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Kayano’s Pact in Captivity
Most of us have heard the name. Most of us have listened to his tunes. But what defines him? What makes him who he is? This is the tale of Kayano, a man who followed his dreams, an example for all of us.
“My story starts at the age of 17. I have always loved music. But back then I didn’t even know how to play the guitar. I had a friend, Mutti, he is still a good friend and my mentor, and he taught me how to play the guitar,” kayano began to tell us his story with enthusiasm.
The first song Kayano sang was named “Kaalhu”, and with that he laid his foundation. After hearing “Kaalhu”, his mentor and friend Mutti supported him and encouraged him to follow his dream. Since then he has continued to develop his music and his skills.
However fate wasn’t too kind to our young artist. “I was becoming better at music, when my life took a sudden turn. Things changed, and I got involved with drugs. Slowly I was pulled into it. I lost myself in the addiction and my music silently slipped away. I couldn’t play, because I didn’t have time for it. I was too much into drugs,” Kayano said, with regret in his eyes.
When Kayano realised how much his life was being controlled by drugs, he sought shelter at a rehabilitation centre. His passion for music and his desire to be free from the grasps of the opiates, helped him to become better. “I played and practiced at the rehab. I even made a lot of songs during my time at the rehab. For example Kudakujja, that is the song that put me out on the spot light. It became a famous song,” Kayano said.
While Kayano was later incarcerated, the time he spent behind bars was also spent on developing his skills as he composed more and more songs. “The best thing about prison was that it opened my eyes. There I met Shaz and Muaa. They promised me that once I got free they would help me release my songs in an album,” Kayano said.
It was a pact made in captivity, but it was the completion of a foundation. Shaz and Muaa, promised Kayano that once he was free from drugs and from prison, they would help him release an album. After he once again became part of the community, his friends protected him from drugs.
“All my friends and peeps that lived in the neighbourhood helped me to stay away from drugs. Then I met Faube. Back then Faube wasn’t very good with the guitar either. But he came to me with the idea of a band. He asked me to create a band so that it would be easier for me to stay away from drugs. I agreed,” Kayano said.
That was the birth of “Traphic Jam”, the band Kayano and Faube created. The band was initially called “Traphic Light”, however it was renamed. The band plays a unique type of music that mixes two genres, rock and grunge music. Initially a fan of grunge music Kayano found Faube to be more of an extreme heavy metal lover. However the two types of music merged to form the bands unique music with its transitioning vocal melodies.
Despite line up changes over time, the two founding members, Kayano and Faube have always been dedicated to the band, making it one of the most successful Maldivian rock bands. The current lineup has Kayano as the lead vocalist, Faube as the lead guitarist, Rimah as the drummer, and Shaan as the bassist. With many successful performances the band has gained popularity among Maldivians as well as foreigners. “Live Help – 2006”, “Sound of a Nation – 2007”, and the “Breakout Festival Maldives” are among some of the famous live events in which the band has performed. The band has also been reputed for their exclusive support for local originals.
Traphic Jam has released two albums, “Dhirithibbas” and “Thy Ehves Baareh Oi Bayeh Noon”. They also released two singles, “Party System” and “Ma OK OK”. Traphic Jam has also performed in United Kingdom, and New Delhi, India, with successful shows. The band has now performed at over a hundred shows, and has captured the hearts of Maldivian youth.
They are also planning to release another album and are preparing for an unplugged show as well. Despite the busy schedule of all of the band members they all have time for the band. “We all have other jobs as well. After the jobs we still have time for the band,” Kayano said.
With its crystal clear message, calling out to the youth of this nation and to those in power, to “stop violence among ourselves”, Kayano and his band is doing a remarkable job. Working towards peace, Kayano reminds us of the pact in captivity that has transformed and healed a man to become a better person. Kayano is an example to all of us who have forgotten what it is like to be humble, to be kind, and to actually care.
We at Maldives Promotion House want you to know, that we are proud of your work, and that we are proud to have you as fellow Maldivians among ourselves. Kayano and Traphic Jam, keep up the good work. The following video is one of the famous video songs of Traphic Jam, “Fasdheefa Dhaathee”.
Kandooma Maldives has introduced a new pickleball court, expanding its recreational facilities as the paddle sport continues to gain popularity worldwide.
Combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball is a sport that is relatively easy to learn and suitable for players of different ages and abilities. The new facility allows guests to participate in singles or doubles matches, offering an additional recreational activity for families, couples and groups staying at the resort.
The pickleball court is open daily from 6am to 6pm, with paddles and balls available for guests to borrow from Reception.
