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

In April, the idyllic resorts of the Maldives remained steadfast in their pursuit of perfection. With this, resorts worked on ushering in a wave of key appointments and promotions to elevate the guest experience to new heights. Committed to crafting unforgettable moments and personalized services, these appointments underscored the unwavering dedication of the industry to anticipate and exceed the expectations of every traveller. Here, we delve into the notable appointments made across the archipelago, showcasing the ongoing efforts to redefine luxury, sustainability, culinary excellence, and wellness in paradise.

Mahmoud Elkhouly Returns to Nika Island Resort & Spa as Assistant Director of Sales & Marketing

Nika Island Resort & Spa recently welcomed Mohmoud Elkhaouly as Assistant Director of Sales. Prior to working in the Maldives, Mahmoud worked in Egypt as a Reservations Sales Agent. His career started as a Reservations Sales Agent at Sonesta Beach Resort. From there, he worked his way up to Reservations Supervisor at Ayada Maldives Resort & Spa.

Sun Siyam Iru Veli Appoints Athif Ibrahim as Learning & Development Manager

This April, Sun Siyam Iru Veli also appointed Athif Ibrahim as the new Learning & Development Manager. Athif’s hospitality journey started at One & Only Reethi Rah, Maldives. From here on, Athif has worked in various roles. This includes a notable tenure in front-office management. His his current role, Athif will harness his expertise to drive innovative learning strategies and create tailored developmental programs. Through these programmes, he can ensure the empowerment of staff members at Sun Siyam Iru Veli.

Sun Siyam Resorts Promotes Ahmed Naufal to Group Director of Sales & Marketing

Sun Siyam Resorts also announced the promotion of Ahmed Naufal to Group Director of Sales & Marketing. Prior to this role, Naufal worked as Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing at Sun Siyam Resorts. In his new role, Naufal will be responsible for developing robust sales and marketing growth strategies, fostering global partnerships, and driving business success for all of Sun Siyam Resorts. Naufal has been working with Sun Siyam Resorts since August 2021. He started his journey with the brand as Director of Sales and Marketing, playing a vital role in the global sales initiatives.

Chef Warren Moore Joins Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives as New Executive Chef

Chef Warren Moore, hailing from South Africa brings his wealth of experience as he joins Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll as the resort’s new Executive chef. With over 25 years of experience in the Restaurant and Hospitality industry, Chef Warren is set to elevate the culinary front at Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll. Prior to this role, Chef Warren also served as the Executive Chef at Jawakara Islands Maldives. Additionally, he has also spent seven years working in various esteemed properties of the Crown and Champa Resorts Group.

Baglioni Maldives Announces Two Key Appointments in April

This April, Baglioni Maldives also announced the appointments of Ahmed Azeef as Front Office Manager and Mariyam Rishma Hameed as Sales & Events Manager. With this appointment, Ahmed Azeef brings his wealth of experience to Baglioni Maldives. Additionally, Mariyam Rishma also brings a decade of experience to enhance the sales and events aspect of the resort.

The Ozen Collection Appoints Maalik Abdul Qayoom as Sales Manager

Yet another important appointment was announced this April at The Ozen Collection as Maalik Abdul Qayoom takes the role of Sales Manager – Destination Management Companies (DMCs). With this appointment, Maalik brings over 8 years of experience in Reservations and Revenue management. Prior to this role, Maalik has worked with esteemed hospitality brands such as Jumeirah, Fairmont, and The Residence as well.

SO/ Maldives Appoints Narain ‘Nick’ as Sales Manager

SO/ Maldives also made an important appointment this April as Narain ‘Nick’ takes on the role of the new Sales Manager of the resorts. Before this appointment, Nick has gained over 15 years of experience in different fields. In addition to hospitality, Nick also has experience in airlines and travel as well.

Avani + Fares Maldives Appoints Thaaif Ahmed

The newly opened Avani + Fares Maldives Resort announced the appointment of Thaaif Ahmed as the new Director of Sales & Marketing as well. With nearly two decades of experience in the industry, Thaaif brings exceptional leadership capabilities to the role. Prior to this, he played a pivotal role in driving revenue and growth at NH Collections Maldives. He has also worked at Anantara Dhigu Resort Maldives, Anantara Veli Resort Maldives as well as Naladhu Private Island.

W Maldives Promotes Ahmed Zahir and Ismail Saeed

This April, W Maldives announced the well-deserved promotions of Ahmed Zahir, who transitions into the role of Rooms Division Manager, and Ismail Saeed, now assuming the position of Welcome Manager. Formerly excelling as the Welcome Manager, Ahmed Zahir brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role. The promotion is poised to further enhance guest experiences and operational excellence within the Rooms Division. Ismail Saeed, previously serving as the Lounge Manager, steps into the pivotal role of Welcome Manager. In this new role, his exceptional leadership skills and dedication to guest satisfaction will undoubtedly flourish.