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Adnan Sami’s first ever visit to Maldives: ‘What took me so long to come here’

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By Munal Shujau

Adnan Sami Khan has been dubbed many things including the ‘fastest man on the keyboard’ and the ‘Sultan of Music’. One thing is for sure, he has garnered a generation of admirers around the world, who grew up listening to his iconic songs. A musician, music composer, singer and even an actor – Adnan is a power house in the industry. But it was not all a smooth ride for him; he has battled his share of struggles and overcame them with his determined nature.

Adnan sat down with us at the beautiful private island resort of Kuda Villingili. He shared some of his pivotal moments in life and gave some invaluable advise for upcoming musicians.

Maldives Insider: How was your stay in the Maldives ?

Adnan Sami: I’ve grown up listening about how beautiful the Maldives is and I’ve seen so many pictures. But it’s nothing close to the pictures I’ve seen; it is far more beautiful and this is one of the rare moments in my life where the actual beauty of a place excels any photo. And I am not saying that because I am here. I have traveled to many places and some of them have never lived up to the photographs. And this is my first ever visit to the Maldives. That is why you are getting an overwhelming reaction to this. I am completely blown away by its beauty, serenity, the calm and peace. I sort of say to myself why didn’t I come here before, what took me so long to come here! Laughs.

At least I’ve found this gorgeous place and I intend to make it a regular habit. And I am saying this from the bottom of my heart. I have been traveling all my life and since my father was a diplomat, we have seen so many places. And we have seen some of the finest beaches in the world but nothing comes to close to what I have experienced here. When you think you have seen it all and suddenly God says, “hang on I have one more place”. I feel blessed that I have come here and I am loving every moment.

MI: What was your first impression of Kuda Villingili resort?

AS: When we arrived here, we were given such an incredibly warm reception by the whole staff. And the resort is absolutely first class! Beautifully done. We first stayed at the water villa, we had a pool and it was an incredible feeling – we had an infinite view of the water and the tranquil setting. And after three days we shifted to the beach villa. Again, a whole new experience. Medina, my daughter was having a blast, building sand castles and she has her own little tent. It is built beautifully, aesthetically gorgeous. And the other great thing about the resort is that it has some incredible restaurants. I mean I may have lost a lot of weight but you know there’s nothing you can do about your taste buds. You can’t change your taste buds to suddenly start liking boiled food! So even if it is two morsels that I eat, it has to be delicious. And the kind of variety available is amazing and the chefs are all passionate about their craft. Ranging from Indian, Italian, Japanese, Thai to Peruvian, Middle Eastern and Maldivian. So many different cuisines. And each one of them in their own respective cuisines are absolutely par excellence. And apart from having an amazing five star establishment, the staff are incredibly warm and friendly. I am a very observant person and I observed from a distance how they behaved with other people and it was the same warmth and the same personal touch. I think that makes all the difference. Which is why I would love to return to Kuda Villingili.

MI: We heard that you were given a special surprise from Kuda Villingili; would you like to elaborate on it?

AS: We had gone to dine at a restaurant called East, again a fabulous restaurant which specialises in Thai cuisine. And they set up a special table for us in the outdoors. It was nice with a moody setting. When we were having our soup, suddenly bang! full lights came on, the music started blasting. And it sounded familiar, it was my song ‘Tera Chehra’. And suddenly the staff started literally coming out of the trees where they were hiding. And they all broke into a dance. It was like a flash mob. The hotel staff had come up with this incredible dance to my songs and it was so touching. It was so overwhelming. All of us were just stunned! Life is about moments and that is all we take behind – that was one such moment etched in our memory as a beautiful memory and a great gesture from the hotel. It will remain with us as a unique gift. It was a priceless memory.

MI: You started playing the piano at the age of 5 and you know at least 35 musical instruments. How did you manage to learn all of them?

AS: Honestly speaking, it was a low attention span. I used to get bored and my hands were itchy and fidgety! Laughs What happened was, right from the beginning I was fond of music. So I was fascinated and drawn towards any instrument and I would want to be able to play it. Of course the piano is my first love. When my father was the ambassador to Portugal, at that time there was a piano in the house, that’s where I started. And I would eventually move on to other instruments. For me, they were my toys.

When my father sent me off to boarding school in England I got a serious music teacher. I was about 12 years old at that time and my father realised that I not only played the piano but I was also into composition. I composed my first piece of music at the age of 9. He also learnt that I played other instruments. He advised me to learn as many instruments as I can but also to remain faithful to one instrument and that is the piano. And because you’re a composer you will be composing music pieces for different instruments – whether it is a guitar, violin or saxophone. And if you know how to play them you will be able to understand them. And you will understand how to compose for that particular instrument – you would know the features, the limitations of that instrument.

