:: Dhivehi Observer :: Peoples Press ::

...the music just wont die ...
Mohamed Zahid - a life time of service for the music industry

MDP Website - www.maldiviandemocraticparty.org 5th Oct. 2004

“Though I know that the evening's empire has returned into sand, - Vanished from my hand - Left me blindly here to stand but still not sleeping…….

…and if you hear vague traces of skippin' reels of rhyme, to your tambourine in time, it's just a ragged clown behind, I wouldn't pay it any mind, it's just a shadow you're seein' that he's chasing.“

-- Bob Dylan, in tribute to music-guru Woodie Guthrie.

Many Maldivians today (5 th Oct 2004) mourn the untimely demise of Mohamed Zahid (56) of Vaadheege Machachangolhi, an irreplaceable loss to the music industry in Maldives . Lovingly known as Pro by music-pupils for his comparatively expert and patient will to impart knowledge, especially of the guitar. Friends and many fans know Zahid as an incredibly hardy musician. A strong-willed music-guru for many aspirants, he had persevered in steering his efforts to success across many difficult seas.

In the late sixties he formed the then avant-garde guitar band the Silhouettes. It was a hard time for aspiring musicians in Maldives . But Zahid kept on, performing many successful gigs in Male' and Addu Atoll. After some band members left, Zahid began teaching the small circle of dedicated musicians who visit him. He would smoothen and do finger-runs on strains and snippets of the Shadows and Ventures at home to the delight of guests.

A revival for popular music in Maldives in the late seventies saw Zahid leading the much sought music group 20 th Century BC. The band became a household name during the following two decades.

Loved for his ready wit and kindly humor, Zahid never feared talking straight in any subject including politics, which would have been difficult though he never showed it, as he was a cousin to President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom.

A man who took matters that involve fellow musicians seriously, Zahid paid tribute to Zero Degree Atoll and Ahmed Nashid by presenting the latter an antique record player with a plaque commemorating international fame attained by Nashid.

The Maldivian Democratic Party is eternally grateful to Zahid for contributing enormously to the campaign for a (Male') parliament seat, by present MDP co-founder and councilor Mohamed Naheed. It was an undeniable symbol of his independence and farsightedness, though he was staunchly loyal to his family.

A man whose voice was more his instrument, fans, friends and family can't help notice the contrast between his modest personality and the sheer expressiveness of melody and sound that emanates from Zahid's lead-guitar. For many of us who grew up with his music he made easier access to musical instruments through his shop Six-X at his home.

A great husband, father, brother, uncle and son and cousin, as Zahid's journey for eternal peace began, many are caught between the dilemma whether to mourn his passing away- or to celebrate the many gifts and moments he enriched our lives with. One thing's for sure - the music and the memories just wont die.