We are beyond thrilled to celebrate an incredible milestone—five remarkable years of Tropic Candy performing at Tuktuk Wine & Dine, Negombo! 

On the evening of August 30, we hosted a truly spectacular night, a vibrant celebration overflowing with deep nostalgia, their signature vibrant music, and electrifying tropical energy as we profoundly honored this enduring, unforgettable journey together. From the very moment Tropic Candy took the stage and shared their unique sound, they instantly became more than just a band; they organically wove themselves into the fabric of our venue. 

They transformed into a vital part of our story, an inseparable element of our identity, and the pulsating heartbeat of the live music scene here at Tuktuk. Their regular performances have become a cherished tradition, a highly anticipated event that consistently draws a crowd and turns an ordinary night into an extraordinary, memory-making experience. 

This five-year anniversary was a profound celebration, honoring not just the remarkable consistency, professionalism, and musical longevity of the band, but also the deep community spirit, the steadfast loyalty of our patrons, and the shared joy that has steadily flourished between the band, our venue, and all who walk through our doors over this spectacular half-decade.

From Humble Beginnings to Monthly Magic

It all started five years ago when Tropic Candy first graced our stage as a humble three-piece acoustic gig. On that pivotal night, armed with a carefully curated mix of vibrant Sinhala and timeless English tracks, their distinct, soulful sound immediately captivated the hearts and ears of every guest present. The unique atmosphere created by the intimate setup, the beautifully raw acoustic melodies, and the band’s genuinely infectious enthusiasm came together to create an truly unforgettable experience, leaving a lasting impression even on those who were attending their very first live performance at Tuktuk. This inaugural night set a standard for excellence and laid the groundwork for everything that was to follow.

Little did anyone know that this small, powerful debut performance would mark the beginning of a long-standing tradition and a profound, successful partnership with our venue. Since that magical first night, Tropic Candy hasn’t just been a regular act; they have established themselves as an indispensable fixture in Negombo’s thriving nightlife scene, faithfully performing every single month at Tuktuk and consistently delivering their signature blend of tropical vibes and undeniable live energy to our stage. 

Their journey of musical evolution has been truly remarkable to witness: they have matured from that humble, minimalist acoustic setup into a full-fledged, dynamic band that now skillfully incorporates a richer, wider array of musical styles, genres, and instrumentation. Crucially, through all their expansion and growth, Tropic Candy has brilliantly managed to retain the core charm, profound authenticity, and heartfelt connection that originally made them such enduring local favorites.

Setting the Scene: A Tropical Paradise

Our August 30 celebration was more than just a gig; it was a full sensory experience. The venue was transformed into a tropical oasis, with vibrant floral arrangements, lush greenery, colorful hanging lanterns, and ambient lighting that bathed the space in warm, inviting hues. Every corner of Tuktuk reflected the essence of Tropic Candy’s music—joyful, colorful, and full of life.

The atmosphere was electric even before the first note was played. Guests arrived with excitement in their eyes, ready to celebrate not just a band, but five years of unforgettable moments. The scent of carefully prepared drinks mingled with the tropical décor, creating a welcoming and immersive environment. Our bartenders were busy crafting signature cocktails, while our servers moved gracefully through the crowd, ensuring everyone felt included in the celebration.

Star-Studded Guest Performances

No celebration would be complete without some incredible star power, and this night was graced by Lahiru Perera, also known as La Signore, and Falan Andrea.

Lahiru Perera needs little introduction in the Sri Lankan music scene. Known for his infectious energy, charming stage presence, and hits like Rambari, Lahiru brought the kind of performance that makes every audience member feel part of something special. From his early days rising to fame in 2008, to winning Music Video of the Year at the Derana Music Awards in 2010, and mentoring young talent on The Voice Teens Sri Lanka, Lahiru’s journey has been nothing short of inspirational. On stage at Tuktuk, he exuded charisma, pulling the crowd into the rhythm and ensuring everyone was dancing, singing, and smiling along.

