Exclusive Interview with Faizan: Maldivian Musician, Hand Pan Player and An Icon in the Entertainment Industry

The harmonies of Maldivian music anchors itself to every special occasion. Influenced by Indian and Arabian culture, traditional music went through generations of development to reach where it is today. Now influenced by the modern rhythms, the newer generation of musicians shows promising potential to take the tunes of Maldives beyond our shores.

Maldivian artist Faizan has been the gossip of the industry having astonished everyone with his latest release “Aether”. In collaboration with the globally acclaimed Violin quartet Amadeus, Aether has been making headlines all over the place in the past few weeks including features in more than 50 international TV channels, International radio channels, and magazines.

We caught up with Faizan to hear the story of his journey to reach this milestone in his career and find out what he has in store for us next. Faizan is a well-known Maldivian artist performing in resorts, all over the Maldives and even in international events.

1. With a unique set of skill and with a long history of working in the entertainment field within the Maldives industry, could you tell us about your journey till today?

Faizan: From a young age I was ambitious about playing music. My journey started at Jamaluddin School, where I completed my primary education, I went to see the band practice out of curiosity. After noticing I standby the music class occasionally, one day the music teacher let me in. From there I was in the school band playing the drums until I finished my education.

Afterward, I met Chippe and started learning how to play the guitar with him. Back then my interest was towards metal music. So, we later decided to create our own music band and that’s when ‘Serenity Dies’ was born.

In the early 2000’s we performed all over the country hosting massive shows. Then around 2005, I got into playing at resorts when Mohoj from Zero Degree invited me to come join his band and play at Hilton Maldives (Now Conrad Maldives). From there I started playing at resorts. Sometimes weeks went by when I just went from one venue to another performing in resorts nonstop.

MVHOTELS.Travel Talks with Faizan

2. Having harmonized the listeners with your latest release ‘Aether’, and with the latest Skyrock debut, what is the next surprise you have for your audience?

Faizan: We finished the entire upcoming Skyrock album with plans to release it in 2021. My solo album is also planned to be released in 2021 as well. The ‘Lockdown covers’ series we’re bringing these days from SkyRock aims to let everyone reminisce about the vibes of old-time hit songs with a twist of Skyrock.

SkyRock came to be in 2017, my idea was to have a band that is not limited to just playing at resorts but create our own music with inspiration from bands and music legends like Zero Degree and Mezzo. And of course, create our own originals and even go beyond the shores of Maldives, cause why not.

3. What was it like collaborating on Aether with Amadeus Electric Quartet? Would we be seeing more artists featuring in your upcoming projects?

Faizan: I was doing some garage recording and I realized that violins really connect to the music I was working on at that time. While having a coffee with Aman, we were talking about violin quartets and how it connects to the music so well. So, I searched up violin quartets, and I found out about Amadeus and just loved their unique style and really wanted to collaborate with them.

Things took a turn and started getting really exciting when they agreed that they were on board with me. Cache Cache Events was involved helping me to communicate with Amadeus and a lot of work in that was done by our management. Cache cache events is the first artist management in the Maldives. It aims to promote, elevate, and to give rise to new and upcoming local artists locally and internationally.

The management has a strong focus on local musicians, making marketing and promotional videos, branding, email marketing and finding opportunities in resorts and in international hotel markets. And They offer unique entertainment options for Maldivian resorts.

I take working with Amadeus as a really great learning curve and an honor. They are well established and toured around the world and this has been one of the greatest experiences of my career. I believe Amadeus choose to work with me because I fit well into the concept and idea we had. And of course, I would definitely be collaborating with more artists in the future.

4. What’s your inspiration behind Aether and how would you define its emotional connection to the Maldives?

Faizan: The concept behind Aether came from me, Aman & Nazaal. Moreover, how the elements of nature connected with the 4 members of Amadeus fit great as well. Aether can be described as ‘The nature that surrounds us’ and Maldives fits perfectly into description that considering the beauty of our country is a place to reconnect with nature.

Aether – Faizan feat Amadeus

5. What was Amadeus’ take, working on the music video and the Maldives?

Faizan: Amadeus was really excited to work on Aether and after going through the tunes, they just fell in love with it. It was a double punch for them when they found out I’m from the Maldives. Getting to come to the Maldives and shooting the music video here was an honor in itself for them. What we came up with exceeded our hopes and we got amazing results than what we expected.

6. What’s your opinion on the current entertainment industry of the Maldives and what’s the advice you would give as the next step for local artists who wants to grow?

Faizan: I think we lack a lot of resources to say we have a consistent model of an industry. In other countries, there are various record labels, artist management companies, and much more. But I believe we’re moving steps closer to completing what the industry lacks.

I would advise local artists to never ever stop dreaming. Everyone has something unique and different to offer so bring your talent to the table. Everyone must work towards creating a name for themselves, I believe there’s a lot of hidden talents out there and you shouldn’t feel embarrassed to show your talent to the world.

If you don’t believe in yourself, how can you achieve it? Focus on your career no matter what it is and believe you can achieve it. Challenge yourself, not others. Try to be better than the person that you were yesterday.

