD VICE TO MUSICIANS WHI
ARE STRUGGUNG TO MAKE
INTO THE SCENE
Follow your heart. Don’t be discouragedb
those who say you won’t make it. And finally
enjoy the journey and not the destination. it
doesn’t matter If you make it or not. You will
have an amazing time trying to find out.
WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST
. INSPIRATIONS
My biggest inspirations are my family
especially my mother and sister. They are
strong powerful and talented women
who inspire me to be the same.
TANUJA 1
PERERA
connecting notes to the soul
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