TNL Onstage Semi-final Round 1 : The challenge begins 

TNL Onstage, one of the most popular talent shows in town will hit the stage once again, showcasing the talents of some young blood in the country. From classics to pop, hip hop, rock and freestyle rapping, the Onstage culture was introduced back in 1999 to encourage local bands and musicians to perform and win the title of Best Band or Best Soloist for each respective season. This year, TNL Onstage is back with a variety just for the fascination of thousands of its fans. With much enthusiasm and excitement, the Semi Final round 1 was a battle between some energetic soloists and local bands.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror Life, some of the performers shared their experience with us.

Soloists 

Yohani

It has been a great experience for me. This is the first time that I am participating at TNL Onstage and up until now I have grasped many things. It allows you to groom well as a singer and I am really excited.

Sachini

I was really nervous when I performed but I think I did a good job. I have had one of the best experiences in my life as a participant at TNL Onstage. Past winners come and train us and I think this is a really good opportunity for newcomers who want to enter the music industry.

Imaadh

It has been one of the most chilled-out competitions that I have ever been to. The competition is quite tough but even if I don’t win, I think I have had a good experience to take away.

Kamishka was another soloist who performed a song from U2 and a classic by Chris Isaak.

Bands 

Sanjiv from Against Gravity

I think we got a good opportunity to showcase our talents and there are not much platforms where bands can perform. So I think we were able to show what we can.

Pramodya from Amuthu

We were able to perform well even without much practice. I am confident that we will be able to go somewhere up in this competition now that we have successfully reached the semis even with such a tough competition.

Other bands that performed include Resurrection and Chain.

Comments from the audience 

Lakshan

I had a good time and the talents of the performers are amazing.

Sush

Everyone is equally good. I like Against Gravity from the bands.

Yamindri

It’s quite interesting to see them perform and I am excited to see who the finalists will be because there is a very tough competition.

Sneha

Definitely everybody is super talented but out of the bands I would say I am a fan of the band ‘Amuthu’.

Ashwini

I am quite surprised to see the talents of the soloists and even the musicians in the bands. There’s a variety in it.

Minesh

They all have a lot of potential and there is definitely a tough competition.

Christopher

Everybody is enjoying and even though this is a competition they have managed to entertain us well.

Shalindra

The bands indeed gave in a tough competition.

The semi-final round 2 will take place at the Long Bar on September 5, 2015 at the Long Bar, Water’s Edge.

By Kamanthi Wickramasinghe
Photographs by Waruna Wanniarachchi