The Spinoff Finals of TNL Onstage 2016 took place on August 20 at Which Way West. The two categories were Electronic and Commercial and each category was adjudicated by panel of 3. 

From the Commercial Categories, DJ Shehan, Glitch, Lakshan and Neco competed against one another. The panel of judges were Tareeq Musafer, Suresh Abeywickrema and Roshan Perera. Speaking to us about what they looked out for in a winner, Tareeq Musafer said that ‘originality and good execution’ was a must. “We were really impressed by their performances. Overall the talent was good and the winner was a cut above.” 

From the Electronic Categories, Nidge, NJ, Pubudu and Wasu went head to head and were judged by Shiyam Mohideen, Prasadh Maligaspe and Asvajit Boyle. After an intense round of competition, the Runner up and Winners of each category are as follows: 

Commercial Category 

Runner Up - Lakshan Amarasinghe 

“I’m really happy for what I achieved as the Runner Up DJ in the Commercial Category. It’s an outcome of sleepless nights and hard work and the help of the DJ Academy and the Senior DJ’s in Sri Lanka. Thank you TNL Radio Team for organizing this event. It’s the best DJ competition that gives value and spotlight into the real art of DJ-ing” 

Winner - Neco Fernando 

“The competition was tough and all the DJ’s who competed were good! I practiced really hard for this competition and I’m really happy that I won!” 

Electronic Category 

Runner Up - Nigel Perera 

Winner - Pubudu Chathuranga 

“I was very keen in this field since I was schooling and have been spinning for 3 years now. TNL Spinoff Electronic Category winning day was a remarkable day of my life where my greatest dream came true. And I was so emotional knowing that I was lucky to win the award. This was obtained by working hard, being dedicated and making sacrifices scarification. To overcome all these difficulties, many have had helped me. So for that, I would like to thank, my parents, friends, the DJ academy and the judges. And special thanks goes to the TNL radio team for leading young entrepreneurs like us to emerge.” 

The Finals of TNL Onstage is set to take place on the 3rd of September 2016 at the Viharamahadevi Open Air Theatre from 7pm onwards. Tickets are priced at Rs. 1000 and will be available at 52, 5th Lane, Colombo 3 from August 25. 

Photographs by Waruna Wanniarachchi