Last Updated: 17 Sep, 2025 | Views: 142
Age: 32
Profession: Singer
Other Profession(s): Model, Song writer
Higher Education: Central Queensland University
About (Profile/Biography):
Yohani Diloka De Silva, known simply as Yohani, is a Sri Lankan singer, rapper, and songwriter who rose to international fame with her viral cover of “Manike Mage Hithe.” Born in 1993 in Colombo, she grew up in a military family and studied both in Sri Lanka and abroad. Yohani’s music blends Sinhalese pop with elements of hip-hop, EDM, and soul—offering a unique sound that transcends borders. Her casual YouTube videos turned into global phenomena, with her raw, expressive voice capturing millions of hearts across South Asia. Yohani became the first Sri Lankan female artist to reach 200 million views on YouTube, proving the power of digital platforms in discovering global talent. She’s since signed with major labels, performed on Indian TV, and collaborated with Bollywood stars. More than a one-hit wonder, Yohani is redefining what it means to be a multilingual, cross-cultural pop artist in the modern world.
Early Life and Education of Yohani
• Yohani was born in Colombo in 1993 and raised in a disciplined household with her father serving as a Major General in the Sri Lankan Army.
• She studied Logistics Management at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University before earning a Master’s degree in Australia.
• Music was always her passion, and she learned piano and trumpet before eventually teaching herself music production online.
Rise to Fame of Yohani
• Yohani’s cover of “Manike Mage Hithe” went viral in 2021, reaching millions across India, Nepal, and Bangladesh almost overnight.
• She gained instant fame for her emotive voice, relaxed style, and effortless pronunciation that resonated beyond Sri Lanka.
• Her sudden rise made her the first Sri Lankan artist to become a true internet pop star on a global scale.
Career Highlights of Yohani
• After her viral success, Yohani was invited to perform on Indian reality shows and signed with T-Series for Bollywood projects.
• She collaborated on a Hindi remake of “Manike,” which was featured in the Bollywood movie Thank God starring Nora Fatehi.
• Yohani also performed in Dubai Expo and various global events, representing Sri Lankan music on international stages.
Controversy around Yohani
• Yohani faced criticism in Sri Lanka for singing in Hindi, with some accusing her of "ignoring" her cultural roots for fame.
• She responded by saying she wants to unite South Asia through music, not divide it by language or politics.
• Despite the backlash, she continued releasing multilingual tracks, staying true to her belief in music as a universal language.
Awards and Recognitions received by Yohani
• Yohani received the SLIM Nexa Emerging Star Award in 2021 for her outstanding influence on the youth and digital music.
• She was featured in Forbes India as one of the top rising Asian artists to watch in the next decade.
• She became the first Sri Lankan woman to perform at the IPL opening ceremony, reaching millions of Indian viewers.
Musical Style and Influence
• Yohani blends pop, hip-hop, and R&B with traditional South Asian rhythms, creating a genre-bending signature sound.
• She cites artists like Eminem, A.R. Rahman, and Billie Eilish as inspirations for her fusion of East and West.
• Her lyrics often explore emotional vulnerability, cultural pride, and personal identity in a modern, globalized world.
Lesser-Known Facts about Yohani
• Yohani is also a trained swimmer and was once a national-level competitor before switching focus to music.
• She ran her own small music label in Sri Lanka before gaining international fame, producing for other local artists.
• Despite her fame, she continues to reply to fan comments and says that direct connection keeps her grounded.