So today if you hand over a tabla to me I will be able to play it. And when I am composing a piece of music and I sit with my rhythm section I am able to tell them “Look I want this. I want you to play it like this”, and I can come up with my own unique drum patterns. I am able to speak to them in their language and they appreciate that. Sometimes if i am unable to convey it in words I will play it to them and show them what I want.

MI: You were titled as the fastest keyboard player in the 90s. How’d that happen?

AS: That was never intended. Music is not a sport as I say, it is all about melody. That was something that was discovered when I performed in Stockholm, Sweden. They saw me playing Indian classical music and it was like, “Whoa! We’ve never seen anyone play the piano so quickly” and they were filming it on television, then they slowed it down to see my fingers and they couldn’t see my fingers. It was just a blur. So then they turned around and said, “Your fingers are moving faster than the shutter speed of the camera”, that’s when this whole thing came about and became a big deal. And I was like “Mmm okay, I am just playing”.

MI: You were one of the first musicians to play the santoor on the piano. How’d that happen?

AS: When I was about 15 years old my father, even though he was a diplomat was very fond of the arts, he was a big patron of the arts – be it poetry, music, literature and he never limited himself to Indian or South Asian. He listened to everything and had a good ear. He could fish out a bad note, was very sharp. So I was blessed to listen to a lot of different types of music. There was all kinds of music buzzing in the house. He saw that I had a great inclination towards jazz and he said, “You like jazz and you play a lot of jazz on the piano. You should listen to our Indian classical music” and like any 15 year old I replied, “Baba that’s for you guys. That’s for when we become older and not for the young guys” and he said “Nonsense! That is a stereotype image you have. Have a listen!” So I listened to it and I was absolutely blown away. Now I had a dilemma, I had to play it on the piano. He suggested that I play it on the piano as it is my instrument. But no one had played it on the piano before but he pushed me to think outside of the box. He told me not to limit myself.

So I studied the history of the piano and I realised that the piano and the santoor belonged to the same musical family. If you look at the santoor, it has two sticks and you strike the strings to create music. The piano is the same thing except mechanised, you press a key there’s a hammer and it goes and hits the key. It is the same principle you see, except the piano is bigger, more mechanised and developed. Whereas the santoor is more primitive and at one time you can hit two notes only. The piano can hit ten notes. So it’s like a modernised version of the santoor. After studying that I realised they both had similarities and yet the piano had it’s own character. So why not adopt some of the characteristics of the santoor, add some of the unique characteristics of the piano and Voila! That is when I met the late great Pundit Shivkumar Sharma who recently passed away, I asked him to take me on as a student and I learnt how to play the santoor, understood it and he taught me Indian classical music. And then I adapted all of that learning and brought it onto the piano and then presented it to the world. Which initially from the orthodox side some did not accept it. But it was welcomed by the progressive side and the majority of the ustads and the pundits welcomed it.

MI: You mentioned that your father was a diplomat and you come from a long line of diplomats and members who served in the military. How did you end up pursuing music as a career?

AS: It’s strange, nobody saw it coming. Including my father and myself. As you rightly said my roots are from Afghanistan and my grandfather and great grandfather were in politics. We belong to King Imanullah Khan’s family, they were governors, advisers and they were in the cabinet. But they all had one common factor and that was that they loved the Arts. At my grand father’s darbar, he had court musicians, he looked after them too. So this was always there.

My father loved to singer during his past time and my voice sounds a lot like his. I used to impersonate his voice on the phone many times and I used to gossip about myself to his sister. Laughs

When he saw that I loved playing music, he initially thought that he was too biased with my talent. And when I was studying at the American school in Portugal, there was a talent show I signed up for. I gave a performance on the piano. One of the student’s parent was a correspondent from BBC. When he heard me play, he went up to my father and said that I was a child prodigy and offered to do a special program that featured me. My father was blown away. The correspondent then advised that my father nurture my talent. So of course we did the program. He eventually encouraged my music and at a certain point he came up to me and said that he doesn’t know much about the music industry and that all he knew was that it was very tough and competitive. And even though he wont be able to guide me he can definitely encourage and provide with me with all the tools needed to flourish. But only on one condition – that I get myself a proper education. So that in case it doesn’t work out there will be something to fall back to. So we made this deal that he will provide me with all the necessary tools for music but I must finish my education. I eventually went on to finish my O-Levels, A-Levels and then I did my LLB and became a barrister. And side by side my education I was playing and learning music too. After I got done with studies, at the age of 19 I cut my first album with Ustad Zakir Hussain. And I’ve been at it since.

