Matara Festival for the Arts (MFA) Announces Thrilling Independence Day 2024 Concert Line-Up Featuring a Sonic Fusion of Lankan and International Performances

The Matara Festival for the Arts (MFA) is thrilled to unveil its Independence Day Concert lineup - a multifaceted celebration of music and artistic expression set to ignite the Mahinda Wijesekara Grounds within the historic Matara Fort on February 4th, 2024.

This electrifying concert, curated by the musician and educator Dr. Sumudi Suraweera of Music Matters, promises an immersive journey through a vibrant tapestry of sounds.

"This Independence Day, we wanted to create a sonic landscape that reflects the richness and diversity of Sri Lanka's multi-lingual musical heritage and contemporary evolution, while pushing the boundaries of artistic expression," says Suraweera. "From avant-garde approach to traditional ritual music, to modern pop and jazz, to funky groovy riffs with sonic explorations, bossa nova and reggae rhythms, and a genre-fluid DJ set."

Get Ready to be Captivated

Get ready to be captivated by the pop-folk fusion of Amila Sanduruwan, the rituals and rhythms of Baliphonics, the smooth artistry of the Matara Jazz Quintet, the infectious energy of Orange Mango, the electrifying beats of Paloma, the dynamic collab of SDP Ft. Paula, the Carnatic-infused RnB and hip-hop stylings of Rolex Rasathy, and the beloved experimental blends of The Soul, and other surprise features in store.

Why USAID Supports the MFA

The United States Agency for International Development is proud to be a Festival Patron and Music Program partner for the Matara Festival for the Arts’ Independence Day Concert, said USAID representative of the Sri Lanka Engage Program. “This event embodies the spirit of cultural exchange and celebrates the power of music to connect people across borders and backgrounds. We believe supporting art and cultural events like inspires people to make their communities stronger, more vibrant and better for all who live there.”

Freedom Sounds Community Programming

Starting in January and entering into the festival period, USAID will be working with the MFA team on the ‘Freedom Sounds’ Community programme that collaborates with youth in Matara (ages 21-40) to explore the possibilities of music to facilitate self-expression, critical introspection and action social-good. Through activities that will tap into the practices of story-telling, empathy and activism - this programme will help aspiring Matara performers harness their capabilities for connecting with others and making positive change through music.

Participants in the Freedom Sounds project will interact with all the performers and bands participating in the concert through its series of activities - some of which will also be open to the wider public attending the festival. This will also allow them to learn more about how these musicians have made viable careers through music, giving them insight into creative-economic pathways they too may wish to pursue more fully.

A few of the most promising participants of the programme will also join the professional performers on stage for a highlight performance at the concert.

A Sustainable Celebration For All:

We are working to ensure the environment for the show is spacious and welcoming to all, and we encourage attendees to bring their picnic mats and enjoy the event comfortably, and of course - get up and dance! They can also support local vendors in Matara by buying their mats and throws at local stores.

We ask attendees to keep in mind the Leave No Trace principles when planning for and attending the show, especially in thoughtfully disposing of trash at the many collecting bins that will be made available.

A parking map will also be shared for those driving in to attend, with shared transport and public transport details also coming out ahead.

Limited Passes:

The number of passes will be limited to ensure the enjoyable capacity for the concert.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @mataraforarts or via our festival WhatsApp Community linked to those pages to learn how to secure these limited concert passes when they are released.

For any additional information, including partnerships please email your inquiries to [email protected]