Sri Lankan hip-hop and R&B star Ashanthi De Alwis has been awarded the Voize Independent Music Awards (VIMA) Global Icon Award, which is the highest honour presented by VIMA
She received the award in Malaysia from VIMA founder Siva Zaphod Chandran in recognition of her two decade long career and influence across South Asia.
Ashanthi is Sri Lanka’s first female rapper – and the only local female artiste signed to Universal Music India, making her a trailblazer in the country’s contemporary music scene.
Over 20 years, she has built a reputation as a stellar singer, songwriter and producer, shaping the local hip-hop and R&B landscape, and inspiring young musicians across the region.
Launched in Malaysia in 2008, the VIMA Music Awards celebrates independent music and artistes who push creative boundaries.
De Alwis has previously won multiple VIMA accolades including Best Female Singer (Gold), Best Pop Act of Asia (Silver), Best Hip- Hop Act of Asia (Silver) and an Honorary Award for Most Creative & Innovative Act.
The awards announced a comeback after a seven year hiatus, introducing multilingual categories, tech driven initiatives, and new avenues to celebrate diversity and authenticity in music.
