Maldives.net.mv – The Maldives, scattered like pearls across the Indian Ocean, is a holidaymaker’s dream. But beyond its crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine white beaches, there is more to paradise than meets the eye-a robust culture vibrant in its age-old traditions.

For generations, in every inhabited island, the katheeb (island chief) would call the islanders to gather by blowing the sangu (triton or conch shell). The sound would resonate throughout the island, alerting the people to gather at their special meeting place in anticipation of what is to come.

It is with this notion in mind that Dusit Thani Maldives call our visitors to explore the richness of Maldivian culture. Hear the call of the sangu and let it inspire you to experience Maldivian culture through the various art forms: the visual and the performing, the dying and the thriving, a fusion of the traditional and the contemporary.

 Sand Art

Live contemporary sand art performances by the renowned Maldivian artist Afu (Afzal Shaafiu) on visually epic Maldivian tales shed light on the customs and traditions of the Maldives. Afu’s performances are collaborative masterpieces accompanied by a live musician. Afu has exhibited locally in the National Art Gallery of Maldives and internationally in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Mauritius, Zanzibar, Japan, and onboard the famed cruise liner ‘The World’.

 Handicraft

Maldivian handicrafts embody Maldivians’ longing for aesthetic beauty for themselves and as gifts for others. They are the hallmark of a culture as diverse as the islands scattered throughout the archipelago. Many of these crafts are skills handed down from generation to generation. However, the majority of the handicrafts are now a part of a disappearing culture and work is being done to revive the tradition. Three types of handicrafts—lacquer work, jewellery made from coconut shells, and ornamental dhoni (boat) sculpted from wood—will be produced before your eyes and available for purchase. 

The Maldivians

“The Maldivians” have been creating music in the Maldives over a decade under the recording company Super Muzik Faktory. Consisting of a keyboardist with electronic music sequencers, a female vocalist and guitarist, and boduberu (traditional drumming) performers, “The Maldivians” play traditional and contemporary music with a touch of modern pop, latin, and an electronic fusion of dance elements. “The Maldivians” continue to perform in international music festivals. Their fourth album, Mi Raaje (This is Maldives), is a hit both locally and internationally. 

Shaaz Saeed

Shaaz Saeed is a music director, composer, and instructor. Holding the accomplishment of being the only recipient of the National Award twice in a year, he is the lacuna of professional service in the entertainment industry of the Maldives. He is also the visionary behind “The Maldivians” music band. Apart from his intriguing knack for story-telling through music, he is also the composer of Call of the Sangu (Event Promo Video). 

Interactive Mixed-Media Art

Live interactive painting performance by the Maldivian artist Mariyam Shany Ahmed (Manje) demonstrating an illustrative exploration into the world of fantasy and mythology. Shany participated in the SAARC Artists’ Camp 2013 whereby she exhibited works in the National Art Gallery of the Maldives. 

DJ

A night of introduction to the Maldivian pop culture conducted by none other than Menimal (DJ Manal) himself – a name synonymous with dance music in the Maldives. Menimal electrifies the local entertainment circuits with his unique mixes. One of the highlights of his career was DJing at the Ministry of Sound 2012 in London.

Special Packages

Special Painting Workshop for Adults conducted by Afu (Afzal Shaafiu).

Special Painting Workshop for Kids conducted by Mariyam Shany Ahmed (Manje).