THE JOURNEY From International Awards to Cinema Scope, CENTIGRADZ have excelled in professional music industry in Sri Lanka and their journey certainly inspires young music lovers to take on the Sri Lankan new age mainstream. Their efforts of purifying the Sri Lankan music industry were highly commended by many veteran artistes and Sri Lankan Music Legends!! The journey started with 4 ordinary college students who shared a common dream which fueled the desire of producing distinctive music. Amila , Udaya , Isuru , Ishan and Thusith . Guys started off with cover versions of popular Pop / Ethnic RnB / Alternative bands and as new comers all their performances were highly appreciated by the audience , in 2002 they recorded two studio singles "Tradition" and "Dark Angel" to perform at eminent gatherings and college conferences . These up tempo songs were instant hits and grabbed the immediate attention of some leading media networks in the country and both the songs received air play in 2003. The song "Tradition" entered the Sri Lankan hot 40 chart at #2 and their amazing song "Dark Angel" took only 24hrs to jump in to the ABC Network's Sun Fm Hot 40 Countdown and right next week, it was sitting pretty at the #1 spot after competing with major International acts. "Dark Angel" held the #1 spot for four straight weeks and was featured in multiple charts at the same time. Due to the overwhelming popularity and the groove; the songs received airplay on BBC Radio 1. The two songs sent their 2005 debut album "Heritage" rocketing up the charts and it holds the record for the selling fastest debut album and highest first full week of sales in Sri Lanka. CENTIGRADZ released their first music video "Sulanga Se" in 2006 Directed and co produced by Tharshana & Manuranga and was generally well-received. The benchmark of the group's launch to fame was the videos of "Dark Angel" & "Natamu" directed by Pravin Jayarathne of Dil Films (2006 /2007). They followed it up with three more ground breaking videos Directed by Chothira Shanaka of CS Creations . Shanaka's creativity in "Pahasara" "Oba Ekwenawado" and "Ranwan Mal Dam" made CENTIGRADZ rule the Video Charts for 15 straight weeks in 2008 . Riding the high waves of success; CENTIGRADZ were sorted out by the movie moguls to produce the theme song of the movie Heart FM and a mid tempo ballad for the movie "Asai Man Piyabanna" directed by Udayakantha . They endorsed and started production in 2008. The group also appeared in the movie "Heart Fm" directed by Senesh Bandara. CENTIGRADZ were nominated to represent Sri Lanka to compete in the Finals at the "Asia Pacific world Star Quest" , in Penang Malaysia which saw a participation of 13 countries .They showed class and true professionalism at the out door concert in Auto City where they won the "Excellent New Singer Award" . The group performed "Nage" and "Sudhilana" in the 2008 final which was organized by NIVo Entertainment Malaysia and Shanghai Cultural Foundation of China. It was not smooth sailing all the way; for the guys as they had to overcome many obstacles. They have become stronger and more mindful of the illicit possibilities in the industry. A lot has changed since 1998, when we first got to know the guys comprising CENTIGRADZ : Amila , Thusith , Udaya , Ishan , Isuru D . The newest addition to the group is Thilina a.k.a Tj. He fits in the shoes of Isuru D; who had to move to Australia for higher studies just before the launch of CENTIGRADZ's debut Album in 2005 . The guys still cherish the unforgettable times shared with Isuru and guess what..!! They had a bowl of a time with their long time friend; when CENTIGRADZ toured Australia in the spring of 2008. Having completed over 500 "SOLD OUT SHOWS" to date , the guys continue to generate the highest number of ticket sales in the country . Performance is such an important element of the CENTIGRADZ and their loyal fans adore them so much for their unity, simplicity and undying passion for music. They helped to raise funds in aid of their fellow Sri Lankans who were worse hit; by the Tsunami by performing in four Reach Out Concerts and Musicians for People One Trust concert. The guys, love the fact that they can lift people's spirits and make them smile with songs they can sing along to. Its all in their magical sound which has evolved with their fans over the years. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.