Jyeii Athif; A Glimpse Into the Realm of Music

Words by Imthishal

The city is known for multiple aspects, one of which is the vibrant and distinctive local music scene. Countless Maldivian musicians, though affected by the modern musical movement, seem to pay homage to their roots one way or another. Implementing a glimpse into the rich tapestry of traditions, rhythms, and melodies that have been nurtured for centuries. One artist in particular has emerged through the limelight; Jyeii Athif.

A single performance was all it took to convince her that this was the path she was destined for. As a consequence, this vocalist and pianist has dedicated the last half-decade to gracing prestigious venues and memorable occasions. Her musical journey has taken to renowned establishments such as; One & Only and Ritz Carlton to events as distinctive as Top Model by He n’ She and MSCL’s Women’s Day celebration. Through her expedition, she has gained widespread attention for her diverse range, from jazz and blues, to the dynamism of hardrock and metal. All while blending an innovative approach to Maldivian influences with contemporary sounds.

Subsequently, a few months down the line Jyeii found herself at a lineup called “Jazz Ocean”, performing as a vocalist alongside Ismail Samooh on the rhythm guitar. Her first official duo led to the beginning of her resort music career, getting her just the right amount of exposure.

In 2019 she became one part of a duo, alongside Ahmed Farhan Faiz, called, “Illumo”. As time progressed, the ensemble gradually expanded, introducing bassist; Hussain Saveel , and a year down the line, drummer; Ismail Ibrahim. After a two-year tenure with the band, Jyeii decided to leave, it was then that “Illumo” renamed itself as; “Sandpaper.” She then transitioned to a new endeavor known as “Prism”, where the repertoire leaned more towards classic rock. However, just last year, the band disbanded, providing her with the opportunity to explore collaborations with a diverse range of musicians and concentrate on session work. Reflecting on her journey, Jyeii remarks, “In each band I’ve been a part of, the chemistry has been incredible, and collaborating with these musicians has felt effortless because we formed such a strong connection.”

The song that caught the Island’s attention; “Naana,” has a history that dates back to centuries, a tradition passed down orally for decades. In simple words, it is a Maldivian lullaby sung by mothers to children to this very day. Working alongside Prism, Jyeii reshaped this soothing poetry into a more modern and liberal anthem.

The track was born during a casual hangout amidst lockdown. While stranded at Summer Island Resort, they immersed themselves into various genres of music. It was then that the band’s rhythm guitarist introduced them to the rendition of “Naana” by Juni Latheef. The notion struck that; “Naana” had the potential to flourish within a song. They transformed it into a progressive soundtrack on a whim, capitalizing on the abundance of free time. Initially conceived as a mere project, the band’s affection for it propelled them to formalize its existence. Remarkably, the entire recording of “Naana” took place within the four walls of their hotel room.

For individuals aspiring to pursue a career in music, Jyeii highlights the necessity for personal demo tracks. This allows your potential clients to become familiar with your musical style. By sending out these demos along with your profile to various contacts, helps establish connections and eventually obtain gigs. Although this journey involves trials and extensive communication, the key lies in crafting an impressive demo that effectively showcases your talent. While platforms like Spotify and SoundCloud are valuable for gaining exposure, they aren’t the primary means to secure performance opportunities.

Jyeii Athif emphasizes the significance of having a comprehensive Electronic Press Kit (EPK). This digital package serves as a powerful self-promotion tool, enabling you to secure jobs more effectively. Interestingly, many artists in Maldives haven’t adopted the use of EPKs. Comparable to a professional portfolio, an EPK showcases your body of work, demo tracks, profile, preferences, and past performances. By presenting this kit to your potential clients, you streamline their understanding of your capabilities, making the process smoother and more efficient. She underlines; “It’s not easy, but it’s something anyone can do if they have the passion for it”