A cappella isn’t for the faint of heart. Stripped of instruments and studio crutches, it demands raw talent, creativity, and vocal precision. It’s a craft that often separates the true artists from the many enthusiasts—and when done right, it can hit like nothing else. While most musicians rely on instruments to carry their melodies, we recently had the chance to discover an artist who uses only his voice to craft entire worlds. hachajah, an exceptionally talented artist blending Sri Lankan soul with modern pop beats, creates immersive soundscapes that often stick with you.
Now, this innovative artist is back with a new single, Shooting Traffic Lights, set for release on February 28th, 2025. We were fortunate enough to get a sneak peek of the track ahead of its release—and let us tell you, it’s something truly unique.
The upcoming single seems to throw you straight into the streets of Colombo, Sri Lanka, during the country’s decades-long ethnic conflict. But this isn’t just a history lesson; it’s a heart-pounding escape story. Two lovers steal a moment of intimacy in a parked car when an army jeep suddenly pulls up. No time to think—just hit the gas and go. The song appears to capture that electric mix of fear, love, and survival. With nothing but his voice, hachajah seems to recreate the rev of the engine, the pulse of rubber on asphalt, and the rush of adrenaline as they race through the night.
The beats feel like a heartbeat gone wild, while the lyrics—“Love can’t wait for wars to cease / But lovers don’t fit on wartime streets”—tend to stick with you long after the music fades. There’s a realness here, a sense of danger and devotion that’s often hard to shake. And all of it, every sound you hear, comes from hachajah’s voice. No instruments, just raw vocal power.
For those who haven’t heard of hachajah yet, here’s the rundown: He’s a cappella artist originally from Colombo, Sri Lanka, now living in Boston, Massachusetts. His music blends the warm, rhythmic heart of Sri Lankan beats with the catchy hooks of Western pop. Back in August 2024, he dropped his debut EP, No Place Like, and it seemed to make waves. The track, Colombo Sky, was nominated for Best Global Music Video at the A Cappella Video Awards. An impressive achievement for a first outing, don’t you think?
Watch “Colombo Sky” here: YouTu.be/qAL2UBOZRto
Photo Courtesy: Hachajah
Shooting Traffic Lights isn’t just about the thrill of the chase. It’s also a tribute to those who lived—and loved—through Sri Lanka’s war years. “I hope listeners will step into the shoes of lovers and families who faced heartbreak during the war in Sri Lanka,” hachajah shares. “While this particular story follows a couple who escape, the music also serves as a tribute to those who didn’t. Many lost sons, daughters, partners, and siblings—entire futures were stolen, and families were left forever incomplete. This song is about feeling the weight of those losses and recognizing the enduring echoes of war.”
This blend of deeply personal storytelling, cultural authenticity, and pure vocal craft seems to make hachajah’s work stand out. He doesn’t just sing—he paints vivid, emotional landscapes. And while a cappella might often make you think of collegiate groups doing cheesy covers, hachajah demonstrates it can be so much more. His music has a soul, Grit, and Substance.
As the countdown to Shooting Traffic Lights begins, do yourself a favor and check out his earlier tracks—especially Colombo Sky. Let yourself get lost in the layers of sound, the rhythms that feel like heartbeats, and the stories that transport you across continents and decades.
February 28th will be here before you know it. Until then, follow hachajah on Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube to stay in the loop. We think you won’t want to miss what he’s got coming.
Check out hachajah’s discography: Open.Spotify.com/artist/6IO7mAzwxccM1uKsIHlgVW
hachajah’s social media handles:
Published by Anne C.
