In a vibrant celebration held last week at Olympus outdoor stage, the Indian Cultural Centre in Male', in collaboration with the up and coming Maldivian band 2ofus and venue partner National Center for the Arts, marked World Music Day with an evening of music, dialogue, and cultural connection.

The event was graced by the High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, Mr. G. Bala Subramanian, according to the Cultural Center.

The celebration embraced the theme of music as a universal language that transcends borders and connects hearts, unfolding in two engaging segments.

The evening began with a thought-provoking panel discussion, conceptualized and moderated by the Director of the cultural center.

Featuring prominent music experts from both India and the Maldives, the session explored the cultural, technical, and educational dimensions of music from a shared regional perspective.

The panel included:

Mr. Athif, veteran Maldivian music connoisseur, who reflected on the evolution of Maldivian music from the 1960s to today.

Mr. Dushyant Rupolia, accomplished ICC music teacher, who provided insight into the depth and nuances of Indian classical music.

Mr. Paiday, technical expert, who shared his expertise on the sound and production aspects of musical creation.

Mr. Ahmed Adhuham, frontman of 2ofus, who recounted the band’s journey to winning third runner-up at the Battle of Bands International Competition in India and spoke about the rising popularity of fusion music.

Mr. Gurdeep Singh, visiting instrumentalist from India, who introduced the audience to the Rabaat, a rare traditional instrument, while emphasizing the enduring power of instrumental music.

Mr. Yauqub, experienced Maldivian music teacher, who highlighted the importance of integrating both theory and practice in music education.

The second part of the evening came alive with soul-stirring live performances in both Hindi and Dhivehi. Featured artists included Mr. Adhuham, Mr. Ahmed Waheed, Ms. Atheera, and Mr. Dushyant Rupolia, all of whom delivered passionate and heartfelt renditions.

Their performances were supported by live musicians, creating an immersive musical experience that captivated the audience.

The evening concluded with a networking dinner, allowing attendees to connect and reflect on the shared musical heritage of India and the Maldives.

The Indian cultural center in Male' posted on social media that this celebration of World Music Day served as a powerful tribute to the unifying spirit of music and the enduring friendship between the two nations.