ABOUT

At the age of seventeen, Abdul Hannan started performing casually with his friends which helped him develop self-confidence and improve his singing capabilities. In mid 1970s, he was offered a stage performance in a tourist resort to celebrate one of their occasions, which resulted in him getting several offers. During the time, he was more keen to perform English language songs than Hindustani classical songs. Apart from singing, he has also contributed to the industry by composing original music and tracks for films, albums and events. One of his most acclaimed music composition includes "Kaiveneege Amaazu" from the film Haali.

In 1983, the Government of Maldives honoured him with the National Award of Recognition, which makes him the fourth male singer to receive this honour. In the Aafathis Awards ceremony held in 1998, he received the Best Male Playback Singer Award for his performance in the song "Leygaa Vaathee Nan" from the film Fathis Handhuvaru (1997), which was widely appreciated for his possession of high vocal range in the song. At the 4th Gaumee Film Awards ceremony, Hannan was bestowed as the Best Male Playback Singer for his classical rendition of the song "Ossifavaa Iru Eree Ey" from the film Edhi Edhi Hoadheemey (2003).nHe received his second nomination in the same category for the title song of Kuhveriakee Kaakuhey? (2011) at the 7th Gaumee Film Awards.

After relocating to Sri Lanka, Hannan slowly distanced himself from the industry, though during the time he served as the producer of the film Kuhveriakee Kaakuhey? which directed by his wife, Aishath Ali Manik. A film he considered as a "family production" was theatrically released in 2011, though the film was written in 2007 by their two daughters Hawwa Alishan and Ulvy. Inspired by Ram Gopal Varma's Bollywood horror romantic thriller film Darling (2007), the film revolves around a man who cheats on his wife with his secretary, and how his life slides to a haunting shift when he accidentally kills his mistress. Upon release, the film received negative response from critics and was declared a flop at box office. Apart from producing the film, he contributed to the soundtrack album of films including Kuhveriakee Kaakuhey? which also resulted in him being nominated in the Best Original Song composition for the title track of the film.

AWARDS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2015 ARUTHA Award by Maldives Society of Performing Arts

Award of Honor, Diamond Star Award

In Recognition and Honor of Dedication and Service for the Entertainment of Maldives as a Musician, Singer and a Composer

2013 DRE’s Star Award

Life Time Achievement Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Music and Contribution to the Entertainment of Maldivian Film Industry

2012 Enchanteur ® Maldives Film Awards

Best Playback Singer (Male)

Title: Ossifaava Handhu Eree Ey | Movie: Edhi Edhi Hoadhimey

2008 National Film Awards 5

Best Playback Singer (Male)

2003 National Film Awards 3

Best Playback Singer (Male)

Title: Hiyy Edhenee | Movie: Hiyy Edhenee

1998 AAFATHIS Award

Best Playback Singer (Male)

Title: Fathishandhuvaru | Movie: Fathishandhuvaru

1994 AAFATHIS Award

Best Playback Singer (Male)

Title: Hiyaaluga Hissaa Vela | Movie: Zakhm

1984 National Awards awarded by the President of Maldives, HEP Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom

In Recognition and Service for the Entertainment of Maldives as a Singer

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS & SHOWS

2004 SAARC Summit Musical Event | Islamabad, Pakistan

• Singer representing Maldives

• Performed live at PTV studio

1991 SAARC Summit Musical Event Colombo, Sri Lanka

• Singer representing Maldives

• Performed live at Sugathadhasa Stadium

1992 Musical Festival | New Delhi, India

• Singer representing Maldives

• Performed live

1984 Indian Ocean Music Festival | Perth, Australia

• Singer representing Maldives

• Performed live in multiple venues in Perth

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES

1995 to Present

Freelance Singer / Musician / Composer

• Composing songs for National celebrations, movies and recording albums

• Performing entertainment shows and live concerts

• Private classes for teaching music to others, especially to play guitar and singing exercises

• Recording sessions

• Coached for students of Iskandhar School and Male’ English School

• Judged Interschool Singing Competitions organised by Television Maldives (app. 10

• competitions)

• Had the opportunity to work with or share stages as a singer and/or guitarist with the following international artists:

  • Late Dudley Jayawardena (Sri Lanka), in album recordings

  • Late Dr. Lionel Algama (Sri Lanka)

  • Mr. Debashish Dasgupta (India), in a Musical Show hosted by SLAM Studio, Maldives

  • Mr. Bankim Pathak (India)

  • Mr. Mohamed Aziz (India)

  • Mr. Shabbir Kumar (India)

  • Ms. Usha Uthup (India), in SAARC Summit Musical Event Sri Lanka

  • Mr. Alamgir (Pakistani), in SAARCH Summit Musical Event Sri Lanka

  • Mr. Sunil Darmasena (Sri Lanka), in album recordings and live shows, Sri Lanka

1984 to 1994

Antares Music Band, Managed by Voice of Maldives (Maldives)

Singer, Guitarist & Band Leader

• Performed various public shows and live concerts nation wide

• Multiple melody compositions

• Organized singing program

1980 to 1981

DIB Band, Managed by Department of Information and Broadcasting (Maldives)

Singer & Guitarist

• Multiple melody compositions together with band members

• Performed various public shows and live concerts nation wide

1977 to 1979

COBRAS Music Band

Singer & Guitarist

• Performed live shows mainly in Seenu Atoll

1975 to 1977

Olympians Music Band

Singer & Guitarist

• Performed 192 shows, and live concerts nation wide