When I first heard the strains of "Manike Mage Hithe" (baby in my heart) shortly after it was uploaded on YouTube in May, I had little idea this song in Sinhala -- a language only spoken in Sri Lanka, where I come from -- was going to become a phenomenon across South Asia. Its lyrics speak of youth and romance and the melodic tune begins with touches of a ballad and is fused with rap.
Tea Leaves
When music breaks language barriers
Neglected South Asian tongues can take heart in massive reach of Sinhala popular song
Yohani Diloka De Silva's song's success offered millions a chance to hear the Sinhala language for the first time. (Photo courtesy of Pettah Effect)
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