Falan Andrea, our other spectacular guest, delivered a mesmerizing performance. Her smoky, raspy vocals, combined with her versatility across pop, jazz, blues, and traditional Sri Lankan music, captivated everyone in attendance. Falan’s songs like Me Dase Mage Wedana, Patalee, and Winda Maa Winda showcased her range and ability to connect emotionally with the audience. Her energy complemented Tropic Candy perfectly, creating seamless transitions between sets and a night of music that felt both fresh and deeply familiar.

Tropic Candy: The Heart of the Celebration

Of course, the stars of the evening remained Tropic Candy themselves. As they took the stage, the crowd erupted in applause. Over the years, Tropic Candy has mastered the art of connecting with their audience—mixing English and Sinhala songs, acoustic and tropical rhythms, and creating a vibe that feels intimate yet electric.

The band’s history with Tuktuk was on full display. From that first three-piece gig to now, Tropic Candy’s musical evolution has been remarkable. They have grown in skill, style, and stage presence while maintaining the warmth, authenticity, and charm that made them a hit with our audience from day one. The performance included a mix of original songs and popular covers, each delivered with precision, emotion, and infectious energy that had guests on their feet throughout the night.

DJ Ishan and Joe De Zilva: Keeping the Energy Alive

Between the live sets, DJ Ishan kept the vibe going with perfectly timed mixes that seamlessly bridged the performances. His ability to read the room ensured that the energy never dipped, keeping guests engaged, dancing, and fully immersed in the celebration.

Meanwhile, our compere Joe De Zilva added charm, humor, and connection to the night. He shared stories about Tropic Candy’s journey, engaged with the crowd, and kept the audience laughing, cheering, and involved from start to finish. Together, DJ Ishan and Joe De Zilva created the perfect balance between structured performances and spontaneous fun, keeping the celebration dynamic and memorable.

Celebrating with Gratitude: Sponsors and Appreciation

This milestone would not have been complete without our incredible sponsors. On The Rocks and Pelican Island supported the event, helping make the night unforgettable. Additionally, in collaboration with Semuthu Jewelers, we presented Tropic Candy with a golden coin as a symbol of appreciation for their talent, dedication, and impact over the past five years.

It was a moment of recognition for a band that has given so much to our venue and to the Negombo music scene at large.

A Crowd Full of Energy and Love

The night was a vivid display of community and joy. Guests of all ages—longtime fans, families, friends, and newcomers—mingled and danced together, creating a sense of unity and celebration. From the very first song to the closing beats, the crowd was engaged, singing along, waving their hands, and dancing to the infectious rhythms of Tropic Candy and our guest artists.

There were moments when we paused and simply watched—the joy on faces, the laughter shared, and the energy of hundreds of people moving together in harmony. That’s the magic of live music, and it’s the magic that Tropic Candy brings to Tuktuk every month.

Looking Back and Forward

Reflecting on five years of monthly performances, it’s incredible to see how far both Tuktuk and Tropic Candy have come. Tropic Candy has become more than just a band—they are part of the Tuktuk family, shaping our identity and helping us create an atmosphere that our guests look forward to month after month.

Looking forward, we are excited for what the next five years will bring. Tropic Candy will continue to light up our stage, bringing tropical rhythms, heartfelt performances, and unforgettable energy to Negombo. To our guests, our sponsors, and, of course, Tropic Candy, we say thank you for being part of this journey. Your energy, support, and love make every night possible.

A Night to Remember

August 30 was more than just a celebration—it was a tribute to music, community, and the spirit of Tropic Candy. The tropical décor, the star-studded performances, the infectious energy of the crowd, all combined to create a night that we at Tuktuk will remember for years to come.

Here’s to music, memories, and many more nights of tropical celebration at Tuktuk Wine & Dine. Five years down, and we’re just getting started!