The crowd gathered outside the Roundhouse bright and early eager to partake in the highly anticipated night.  The doors finally opened and the state of the art venue was a dazzling welcome by any standard.

The bow graced the strings of Ravi Kulatilake’s violin; the dome auditorium reverberated to the earthy sounds of Dinesh Ekanayake’s electric double bass – the Roundhouse exploded into life – and then began Fusive 2008.  The ensuing ensemble of music resonated through the crowd and filtered the rhythm of 'Black Magic Women' – familiar yet refreshingly new with vocalist Shivani Jayasinghe. The crowd was awe struck by the heart thumping South American track Jingo with Sydney’s own Santana – Duncan Karunaratne on lead guitar, supported by funky guitar rhythms of  Sandeep Liayange, and a crowd stopping drum solo by Chaminda Samaraweera, it was truly an instrumental fiesta. 

So followed an excellent collection of songs… the classic ‘Hotel California’ where the crowd passionately sang along with Shivani’s soothing vocals, the new hit ‘Beautiful Girl’ sung by Rajith Haththotuwegama who stirred a few ladies’ hearts, the band’s original track ‘Tharaka’ sung by one of Sydney’s favorites, Dulip Jayakody and the one that really got the crowd going in harmony – ‘Rangahala’, the bands modern version of the hit originally sung by Mr. Wijeratne Warakagoda. This was Sydney’s own band - Fusive. And they weren’t even the main act.  The Fusive set ended all too soon – and as this group of talented local musicians left the stage – there was a feeling that Fusive was undoubtedly the name to watch out for in Sydney.

The party had just started –Bathiya, Santhush, Randhir, Umara and Ashanthi seized the moment with very live and incredibly harmonious melodies.  The upbeat tunes and the unforgettable voices of the veterans Bathiya and Santhush were accompanied by vocal talents of Umara and Ashanthi and the raps of Randhir.  One could hardly believe that so much musical versatility could exist in such a small country.  The crowds were off their feet – and were dancing in unison.

The Illinoize crew began with a soft and serene introduction by Ranidu accompanying himself on a keyboard with a medley of slow songs.  A pleasant surprise for most of the crowd expecting a Rap fiesta!  But those who came expecting Illinoize for what they do best were far from disappointed.  The stage exploded with Iraj, BK, Krishan and Yauwanan.  Multi ethnic rap, Hip Hop groves with traditional drum beats, beat boxing and baila – hardly a soul was left standing by the end of the Illinoize set.

The incredible night of musical degustation was garnished with two dance items choreographed and performed by the beautiful Fusive Dancers.  Add to that the amazing lighting and sound managed by Innovation Magic befitting each item – there was hardly any space for desert!

One of the most memorable highlights for the night was the finale by Bathiya, Santhush and crew – the baila set.  If one was doubtful of being 'proud to be Sri Lankan' – this moment relinquished all such fears. So the night continued well into the early hours of the morning for most – more baila by Melbourne’s finest, DJ Naz and more dancing at the after party and a chance to meet and greet the stars. 

A crowd composed of a cross section of ages, ethnicities and musical tastes experienced a refreshingly new form of entertainment at Fusive 08.  Let’s hope for more of the same in the not too distant future!

We present you a selection of photographs taken by the official photographer Ruwan Weerakoon. Click here to view photos