Papara Klang

Papara music is the heartbeat of Sri Lankan celebrations—an energetic and improvisational brass-band tradition that fuses Sinhala, Tamil, and Western influences into a high-energy sound. Originating from folk traditions, Papara has evolved into a defining element of Sri Lanka’s sports culture, most notably at cricket matches, where it heats up crowds with its rhythms. Beyond stadiums, Papara is also essential at street festivals, political rallies, and social gatherings.

What makes Papara truly unique is that it’s often passed down from generation to generation – from father to son. Many Papara musicians do not read musical notation, instead, they master their craft by listening and memorizing. Musicians take a well-known melody and transform it spontaneously, adding their own rhythms and energy to keep the music dynamic.

Yet, despite its cultural significance, Papara remains an underexplored genre, with little academic research or media presence documenting its evolution. The Goethe-Institut Sri Lanka is delighted to partner with researcher and musician Nuwan Gunawardhana to bridge this gap and present two documentaries on this topic:

Ha Papara Mary (40 min) focuses on integrating spontaneous creativity into Papara. Through jam sessions and interviews, this research examines how improvisation can enrich Papara while preserving its unique essence.

Papara Jazz (50 min) takes Papara further by blending it with jazz influences. By exploring the intersection of improvisation, rhythm, and harmony, this project aims to enhance Papara’s depth and versatility, while advancing recording, mixing, and mastering techniques for the genre.

Both films, in collaboration with local and international artists, provide a deeper understanding of Papara’s evolution and potential for global recognition. Following the screenings, join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring researcher and musician Nuwan Gunawardhana, alongside musicologists Dr. Sumudi Suraweera, curator Imaad Majeed, moderated by Vidhurinda Samerweera. Together, they will explore the future of this dynamic genre and its potential place in the global music landscape.

Date: Thursday, 20 February 2025
Venue: Goethe-Institut Hall, Colombo

Register by email at esta.winkler.extern@goethe.de

Be part of the conversation—experience the sound, learn the story, and celebrate Papara!