Veteran International Hip-Hop and Reggae artist Ras Ceylon made a powerful homecoming with the successful “Return to Motherland” concert held at The RePubLk in Colombo on January 28th 2025. Organized in collaboration with IGNISARA and Edison 8, the event not only celebrated Ras Ceylon’s journey but also provided a platform for emerging local artists.
Ras Ceylon, widely recognized as the first Sri Lankan Hip-Hop artist to release an album in the diaspora, debuted in 1999 and gained traction in Sri Lanka during his time living and working in the country in 2012. However, his career faced hurdles in 2013 when the then-government banned his peace anthem, Heal Lanka, from local radio. Now, after more than a decade, he returns with a renewed mission to inspire and uplift the next generation of artists.
The concert featured five opening acts, each selected through a contest, giving promising local talent a chance to perform alongside a seasoned international artist. This initiative underscores Ras Ceylon’s commitment to giving back to Sri Lanka’s music community and fostering a new wave of artists in the Hip-Hop and Reggae scene.
Speaking about the event, Ras Ceylon said, “Coming back to Sri Lanka and sharing the stage with talented young artists has been an incredible experience. This concert was not just about my return but about empowering the next generation of musicians in the country.”
Following the success of the “Return to the Motherland” concert, Ras Ceylon has his sights set on future projects, including the production of a documentary film with Sri Lanka based Tech and Media company, Edison 8 that will chronicle his musical journey, the evolving Sri Lankan Hip-Hop landscape, and much more.
