Local artist Haffaf Malik is set to take the stage at Olympus Theatre in Male’ City on Friday night, marking the highly anticipated release of his debut EP titled “Dhuni.”
The 28-year-old artist has already won the hearts of thousands of young listeners with his singles “Manje” (2021) and “Oyaa” (2022), and “Dhuni” is the result of a collaboration between Haffaf, Willoa Records, and N9 Studios. The EP is a collection of five songs the artist penned over a period of five years.
Speaking to Maldives Republic, Haffaf said, “These songs, although originally written by me, now belong to a collective of creatives. We aim to make this release a grand spectacle, providing insight into the talent, energy, and contributions that went into crafting this record. We want the audience to witness and experience the live performances of all the sounds they would hear in the studio versions, played by the very musicians who composed and performed on the record itself.”
Nuff Ibrahim, who is in charge of marketing and promoting the event, said the experience will encompass not only live music but also various other creative arts, including choreography, choir, and visual arts. Organisers say the record premiere event would be the first of its kind in the country in recent times, and will showcase the talent of over 30 diverse artists.
The EP, published under Willoa Records, will be available on global streaming platforms such as Spotify, iTunes, and Deezer after its release. Haffaf was one of the first two artists to sign with the music label in 2021 and has been an active member of their roster ever since. N9 Studios, led by experienced musicians Addo and Aya, has previously collaborated with Willoa Records and produced local band Corallium’s debut EP “Veshi,” which is recognised as a sonically appealing addition to the Maldivian music.
The release event of Dhuni is scheduled to kick off at Olympus Theatre at 8:15 p.m. on Friday (June 9). Tickets, which were on sale in Male’ at Jazz Cafe, Meraki Coffee Roasters, and Coffee State, as well as in Hulhumale’ at Family Room Cafe’ and The 1981, have been sold out, as per the organisers.