Addo is a big name in Maldives' music. He is one of the best known bassists in the country, having played with Illsight, FasyLive and other line ups.
Warm light, posters of bands and musicians on the walls, a collection of instruments and other recording paraphernalia...
... a man on a stool weaving magic on his bass guitar.
I just sat, lost in the tune, as Abdullah Arafat (Addo) took up his guitar and started playing a quick composition he had come up with.
This is not the first time I had seen him play. Not by a long shot.
Addo is a big name in Maldives' music. He is one of the best known bassists in the country, having played with Illsight, FasyLive and other line ups.
He has a stage presence quite unique, giving him that special spark of star quality.
Addo says he has never sat down with the specific intention of coming up with a new riff. Inspiration comes naturally, and can come at any time.
"That means it can come at odd times. How do you remember them?"
This wasn't much of a concern. He could make a small recording on his phone, but generally remembers it himself, he said.
"Music is fluid. It shouldn't be identical at any two times. It depends on the mood and feel when you are playing."
We had a little chat then. How did you start out? What's the performance that stood out most to you? Do you get stage fright? But the answers are not in this writing.
The video below covers most of the conversation with Addo, with a little musical treat as well.
For all his star power, Addo is, at heart, a simple man. He leads a quiet life in a cozy setting with his wife and kids. It has family, greenery, cats, and his studio - N9, the dream combo.
"Koki has been my biggest support and she believed in me more than myself," Addo said of his wife.
I had to ask. Does anyone in your family show the same interest in music?
"They do, somewhat. They sing, they play some instruments. But I don't pressure my kids to do so. I am here to encourage them in their own interests."
Addo not only plays a variety of genres, he listens to everything, as long as it hits right. This piqued my curiousity, so "let's make up a dream band. A utopian line-up where you can have anyone you like play."
That got him thinking. And here is his consensus.
Drums - Ibbe
Guitars - Adhly and Aya
Keys - CQ
Rock vocals - Chakas Ammadey
Blues and alternative vocals - Affan and Shiuz
Reggae vocals - Haesham
Drums - Nate Smith
Guitars - John Frusciante and Slash
Keys - Corey Henry
Vocals - Maynard
Watch the video for more insight into Addo's life in music, and a taste of his bass skills.
Sign In
