Daughter describes, Nashid's world of music

“Dad plays guitar and piano to put us to sleep. He plays all the instruments with me there. I have been living in a world of music since then.”

This is how up-and-coming musician Nish Nashid, eldest daughter of Maldivian musical legend from Zero Degree Atolls, Ahmed Nashid, ventured into a life of music.

Nashid, 53, married twice, and has two daughters and a son.

Maldivians may no longer hear the distinctive baritone of Nashid, who is battling with cancer; but the talent lives on in Nish, 25 – his eldest daughter.

It is all thanks to Nashid, who brought up his children in a world of music.

“Dad has always been a very cool parent. He brought me and my sister up so lovingly. He has always looked out for us, shown us love. He also shows the same love and caring to our five-year-old brother, even after he [Nashid] became sick. He is a very family-oriented person,” said Nish, in an exclusive interview to “Sun”.

According to Nish, Nashid has a wicked sense of humor, who tries to keep the people around him happy and laughing no matter what. She described her father, the musical legend, as confident, determined, and love-inspiring; guiding her through life’s challenges, as well as professional challenges.

“Dad later gave me vocal training. He has always encouraged creativity, telling me not be scared of making a mistake. He would say that it is me who will decide the music I will bring into the world, and that there is no right or wrong involved in it. He has always been very encouraging and very helpful,” said Nish.

It’s true. Nashid is a master of creativity, producing countless original masterpieces. There is more than enough evidence to state he is one of the most original musicians to be born in the country. Creating unique pieces by integrating the Maldivian culture, the Maldivian environment, Maldivian beats into his music.

“He has always loved the surrounding environment. He gets his inspiration from nature. He makes it a priority to integrate the uniqueness of the country and its sounds and rhythms into his music. He has always wanted to showcase the Maldivian culture through his music. He is proud to be Maldivian. He has always wanted to integrate his culture and country into his music,” said Nish.

“One cannot know how my dad’s mind works. He is a master when it comes to music. It comes to him just like that. My dad is very creative,” added Nish.

Nashid’s songs, which gained local and international prominence after coming out in the 90s and 2000s, are evergreen. Considered classics, masterpieces; and held at high-esteem by every Maldivian musician who would follow, to this day.

Nashid no longer has the energy to continue his musical contributions, the responsibility filling his large shoes has been taken by his daughter, Nish.

And she is very, very determined.

“I want to carry forward my dad’s musical legacy. But I don’t believe I have even reached close to his level of musical contribution. I have never seen musician as disciplined and hardworking as my dad. I want to revive his contributions. But there is much to be done,” said Nish.

Nashid is still the Number 1. This is the time to express gratitude for his contributions to Maldivian music industry. And this is what the local music magazine, Misc’s initiative is all about. For Maldivian musicians and Nashid’s family to make a musical tribute to the legend, the master.

The music show to pay tribute to Nashid, which will be held this September, is important, not just for Nashid – but the entire Maldivian music industry. Don’t forget this musical legend.

“Since my dad is now out of the music scene, the current generation doesn’t really know who he is. Many may not know who Nashid is, or who the Zero Degree are. It has been lost to some. This concert is one way that the current generation of Maldivians can hear my dad’s voice,” said Nish, about the music show which will be held the upcoming weekend.

“A Tribute to Nashid” will be held at Olympus on September 21, and feature tributes by more than 21 Maldivian musicians, and is promised to be full of surprises.