hachajah puts Sri Lanka on global music map with double win at CARAs

Saturday, 10 May 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A cappella artist hachajah wins two CARAs – world’s premier a cappella recording awards
He joins the ranks of past winners such as global sensation Pentatonix
Landmark moment for Sri Lankan music on international stage

hachajah – double-award winner at CARA 2025

Sri Lanka celebrates a moment of immense national pride as hachajah – the artistic moniker of Colombo-born singer, songwriter and producer Charith Peris — secures two prestigious accolades at the Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARAs), hosted by the Contemporary A Cappella Society (CASA). These global awards, considered the highest honour in recorded a cappella music, have previously recognised internationally acclaimed acts like Pentatonix, now a household name in the genre.

hachajah’s debut EP, No Place Like, was awarded Best Semi-Professional Post-Collegiate Album or EP, while his poignant single Colombo Sky earned Best Song by a Solo Performer. With eight nominations and runner-up honours in two additional categories, this debut marks a breakout moment for the artist – and a significant cultural win for Sri Lanka.

“Winning a CARA was a personal dream. To win two with my first EP is surreal,” hachajah shares. “These awards are an honour to receive, as they recognise my journey, my Sri Lankan roots, and the stories I carry through music.”

Known for his distinctive fusion of pop a cappella with traditional Sri Lankan narratives and musical elements, hachajah crafts songs that are both deeply personal and widely resonant. Drawing from his experiences growing up in Colombo during the civil war, his music explores themes of identity, longing, and cultural memory.

The award-winning track Colombo Sky [available on Spotify, YouTube and Apple Music] has already touched a global audience, with over 70,000 views on YouTube and more than 20,000 streams on Spotify. Listeners have praised its authenticity and emotional depth, with many Sri Lankans noting how it evokes their own memories of home.

The EP No Place Like features three tracks: Closer, a sultry reflection on youthful desire set against traditional values; Colombo Sky, a layered narrative of the city’s past and future; and Mother, a heartfelt tribute to maternal strength and sacrifice.

These wins represent more than individual achievement – they mark Sri Lanka’s growing influence in global music and celebrate a fresh, dynamic voice representing the island on the world stage.

With this success propelling him forward, hachajah is now working on a music video for his single Mind Gag, and is preparing to release a new EP in the second half of 2025.

From left: BOSS Executive Producer – CASA Alexander Koutzoukis, hachajah, CASA Chief of Staff Anthony Pulido, and Director of Awards Jessica Chen

hachajah – double-award winner at CARA 2025 with fellow winner – Veronika Vítová of Czech Jazz Sextet – Skety

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