From national anthem to Meyna Hassan’s classics: Maldivian music captivates Malaysian PM

The official visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to the Maldives, yesterday captured the attention of the Maldivian public not only because of the high level MoUs signed and the joint diplomatic statements made by the two leaders. His official Instagram account won the hearts of many Maldivians through the curated selection of enchanting Maldivian musical tracks featured in his posts.

From his very first video shared upon arrival in the Maldives, the Prime Minister integrated a Maldivian melody into every social media update. His initial post featured an orchestral rendition of the Maldivian National Anthem. Furthermore, a post of his official meetings at the President’s Office with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and senior government officials was accompanied by the energetic and popular Boduberu track "Mariyam Mala" by the group Ekatha.

In addition, several posts featured timeless classics by Meyna Hassan, one of the Maldives' most beloved musical icons. The inclusion of hits such as "Mila Mila Handhuvaru," "Raivareh Hedheema," "Fanu Dhunmaari," and "Maasingaa Kandutheray" attracted significant attention and widespread praise across Maldivian social media platforms.

Prime Minister Anwar is recognized as a leader who maintains a profound passion for song and music, even amidst the complexities of political life. He frequently utilizes music as a medium to strengthen interpersonal and cross-cultural ties. His affinity for Indian classical music and the legendary singer Kishore Kumar has been notably evident in recent times.

This passion was prominently displayed during his trip to India for the BRICS Summit prior to his arrival in the Maldives. A video of Prime Minister Anwar singing Kishore Kumar’s "Khwaab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat" during a special dinner on the sidelines of the summit gained international traction after being shared on Instagram. His penchant for singing during high-level international gatherings to foster a sense of warmth and fellowship has become a distinguished characteristic of his leadership style.

While Prime Minister Anwar did not personally perform a song during his stay in the Maldives, his formal addresses were delivered with a friendly, intimate, and metaphorical tone. By concluding his visit with a tribute to local melodies, the Prime Minister did more than just solidify political alliances; he successfully resonated with the Maldivian people through the universal language of music.