Few would disagree, but music is one of the many things that’s transforming our social culture today, gone are the days we were entertained by local artists singing to borrowed tunes from neighbors. A new wave of young artists are redefining Maldivian music creating what they call, a little something of our own.
Andhala, Anya as she prefers to be called, is one of the newest faces to steal limelight in the Maldivian music scene. She started singing at a very young age, and was recently featured on a Raagu, an exclusive television music production for young female artists. She received a warm welcome and at age 20, she is stubbornly determined about singing for a long time. I sat down with Anya for a coffee, to ask more about her career and future plans.
Q. Do you remember how you started singing?
My mom used to sing, when I was very young, I remember we used to sing all the time, I think that’s what got me interested
Q. When was your first performance as a singer?
My first public performance would be, in Mathiveri,it was Eid Holidays, I went with my mom and there were huge celebrations for eid. I remember I cried the first time. It was a bit overwhelming, but I was fine after two three songs.
Q. How old were you then?
I don’t actually remember, I think… May be I was in UKG.
And that was when you began performing in School Singing Competition?
Yeah, I participated from Ahmadiyya School and Jamaaluddeen. I am very happy about my performances back then. That was a great time. And once, I got first place when I was singing for Ahmadhiyya, and that was exciting.
Music is like the only thing i can see my self doing
Q. Who supported you most to nurture your singing talent?
That would be my parents, they did so much for me throughout my career. Up until here, everything that I am, they helped me through. And I am very thankful for that and for my family. Especially my mother. She’s been there for me always, and I can’t thank her enough.
Q. Apart from the singing competitions, did you get any opportunities during your school days, to develop your music talent?
Yeah, I got lot of help from my school. My vocal teacher was Shafeeq Sir, I am sure almost everybody knows him. He was really the one who helped me through all the complex hours of voice training, and it shows. I know it has helped me so much now. It really shows’.
Q. Tell us a bit about your studies?
I studied in Male’, up until great 8 in Ameiniya School. After that I continued my high school in Malaysia and now I am doing Audio Production. That’s basically about hands on recording stuff. It has nothing to do with singing or vocals or any of that. It’s about sound recording and managing sound for concerts and such music productions.
Q. How do you think it’s going to help you in the future?
There are lots of job opportunities in Malaysia, but not as much in Male’, because we don’t really have that many shows here. But maybe if I build my own studio someday, I will be able make better use of it. Having a job in Malaysia is also an option.
Q. As a young Maldivian artist, do you think that there is a musical spirit that inspires you to look for a career in this industry?
Yes of course. Because almost every artist is trying to promote original music. Like Unoosha for example, she is doing her original stuff and the also singing for bollywood. That’s a huge success. I believe there is future to build a career in this industry. People like her, they are making it work. So why not?
Q. Raagu show on TVM would be the best exposure for you so far, how did get the opportunity to be featured on the show?
I was invited by the producers, Fazeel, Zufar…they wanted to promote female artists. And i think that was a great platform for us as musicians, because there have not been many programs like that. And all the songs were recorded live, maybe when they show it on TV, people find it hard to believe, but we sang every song in one take, and that was it. It was a great program, I hope they continue it.
Q. Will you be doing that again?
Yes of course. It’s a very good program. Even other such TV show, I will probably do it. Because it’s live, and it’s promoting our own original music.
Q. Are we going to see more of you as a singer?
Well, yeah Music is the only thing I can see myself doing,” if I am not doing this… Well probably going to do this for a long time.
Q. What are your plans then, have you thought of a way to make money out of it?
I think right now the best way for a musician to make money is resort music. It’s a great field. But for me i think doing just that is not enough. You have to come with news stuffs, like coming up with albums.
Q. Have you ever performed in a resort before?
Yeah, I am already performing with an uncle, at taj exotica. But i am also looking for more places to perform.
Q. As a young female artist who is a musician and who travels often, I am not guessing it will be easy, but how good are you in managing your relationships?
Relationships… Well i have a boyfriend. (She smiles and leaves a statement). And he is more than just a boyfriend. He sings as well. So we are connected in a lot of ways. I could simply say he is my best friend.
Q. Does that bring more to your music?
Yes of course. If i have to sing with someone else he would be my first choice. Because even when singing he know what i am going to do next and it’s really comfortable.
Q. What genre of music inspires you most?
Acoustic. Even when you go on you tube, you can find acoustic versions of heavy metal or pop songs, and the acoustic version sounds so much better
Q. Who do you listen to most?
Jack Johnson He is just brilliant with guitar. I can listen to him all day. And i have been trying cover some of his work but its very difficult.
Q. If you are asked to give your best performance, what will you choose to sing?
Fast Car by Tracy Chapman. She is also one of my biggest inspirations.