Feature image by Ibrahim Jailam & Mohamed Miuvaan

Few figures have shaped the world of luxury travel quite like Sonu Shivdasani. As the co-founder of both Soneva and Six Senses, he defined what sustainable, experiential luxury looks like not just in the Maldives but on a global scale. Over more than three decades of passion-driven leadership, he transformed remote islands into globally celebrated eco-conscious sanctuaries.

Since opening Soneva Fushi in 1995, Sonu Shivdasani has pioneered a back-to-nature luxury experience that redefined the Maldives as a premier high-end destination. Under his leadership, Soneva introduced many hospitality innovations that have become industry standards, including private pools, open-air bathrooms, and curated experiences with marine biologists and artists. His approach seamlessly fused luxury with environmental responsibility by embedding sustainability into every facet of the business.

Now, following a significant change in Soneva’s ownership structure, Shivdasani embarks on a new chapter guided by creativity, exploration, and long-awaited personal pursuits.

Stepping Back, Not Stepping Away

In May 2025, KSL Capital Partners converted their preference shares into ordinary shares, taking majority control of the Soneva Group. Despite this shift, Sonu and his wife Eva remain significant minority shareholders but have stepped back from the company’s day-to-day operations.

Sonu Shidvasani told Hotel Investment Today,

“It is very important to us that Soneva thrives. However, I have agreed with them that they will run the business and Eva and I will not be involved.”

This marks the close of an era of active leadership while maintaining lasting influence. Their continued stake reflects deep-rooted confidence in the brand’s values and future.

A Legacy of Innovation in Sustainable Hospitality

To fully appreciate this transition, it is essential to reflect on Sonu and Eva’s remarkable journey, which has been a deeply personal and enduring commitment. Over more than 30 years, they built two globally respected hospitality brands that set new benchmarks for sustainability, wellness, and authentic guest experiences. They launched Six Senses in 2004, growing it to 26 resorts and 41 spas worldwide, before deciding to focus exclusively on Sovnea’s “One Wonder, One Operator, One Philosophy” model. This model champions intimate, purpose-driven luxury.

Beyond pioneering resorts, Sonu spearheaded transformative environmental and social initiatives through the Soneva Foundation, founded in 2010. Under his guidance, the foundation rolled out impactful programs, such as eliminating branded bottled water in favor of purified onsite water. This initiative funded clean water access for over 800,000 people across 50 countries. Additionally, the voluntary carbon levy on guest stays supports projects including planting half a million trees in Thailand, installing a windmill in India, and distributing energy-efficient cookstoves that have benefited nearly 300,000 people in Myanmar and Darfur.

He also led the Myanmar Stoves Campaign, which generated $14 million in social value over four years by reducing deforestation, improving public health, and increasing incomes for 140,000 people. In the Maldives, his groundbreaking Soneva Namoona waste management program led the regional and national phase-out of single-use plastic.

From Personal Challenges to Global Recognition

In 2017, Sonu faced a serious health challenge when diagnosed with Stage IV Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. After a courageous battle, he emerged with a renewed holistic wellness philosophy that integrated both conventional and alternative therapies. This vision led to the launch of the Soneva Soul, a wellness brand in 2021, broadening the group’s commitment to well-being.

Therefore, his extensive contributions to tourism, sustainability, and philanthropy earned him recognition in 2023 when he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). That same year, he received the SevenRooms Icon Award at the World’s 50 Best Hotels. A unique individual honor celebrating his transformative impact on global luxury hospitality.

Today, Soneva’s portfolio includes:

Soneva Fushi
Soneva Jani
Soneva Secret
Soneva in Aqua (luxury yacht experience)

Each property embodies the brand’s core philosophy, “SLOW LIFE.” Which focuses on Sustainability, Locality, Wellness, Learning, and Inspiring experiences. These principles have defined Shivdasani’s legacy and continue to shape the future of luxury travel.

Looking Forward: A New Chapter of Creativity

Despite stepping back, Sonu Shivdasani is far from slowing down. While many might see this as a step toward retirement, he views it as a welcome pause and a chance to breathe and pursue projects long deferred.

“I feel fortunate to have a little bit of a break to catch my breath and do many things that I have always wanted to, but have never had the time.. At 58, I have another lifetime of creativity ahead of me.”

With day-to-day operations now entrusted to KSL. He plans to revisit hospitality concepts he once envisioned to develop but had kept aside. His broad experience and deepening focus on wellness and longevity continue to inform his evolving perspective on hospitality.

What’s Next for Soneva Under KSL?

With its increased stake, KSL Capital Partners now guides Soneva’s next phase. Armed with a strong background in luxury travel and leisure, the firm intends to expand operations and invest in existing properties while preserving the founding values that define Soneva.

To lead this evolution, KSL appointed Neil Gallagher as Soneva’s new CEO.

The Legacy Continues

Though Sonu Shivdasani no longer leads Soneva’s daily operations, his legacy remains deeply woven into the Maldives hospitality sector and resonates across global luxury travel. His vision endures in every villa, every tranquil moment, and every barefoot step taken on the Maldivian sands.