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Famous “Cops Band” singer Athif passes away

Fathmath Shaahunaz
20 August 2017, MVT 14:36
Major Ahmed Athif, pictured during his appearance on Maldivian Idol Season 2. PHOTO/PSM
Fathmath Shaahunaz
20 August 2017, MVT 14:36

Veteran military officer and famous local singer Ahmed Athif passed away Sunday.

Major Ahmed Athif, who has long served Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and contributed to the Maldivian music industry, passed away suddenly in Haa Dhaal atoll Hanimaadhoo island on Sunday.

Mihaaru understands that Major Athif was in-charge of the MNDF branch in Hanimaadhoo.

His body is currently in Hanimadhoo’s health centre.

According to sources, Athif’s death was discovered when he did not wake up after going to sleep. The doctor who examined Athif’s body declared that he had passed away some six hours prior.

Major Athif was the voice of several national songs, such as the wildly popular “Joashey Genaimee Gaumee Ufaa”. His singing repertoire included hits such as “Dheynan Hithaa Jaana” and “Vaashey Mashah Ehee”. He was also the lead vocalist in the police-military music group “Cops Band”.

Athif’s passing - a great shock

Major Ahmed Athif

Ahmed Athif was known as a social and genial man, who had a large circle of friends and maintained close relations with the public. With great love for music, he had spearheaded efforts to take music forward in the military and pushed to advance the now defunct Cops Band.

The major also had a talent for composing and contributed a number of original melodies to the Maldivian music scene. Out of Athif’s many songs, the original hit that took the music industry by storm was “Gendhaashey Vayaaey”, which is a fan favourite even among other musicians and singers, who describe the song as one that can “move the soul”.

The news of his sudden death on Sunday came as a great shock to his friends and peers.

“I first heard that something had happened to Athif. Then I directly called his phone but there was no answer. After that I got the news,” said Hussain Ali, who had been a popular vocalist in Cops Band alongside Athif.

“Athif was someone with whom I’d travelled many times, judged several competitions, and whom I was very close with in both work and music. He was a great friend who had also helped me out a lot.”

Local singer Mohamed Abdul Ghani described Athif as “one of the best voices” in the Maldives.

“I’m still in shock from the news. Athif was someone who loved music and really lent a hand to musicians,” he said.

Music director and singer Ibrahim “Kuda Ibbe” Ali declared that Athif has left behind a legacy of beautiful original songs that will endure.

“For instance, “Gendhaashey Vayaaey” is the loveliest song I’ve heard from the Maldives. Athif sir had a remarkably beautiful voice. We’ve lost a very close friend and a great talent.”

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