Maxi Rozairo, a pioneering figure in Sri Lanka’s western music scene, has passed away on December 27, 2025, at the age of 77, marking the end of an era in local music.
Widely regarded as a powerhouse vocalist and mentor, Rozairo began his musical journey in 1966 with the band Sound Waves and rose to prominence in 1970 as the lead singer of the popular band Spitfires. His talent earned him international recognition, particularly during the 1970s when he performed extensively in Beirut, where his influence was such that a leading nightclub was reportedly named in his honour.
Over his long career, Rozairo collaborated with many of Sri Lanka’s most iconic western musicians, including Mignonne Fernando, Noeline Honter, Dalreen Suby and Dilup Gabadamudalige.
In later years, he shifted his focus from performing to teaching, founding his own school of music to train young artists in vocal techniques and stage performance. His contributions to the growth and popularisation of western music in Sri Lanka have left a lasting legacy that continues to shape the country’s contemporary music landscape.