MI: Your most recent hit song was ‘Tere Ishq Mei’ in 2021. Are you working on new music currently?

AS: I am just about to release, by the end of this month. I just finished the song and shot the video. Once I go back I will be starting work on the promotion of the song. I think after doing all that is why I needed to take a break. To unwind and get ready for the next stage of the work. I am pretty excited because it is coming after a long break, so I hope you like it.

MI: You are very hardworking and extremely dedicated to your work, but you also have your family. How do you balance work and private life or are you able to balance it at all?

AS: I definitely try to balance it. My obsession with music is a constant. It’s something that is very much part of who I am. In the past, before I got married I did not care what a Sunday was. For me everyday was a work day. I might be awake for two to three nights working without sleeping and would not feel like working. I lose track of time when I am making music and doesn’t feel like I am labouring. And at a very young age I moved out of the house and was performing and touring around places. I was constantly on the move. So a lot of my achievements were experienced alone. I would call up my father and tell him all the details. He would be the happiest and most proud.

After a performance in front of thousands of people and get all the admiration, you come back to the hotel with all that adrenaline and hype, the whole buzz – you come back to your suite and you’re all alone. And I spent a lot of my life like that.

Today, after having been blessed with all these achievements I live for family – I want to experience and share all of it with my family. And I want to take my Sunday off and spend that time with my family.

I still have the same fire burning inside my heart with ambition as I did when I was 17 years old. It has not become any less. The difference is now I have to decided to stop and smell the flowers along the way.

Don’t just keep it one dimensional. Taking time off also helps to rejuvenate yourself and refresh your mind. I have been in the Maldives for almost a week now and you won’t believe it, I have not listened to any music of mine. I have not listened to the music I’ve been working on before I came here. I have completely detached myself from it after I came here and I have been only enjoying this time with my family here. By doing so I would approach the work all refreshed.

Today I love bringing my wife and daughter to my studio. My daughter loves to play around and enjoys interacting with the rest of the members at work. It is completely cool as I have my focus on work. But I also think that comes with time; you evolve to compartmentalise. I love taking them to concerts and make them part of my happiness. And I love coming back to the hotel after giving a huge performance and when my daughter runs to me saying she loved it – that means the whole world to me.

MI: Your health transformation was talked about in media a lot. What really motivated you to take that plunge?

AS: A lot of people have jumped to their own conclusions on that. But the truth is that in my peak days of the weight I had reached 230 kilos. While a lot of people said, “Oh you look so cute. You look like a teddy bear” I am like excuse me, at 230 kilos you can only look cute there is nothing else you can be.

And my father unfortunately was already suffering from one of the most deadliest cancers, the cancer of the pancreas. He had been operated and did regular checkups. So in 2006 in London, I suggested we do a checkup in London since we were both there – and from the same hospital he was operated. And he was already worried about my weight. I had reached a point where I needed a walking stick or a wheel chair. So he said that he would only do the checkup if I do the checkup.

When the doctor came out with the results, he asked what my lifestyle was. And I told him I am constantly on the move and I tour a lot and stay at hotels mostly. He said all my vitals were on the edge. And if I didn’t do something right now he would not be surprised if my parents found me dead in a hotel room six months from now. And he said that in front of my father. His jaw dropped. I tried to sort of keep calm and tried to dismiss it. But my father gave me a talk later that evening. He said that he supported me through thick and thin and he believes it’s his duty to provide me with everything without anything in return. “But I ask one thing of you, don’t make me bury you. You will need to bury me. I won’t be able to do that. Don’t ask that of me”, he said. And it was a very emotional moment for the both of us. We both broke down. And I promised him that time, I said, “Baba, I will lose weight”. So that’s when I started my quest.

He passed away in 2009. So before that, in 2008 I had lost about a 120 kilos and I guess I kept my promise. And people concluded that maybe I had done liposuction or surgery, contrary to that, it was a completely determined diet. People don’t realise the power of words, love and emotions. Being an artist I am a very emotional person. My profession is all about emotions. And music is a melodic expression of my inner emotions. And when he appealed to my emotions, the power and impact that it had on me was phenomenal. That triggered me and that got me to do what I did. And by nature I am a very determined person. Once I make up my mind to focus on something, by the grace of God I am able to do it. Maybe it’s the Phatan in me. Chuckles

And that’s how I lost the weight. It changed the world for me. It was like a rebirth. And I credit my father for it. He was the one who inspired me, through his words.

