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Kayano’s Pact in Captivity

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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”.

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Dive for free at Kandooma, just named Maldives’ leading dive resort

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Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has been crowned ‘Maldives Leading Dive Resort 2025’ at the prestigious World Travel Awards, marking a major milestone as the inaugural winner of this newly introduced category.

The announcement was made at a glittering gala ceremony held on 29 June in Tanzania, attended by tourism and hospitality leaders from across Africa and the Indian Ocean. The accolade honours Kandooma’s commitment to exceptional diving experiences and innovation in accessible underwater tourism.

“We’re surrounded by some of the most awe-inspiring marine life in the Maldives – it’s truly like diving in a living aquarium,” said Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. “From graceful manta rays and reef sharks to turtles, moray eels, and vast schools of tropical fish, our waters are teeming with life.”

Just minutes from the resort are world-class dive sites including Kandooma Thila, a renowned cleaning station for grey reef sharks; Guraidhoo Corner, famous for its strong currents and pelagic encounters; and Medhu Faru, where divers drift alongside vibrant coral walls. The close proximity of these sites allows for up to three dives a day – ideal for enthusiasts chasing underwater thrills.

Central to Kandooma’s diving success is its bold ‘Dive Free’ initiative – a game-changer for the scuba community. Guests who stay three nights or more and are certified divers receive two complimentary boat dives per day, including equipment and professional guidance.

“Diving can be an expensive pursuit, so we decided to flip the script,” Eletr added. “Our ‘Dive Free’ program removes the barriers and makes the underwater magic of the Maldives accessible to more people than ever.”

Kandooma’s on-site 5-star PADI dive centre offers courses for beginners through to advanced, specialty certifications and refreshers, as well as private excursions for underwater photography, night dives, and wreck explorations.

With its commitment to sustainability, marine preservation, and guest experience, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has proven that world-class diving doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag – just a sense of adventure.

For more information or to book a diving escape, visit: www.maldives.holidayinnresorts.com

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Siyam World kicks off August with star-studded football camps

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No shoes, no stress, just goals! This August, Siyam World Maldives is turning up the heat with not one, not two, but three football legends taking over the island for exclusive five-day Football Residence Camps – Wayne Bridge, Kean Bryan, Andrew Johnson.

Wayne Bridge | August 1–5

A former England international and Premier League left-back with over 300 top-flight appearances, Wayne is best known for his time at Chelsea, Manchester City, and Southampton. His elite-level experience, from Champions League nights to FA Cup triumphs, makes him the ultimate coach for young players looking to level up.

Kean Bryan | August 11–15

A midfield dynamo with a Premier League pedigree, Kean’s career includes spells at Manchester City, Sheffield United, and West Brom. Known for his technical skill and tactical brain, he brings a youth-focused approach packed with energy, precision, and motivation.

Andrew Johnson (AJ) | August 17–21

A former England striker and Crystal Palace legend, AJ lit up the Premier League with his pace and goal-scoring flair. His sessions will bring fast-paced drills, goal-scoring tips, and a whole lot of fun to the pitch.

Each 5-day camp for kids between 5 and 12 years, takes place on the resort’s own World Sports Arena, as part of their exclusive Football Residences programme, designed to inspire the next generation of football stars while having the time of their lives in paradise. Spots are limited, and trust us, they’ll go fast. Give your child the chance to train with football legends, make lifelong friends, and experience the magic of the Maldives—because this is one match they won’t want to miss.

Siyam World has already hosted some of the biggest names in football, with past camps featuring stars like: Francesco Totti, Alessandro Del Piero, Rio Ferdinand, Owen Hargreaves, Daniel Agger or Esteban Cambiasso. Joining this incredible lineup, those football legends in August are making Siyam World the go-to destination for football-obsessed kids and their families.

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Making waves all summer long: Manta rays, mini explorers take over The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives

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At The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, July isn’t just another sunny month – it’s when the ocean comes alive. Manta season is in full swing, and Hanifaru Bay (just a splash away from the resort) becomes host to hundreds of reef manta rays performing underwater ballet. Offering a front row seat to all the action is the resort’s Manta Ray Watching Experience package available through October 31.

Suitable for confident snorkelers aged 12+, the three-hour excursion includes roundtrip speedboat rides and all the ocean wonder you can handle. Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Hanifaru Bay’s shape works like a plankton magnet, drawing in marine life for one of the largest known manta feeding frenzies on the planet. As you float just meters above the action, graceful giants barrel rolling through plankton-rich waters in synchrony, with whale sharks making cameo appearances.

Beyond the waves

Kids under 12 are safe from FOMO with the return of the Summer Camp, running from July 1 to August 31. Creative energy gets channeled into arts, crafts, pottery and even directing resort-wide film shorts. Young adventurers can zen out in Lil’ Yogis, work out on the water with SUP, swing rackets with Tennis Titans or shake it off with Zumba. Mini chefs can dive into sushi, cupcake, pizza and mocktail workshops. And those craving star power can choose between karaoke showdowns and splashy pool parties. Language games and Maldivian drumming sessions sneak in a little learning with all that fun.

Family stays

Awarded the ‘Best Resort for Families’ by T+L Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023, The Standard Huruvalhi, Maldives makes finding family-friendly accommodation a breeze. Lagoon Overwater Villas are suspended above crystal-clear waters, Ocean Overwater Villas take you from bed straight to the house reef, and Beach Villas are perfect for private poolside moments in lush tropical greenery. Finally, multigenerational families will find just the right balance of privacy and togetherness at the sprawling

The Standard Residence.

Applicable for two adults and two kids below 12 years old (an additional charge of USD 285 per night applies to older kids), the ‘Families That Stay Together’ package includes accommodation in an overwater or beachfront villa, an All-Inclusive Plus Meal Plan, free water sports, laundry and spa credit. Over at Lil’ Shark Kids Club, youngsters dive into complimentary activities ranging from high-energy fun to creative pursuits – whether ruling the roost in the playroom, splashing in the paddling pool, digging into the sandy park or winding down in the movie den. Beyond daily adventures like cooking classes, babysitting services are also available for $35 per hour.

For more information on the Manta Ray Experience, priced at $250 per person, please click here. For the full summer camp programme, visit the link. To book your accommodation, please click here.

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