You know that moment when an artist comes out of nowhere and completely grabs your attention? That’s exactly what happened last summer when hachajah dropped his hit video, Colombo Sky. If you missed it, here’s the gist: it was a stunning a cappella track that blended Sri Lankan soul with modern pop, all wrapped up in a story about Colombo, resilience, and nostalgia. It was fresh, it was raw, and it put hachajah on the map. Now, just a few months later, he’s back with a brand-new single—and trust us, this one’s going to hit you right in the gut.
hachajah isn’t your typical artist. Born in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and now based in The Hub of the Universe, Boston, he’s got a knack for turning personal stories into universal experiences. His music draws from his childhood in war-torn Sri Lanka and his dreams of a better future. After years of honing his craft as part of the World Championship-winning a cappella group The Revelations, hachajah launched his solo career with last year’s debut EP, No Place Like. The EP didn’t just introduce us to his unique sound—it also earned him a nomination for Best Global Music Video at the A Cappella Video Awards for Colombo Sky.
But that’s not all—hachajah‘s talent has been further recognized by the Contemporary A Cappella Society of America (CASA). His debut album No Place Like and its flagship song Colombo Sky have been nominated for an impressive eight categories in the 2025 Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARA). These nominations span a wide range, including Best Non-Scholastic Debut Album/EP, Best Experimental Song, Best Global Song, Best Pop EP, and more. This recognition solidifies hachajah‘s position as a rising star in the a cappella world.
Now let’s talk about his latest release: Shooting Traffic Lights. This is an emotional rollercoaster set against the backdrop of Sri Lanka’s 30-year ethnic conflict. The story follows two lovers who find themselves in a life-or-death situation. They’re parked on the side of the road when an army jeep pulls up unexpectedly. Knowing the dangers of the time—unsanctioned violence and unchecked authority—they make a break for it, speeding down the freeway to escape.
The lyrics pull you right into their world: “Khaki green checkpoints, army men right down the road / War-time rendezvous’ are not for Juliets and Romeos.” You can feel the tension, the fear, and the adrenaline as they race through the night. The chorus is pure urgency: “Down the freeway we go / Stamp that the gas on the pedal floor / Got to do or die there’s no time for more.” It’s cinematic and gripping—like you’re watching a scene from an action movie but feeling every beat of their hearts through hachajah’s layered vocals.
Musically, Shooting Traffic Lights is polished yet deeply emotional. hachajah uses his voice like an instrument—building harmonies that shift between urgency and reflection. The bridge: “Shooting traffic lights / Wind in our hair, screaming no care..” captures that fleeting moment of freedom amidst chaos—a reminder that even in desperate times, there’s room for love and hope.
This song isn’t just about two people on the run. It’s also a tribute to those who didn’t make it out. “Many lost sons, daughters, partners, siblings—entire futures were stolen,” hachajah says. “This song is about feeling the weight of those losses and recognizing the enduring echoes of war.” It’s heavy stuff, but it’s handled with care—never preachy or overly sentimental. Instead, it feels like an invitation to step into someone else’s shoes and really feel their story.9
What makes hachajah stand out is how he balances these deeply personal narratives with universal themes. Love. Loss. Survival. Freedom. These are things we can all connect with, even if we’ve never lived through war ourselves. And he does it all through his signature a cappella style—a fusion of Sri Lankan beats, pop influences, and vocal storytelling that feels fresh yet familiar.
So here’s the deal: if you haven’t listened to Shooting Traffic Lights yet, do yourself a favor and hit play now. It’s like a great movie or an unforgettable book. And while you’re at it, keep an eye on hachajah because something tells us this is just the beginning of what he has to offer.
Follow him on Instagram, Facebook, or wherever you get your music updates to stay up to date on his latest projects. Whether you’ve been a fan for a while or just found his music, hachajah is someone you’ll want to keep an eye on.
