Zara Mujthaba – Music and Tourism in the Maldives

Show notes

In the second episode of Norient’s podcast Long Take: Life as an Artist, Maldivian singer, producer, and artist Zara Mujthaba shares insights into her musical journey and life on Thulusdhoo island, her involvement with the influential Maldivian collective Dinba Family, and her perspective on the evolving tourism industry in the Maldives. She remains hopeful for the future of music in the Maldives and sees potential in the younger generation of artists.

As an independent female artist in the Maldives, Zara Mujthaba, has paved the way for others, releasing solo albums that focus on life and social issues. Her performances blend Soul, Blues, Jazz, Rock, and R&B and can be experienced in some of the Maldives’ tourist resorts. Beyond performing, Zara shares her expertise by teaching children at the «Maldives Music and Arts Center» and has mentored emerging artists at the third season of «Maldivian Idol».

Zara is closely tied to the Dinba Family, a highly respected musical collective in the Maldives founded by Ishaantey Shiuz Mohamed. The Dinba Family fosters collaboration among artists, aiming to blend traditional Maldivian sounds with global genres like reggae, jazz, and rock, offering a creative space free from commercial pressures. This collective includes various artists who work together to preserve Maldivian cultural sounds while integrating global music influences like reggae, jazz, and rock. Dinba music songs have been sung by various artists most notably Haisham, Affan, Thabi, Mifu, Aasha, Muaadhu, Shappay, Maizan Ahko, Unoosha, Fahthu, Haifa, Dheema, Appi, Shiuz, Lalith, Esa, Tholib, Shaani, Nileysha, Hasko, Thothi, Andhala, Bathool, Yamin, Nish, Shalabee, Shuaib, Ahmadey, Laisha, Jaisha, Saina, Rizu, Din hassan, Adil [Baaga], Aleef, Nishwan [Bokitos], Ishaam, Yani & Javidh. Zara’s work with Dinba has allowed her to explore a range of collaborative projects while maintaining artistic freedom, reaching broader audiences and strengthening her role in the Maldivian music community.

A Podcast by Norient

Host: Thomas Burkhalter
Sound: Daniel Jakob, Melodies In My Head
Mix and Mastering: Daniel Jakob
Graphic Design (Cover): Pamuditha Zen Anjana
Editorial support: The Norient team + Rebecca Favale
Funding: Pro Helvetia, srks Stiftung für Radio und Kultur Schweiz

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For a more experimental listening experience, check out the highly produced podcast TIMEZONES on Norient. You can also explore Burkhalter’s latest project, Melodies In My Head, where interview excerpts are transformed into song lyrics.