MI: We have a lot of creative, talented artists in the arts field, but we don’t actually have institutions or the industry and that is why we look up to artists like you. What would be your advice to upcoming Maldivian musicians?

AS: When I was a teenager I was growing up in different parts of the world, including the UAE. Even though I had done western classical or jazz ultimately my interest was beginning to develop very seriously towards Indian music. At that point in time we had moved to Abu Dhabi; and we are talking about the 80’s and at that time Abu Dhabi, Dubai was nothing like what it is today. So I was very much in a similar situation as you described just now; I was developing my art but I had no outlet. If I wanted to get myself launched as an artist, Dubai at that time, was not the place for it. You either had to be in India, Pakistan or Bangladesh for the music I wanted to create. So if you feel like you have reached a certain level, you need yourself evaluated by yourself and people who genuinely know what the standard is. And if there is no difference between you and a level that you should be and you are as good, then you need to migrate. You need to go to the place that will help you take you to the next level.

But today it is very different, you have outlets like YouTube or Spotify where you can release your work and all you need is a good marketing company. Today you don’t have to be in the hub of something, you can release your music from anywhere if your music and marketing is good. You no longer are dependent on a record label or executives. You had to rely on them back in the day because they are the ones that can mass produce your CD or cassette. Today, you need the right platform and the right distribution or marketing company that will create awareness of your music to the world. Now, all you need to worry about is your craft and the reason why you want to do this in the first place. You should come into the music profession for the right reasons. Not to become a star, to have fans and the fame – that would be the wrong reasons. Because those are short lived. The most easiest thing to have in this profession is a first hit the most difficult one is your follow up. So therefore I would advice the artists and musicians is don’t worry if you are sitting in the Maldives, as long as you have talent and get the right PR and marketing people then release it through a proper channel. And whatever you do, keep your connection with god. I am a very spiritual person and music is something that comes from up there. And that’s why I always say don’t mix money with music. Of course you would have to sustain yourself but that should not be the only motivating factor. The moment music becomes about money god walks out of the room. So keep it pure as far as your motivation be sincere to your music. Everything else like money or fame will follow as long as you are genuine to your art.

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Maldives Madridistas: Patina Maldives, Fari Islands Nets Exclusive Football Camp Partnership with the Real Madrid Foundation

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Younger guests at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands can embrace new patterns of play this summer at an exclusive, Maldives-first Real Madrid Foundation football camp. From 4 July – 12 August, a youth coach will lead a comprehensive Real Madrid Foundation programme of daily soccer sessions for ages 5-9yrs, 10-14yrs, and 15-17yrs. The coach will be joined by an elite player ambassador from UEFA’s all-time no. 1 ranked football club toward the end of the programme.

This summer’s inaugural Patina Maldives x Real Madrid CF Foundation football camp is the first edition in an ongoing partnership, with additional future football camp dates to be confirmed. Led by a licensed Real Madrid Foundation coach, sessions will focus on developing each participant both individually and as part of the group, in order to ‘Play The Real Way’ – the training methodology that combines play, as well as sports values.

Sessions will take place on a new, purpose-built 6 a side astroturf pitch located near the Fari Marina Village at Patina Maldives.

All participants will receive an official camp football camp shirt, shorts, socks, drawstring bag, sweatbands, and cap; while those completing a minimum of four days’ coaching will also be presented with a Real Madrid Foundation participation certificate.

Real Madrid Foundation football clinics at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands are priced at USD195++ per child per session for guests of the resort. Bookings are also open to guests from neighbouring resorts, from USD250++ per child per session.

Rates at Patina Maldives, Fari Islands start from USD2,054 (approx. GBP1,620) per night based on two adults sharing a One Bedroom Pool Villa including daily breakfast, complimentary Guest Benefits, tax, and service. Terms and conditions apply.

For more information and reservations, please visit https://patinahotels.com/maldives or contact reservations.maldives@patinahotels.com. For more information on Pathways, please see here.

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A blissful island Easter celebration at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives

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Experience unique and enriching getaways at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, as the luxury resort unveils exciting benefits for family getaway packages launching this season. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in the ethereal charm of the Maldives.