Court reservations can be made through the resort’s Recreation or Front Office team. Each villa is entitled to one complimentary hour of court use per day.
The introduction of pickleball forms part of Kandooma Maldives’ efforts to expand its recreational offerings and provide guests with more opportunities to participate in sports and group activities during their stay.
Best Dives Maldives has won two awards at the World Luxury Travel Awards 2026, recognising its diving operations across the Maldives.
The company was named Best Diving Experience in Indian Ocean Islands and Best Diving Centre in Indian Ocean.
The awards reflect the team’s focus on professional service, safety and quality in creating memorable experiences for guests.
With more than two decades in the Maldivian tourism industry, Best Dives Maldives has become an established name in diving, watersports and ocean experiences. It works with resorts across the country, giving guests the opportunity to explore the Maldives’ underwater world.
“We are truly honoured to receive these two awards,” said Ahmed Razee, Managing Director of Best Dives Maldives. “This recognition reflects the passion and dedication of our team, whose hard work makes these achievements possible. We are grateful to our resort partners for their continued trust and support, and to the World Luxury Travel Awards for this recognition.”
The awards reinforce the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality diving and ocean experiences while showcasing the beauty of the Maldives’ marine environment.
Best Dives Maldives has more than two decades of experience in the Maldivian tourism industry. It offers a wide range of ocean experiences and marine services, including diving, watersports, excursions and luxury yacht charters. The company also provides guest transfers and professional training and certification programmes.
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has announced a special edition of The Astor Club Soirée in partnership with LUX Tennis, welcoming three of the sport’s most accomplished players, Daniil Medvedev, Paula Badosa, and Donna Vekić, for a series of tennis residencies from October 26 through November 30, 2026. Taking place at the Maldives’ finest address, the program will feature private coaching sessions, group clinics, junior development activities, and guest appearances, offering participants direct engagement with some of tennis’s most recognized names.
The Astor Club Soirée Tennis Series will commence with Donna Vekić from October 29 to November 1, 2026. One of Croatia’s most accomplished tennis players, Vekić has captured five WTA singles titles throughout her career and achieved a career-high ranking of World No. 17. Her recent achievements include a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, a semifinal appearance at Wimbledon, and victory at the prestigious Queen’s Club Championships in 2026. Renowned for her powerful playing style and competitive spirit, Vekić will share her expertise through a series of guest sessions designed for players of all levels.
From November 13 to 14, 2026, the resort will welcome Paula Badosa, one of the most inspiring players on the WTA Tour. After capturing the French Open Girls’ title and turning professional in 2015, Badosa rose steadily through the ranks to reach a career-high World No. 2 ranking in 2022. Following a determined comeback from injury setbacks, she re-established herself among the world’s elite with a title run at the Washington Open, a quarterfinal appearance at the US Open in 2024, and an Australian Open semifinal appearance in 2025. Guests will have the chance to spend time with one of modern tennis’ most resilient and admired competitors through a series of coaching and on-court sessions.
The pinnacle of the series arrives November 26 to 27, 2026 with the highly anticipated residency of Daniil Medvedev, former ATP World No. 1 and one of the defining champions of his generation. Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished players in contemporary tennis, Medvedev’s distinguished career includes a historic US Open title, multiple ATP Masters 1000 victories, ATP Finals success, and numerous Grand Slam final appearances.
Celebrated for his tactical brilliance, relentless competitiveness, and commanding presence on court, Medvedev has consistently performed at the highest level of the sport while establishing himself as one of tennis’ most influential global stars. As the headline appearance of The Astor Club Soirée Tennis Series, he will lead a schedule of private lessons, clinics, and guest events throughout this stay.
“The Astor Club Soirée was created to bring influential figures in sport and culture to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort through bespoke guest programming,” says Ozgur Cengiz, General Manager of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. “We are pleased to welcome Daniil Medvedev, Paula Badosa, and Donna Vekić, whose achievements have made a lasting impact on professional tennis. Their presence reflects our continued focus on presenting distinctive experiences that inspire, engage, and leave a lasting impression on our guests.”
Designed for aspiring young athletes, tennis enthusiasts, and seasoned players, each residency offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from some of the sport’s most accomplished professionals.
The Astor Club Soirée forms part of The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort’s signature platform for distinctive guest programming. Inspired by the Astor family’s appreciation for sports, culture, and refined leisure, The Astor Club Soirée unites influential figures from around the world through engaging experiences that inform, inspire, and connect, embodying the quintessential St. Regis tradition of bringing people together through personalized service.
For more information, please visit stregismaldives.com.
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