Sri Lankan pop sensation Yohani made her highly anticipated debut in Papua New Guinea this week, delivering not only an electrifying performance at the Musical Extravaganza at The Stanley Hotel & Suites last night, but also a heartfelt visit to Brown River that touched the lives of a community often overlooked. Best known for her viral hit “Manike Mage Hithe”, Yohani who is signed under India’s most subscribed YouTube label, T-Series was the headline act for the high-profile, charity-based concert organized by the Sri Lanka–Papua New Guinea Friendship Foundation (SLPNGFF). The event was the culmination of a week-long campaign aimed at raising funds for vital health services and outreach programs in rural PNG. But her impact wasn’t only felt under the stage lights. Just days before the main event, Yohani visited the Brown River community on Thursday, 3 July, offering something deeper than entertainment. Joined by the Sri Lankan pop-rock band The Infinity, their visit featured an intimate acoustic set, including a stripped-back cover of “Price Tag” by Jessie J sending a powerful message about compassion and connection through music. Children and families in the village were left inspired and uplifted by her presence, especially given that for many, this was the first time meeting an international artist face-to-face. The visit was part of SLPNGFF’s humanitarian outreach, a core pillar of the foundation’s ongoing work in PNG. On concert night, Yohani’s entrance onto the Kokoda Ballroom stage was met with deafening applause. She opened with her signature mix of Sinhala ballads, pop anthems, and newly released tracks from her latest album, blending South Asian sounds with international pop beats. The show’s emotional peak came when she teamed up with PNG’s star Rhée Gial for a rousing duet of Livin' La Vida Loca" by Ricky Martin. The performance was more than nostalgic because it was symbolic, capturing the harmony between visiting and local artists. Another standout moment came with her energetic cover of “ATP”, the 2024 global smash by Rosie and Bruno Mars. Backed by Infinity, Yohani’s vocals soared over a rich wave of pop-rock instrumentation, creating a soundscape that had the crowd on their feet. The SLPNGFF Musical Extravaganza wasn’t just a night of lights and music, but it was a corporate humanitarian initiative with clear objectives: Delivering healthcare support to underserved rural communities Promoting child nutrition and maternal wellness Encouraging cultural exchange between Sri Lanka and Papua New Guinea The night ended with Yohani voice echoing far beyond the ballroom—carried into homes, into communities like Brown River, and into the hearts of a nation that embraced her not just as a performer, but as an artist in solidarity.