Nestled in the pristine Raa Atoll, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives seamlessly blends eco-friendly architecture with contemporary sophistication, complemented by the untouched, rugged beauty of the Raa Atoll. Situated amidst miles of untouched marine life, Alila Kothaifaru invites guests to reconnect with nature in the most extraordinary ways. With spacious villas and private pools, guests can truly experience the essence of a getaway where luxury and adventure harmoniously coexist.

Surrounded by azure skies and the turquoise waters of the Raa Atoll, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives offers an idyllic setting for a family escape during the Easter break. Here, guests can unwind in luxurious, nature-immersed surroundings, embark on exciting adventures together, and indulge in unforgettable wellness and culinary experiences.

During Easter weekend, Play Alila will delight young guests with a diverse range of festive island-inspired activities, including Easter egg decorating, arts and crafts, face painting, and more. For those seeking relaxation, Spa Alila offers enticing packages for parents and children to enjoy quality bonding time.

For the adventurous souls, do not miss the chance to join our Sparkling Underwater Egg Hunt. Hidden throughout one of our nearby dive sites, these eggs hold a special surprise. The lucky diver who discovers the egg with a unique mark will win an exclusive clutch made of Swarovski crystal valued at EUR 1,800!

Embark on an Easter journey to remember at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives. Explore all of the Easter events and activities at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives here 

Family Getaway Package

  • Booking Period: Until 30 October 2024
  • Stay Period: Until 25 December 2024

Experience a family holiday rich with memorable moments. From nature walks to energetic beach activities, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives’ offerings extend to the whole family. Indulge in a host of fun adventures together, or relax while your children participate in creative indoor and outdoor activities. Enjoy special family welcome amenities upon arrival, return seaplane transfers, daily full-board meals, and a special offer on wellness treatments. Experience the beauty of our island while creating lasting memories to be treasured!

Stay with us during the Easter period from 25-31 March 2024 and be treated to a wide range of festive island inspired activities such as Easter egg decorating, arts and crafts, egg hunting around the island and underwater, wellness offering, and many more!

For more information and reservations, please contact kothaifaru@alilahotels.com or visit alilahotels.com

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Love’s Oasis: Siyam World Invites Couples To Celebrate And Embrace Romance On White Valentines’ Day

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Romance never ends, get ready to swoon, Siyam World is pulling out all the stops to make this White Valentine’s Day one for the books.  Nestled in the heart of the Maldives, Siyam World invites couples to indulge in a whirlwind of romance and adventure on March 14th, 2024.

Internationally acclaimed DJ Youna will headline the evening’s entertainment, enchanting guests with her signature blend of melodic techno and progressive house music. Against the backdrop of the Maldivian night sky, guests can dance under the stars and create cherished memories with their loved ones. DJ Youna, the rising star of melodic techno and progressive house, is set to serenade you and your beloved under the starlit skies of Siyam World.

YOUNA, an emerging DJ/Producer specializing in melodic techno and progressive house, hails originally from South Korea. Her musical trajectory took an unforeseen turn upon her relocation to Dubai, where she developed a profound affinity for house music—a genre less prevalent in the Asian music landscape. Dedication to refining her craft led YOUNA to cultivate a distinctive sound, skilfully merging emotive melodies with the infectious energy of her compositions.

Despite embarking on her production and DJing journey in 2022, YOUNA has swiftly ascended to prominence on the global music scene. Her debut single, ‘Self-Doubt,’ ascended to the top 14 in progressive house and secured the 4th position on Beatport’s hype chart. YOUNA’s music, characterized by potent beats and evocative soundscapes, transcends cultural boundaries, dismantling barriers and creating a harmonious fusion on the international stage. Get ready to dance the night away and create memories that will last a lifetime with DJ YOUNA

Siyam World has also curated a line-up of experiences that will make your heart skip a beat. Dive into the culinary wonders of the Maldives with our Maldivian Culinary Workshop at Kaage, where you will learn the secrets of local cuisine from our talented chefs.

Treat your special someone to a Destination Dinner or a Special Romantic Dinner, complete with a romantic movie screening to set the mood. And for the ultimate indulgence, why not enjoy a Wine Cellar Dinner? Gift your loved one with chocolates and flowers made available for this special day. Sip on mimosas and savor delicious bites while soaking in the breath-taking views of Siyam World.

Mark your calendars, lovebirds, because White Valentine’s Day at Siyam World is going to be one for the books! Book your romantic getaway now and get ready to fall in love all over again.

For more information, visit Siyam World or follow on InstagramFacebookTwitterTikTok or YouTube. For booking enquiries email: stay@siyamworld.com.

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