Sri Lanka’s Hip Hop Queen wins VIMA’s highest honor!

COLOMBO (News 1st); Ashanthi, Sri Lanka’s trailblazing Hip Hop and R&B sensation, has etched her name in history yet again.

The island’s first female rapper and the only Sri Lankan female artist signed to a major international label—Universal Music India—has been awarded the VIMA Global Icon Award, the highest international honor presented by the prestigious VIMA Music Awards.

The award was personally handed over by VIMA Founder Siva Zaphod Chandran in Malaysia, recognizing Ashanthi’s extraordinary contributions to the global music industry and her influence across South Asia.

For over two decades, Ashanthi has been a powerhouse vocalist, songwriter, and producer, redefining Sri Lanka’s contemporary music scene and becoming one of South Asia’s most recognizable female voices.

Her artistry and innovation have made her a cultural icon, inspiring countless young musicians to dream beyond borders.

“My story with the VIMA Music Awards began over a decade ago,” Ashanthi shared. “Winning Best Female Singer (Gold), Best Pop Act of Asia (Silver), Best Hip Hop Act of Asia (Silver), and the Honorary Award for Most Creative & Innovative Act in 2011 was a defining moment. It reminded me how powerful music can be when it crosses borders. It opened doors, built connections across cultures, and shaped my journey.”

Her message to aspiring musicians is clear: “Create fearlessly, stay true to your sound, and let your art tell your most authentic story. The world needs to hear it.”

The Voize Independent Music Awards (VIMA), Asia’s pioneering independent music awards platform launched in Malaysia in 2008, is set for a major comeback in 2026 after a seven-year hiatus.

The relaunch promises multilingual categories, tech-driven initiatives, and exciting new platforms to celebrate diversity and authenticity in music.

“Ashanthi has proven time and time again her extraordinary talents—not just as a hit singer-songwriter but also as a mentor and judge for aspiring artists,” said VIMA Founder Siva Zaphod Chandran.

“This year-end, for her amazing efforts in the global music industry and South Asia, we are proud to bestow her with VIMA’s highest international honor—the Global Icon Award.”