Zero Degree Atoll facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Zero Degree Atoll
Zero Degree Atoll performing in 2007
Background information
Origin	Malé, Maldives
Genres	World, Ethnic, Blues
Years active	1987 - Present
Labels	Tropic Records (2002) Zero Degree Atoll (2003-)
Members	Nashid Mohoj Ahmed

Zero Degree Atoll is a music band from the Maldives. They started making music in 1987. This band is famous for its unique sound, which is inspired by Maldivian culture and traditions. They have released three albums since they began.

Band History

How the Band Started

Zero Degree Atoll began in 1987. It was formed by childhood friends Nashid and Mohoj. They teamed up with Ahmed, who also loved music. Their very first song was called Reethi Handhuvaru. It was about the natural beauty of the Maldives. This song's video was shown on TV to help people learn about protecting the environment. This helped the band become well-known across the country.

In 1988, the band started working on their first album. They traveled around the Maldivian islands. They lived with local people and learned about island life. They recorded everyday sounds, like oars hitting the water or the rustle of rice. These sounds were added to their music. This made their album sound like early morning birds, coconuts being husked, and waves on the shore.

A special part of Zero Degree Atoll's music is how they use old poems and chants. They also use the bodu beru, which means "big drum." This drum is very important in Maldivian music. Because they use these traditional elements, the band is very popular. Both local people and visitors from other countries love to see them perform.

Busy Years

The band has performed many times in the Maldives. They have also played on international stages.

In 1991, they were invited to perform in Switzerland. This was to celebrate Switzerland's 700th year of independence.

In 1992, they held a big concert in Malé. This show celebrated the release of their Dhoni album. It was a huge success!

Zero Degree Atoll represented the Maldives three times. They went to the International Tourism Fair (ITB) in Berlin. This happened in 1993, 1995, and 1997.

In 1996, the band signed a deal with a French music company. They recorded songs from their Dhoni album in France. This new album was called Island Pulse. It had more guitars and drums, giving it a more Western sound. Island Pulse was sold in Europe and the Maldives. It helped share island music with tourists visiting the country.

In September 2000, the band performed at the Sun Club in D'uville, France.

In March 2004, Zero Degree Atoll played in Malé. This was part of the 'One World Beat' Global Music Festival. The festival helped raise money for children living with HIV/AIDS.

Today's Music

Zero Degree Atoll still tours and performs. They continue to share their special music with their fans. Many generations of Maldivians love their music. They find it just as inspiring and new today as it was twenty years ago.

On May 18, 2007, the band performed a show called 'The Sound of a Nation'. It was on a beach in Malé, the capital of the Maldives. The audience sang along with the band. Zero Degree Atoll's music has become a legendary part of Maldivian culture.

On December 7, 2012, Zero Degree Atoll performed in Colombo. This concert helped raise money for Nashid, one of the band's founders. He had been diagnosed with cancer. The money also went to the Cancer Association of the Maldives. Nashid passed away on October 10, 2016. He had been battling cancer for almost five years. Before he passed, he attended a show where local artists honored him.

The world around the band has changed a lot since the 1980s. The sounds that inspired their early music are now different. Engines have replaced oars, and traffic sounds have replaced the waves. But the band's music lives on. Their songs captured the sounds of the Maldives from the past. Because of this, their music will always remind people of what the nation once was, and what it will always be.

Discography

Here are the albums released by Zero Degree Atoll:

• Dhoni (1996)
• Island Pulse (1997)
• Bird in Flight (2003)

Bird in Flight

In 2003, Nashid released his solo album, Bird in Flight. This album showed how talented he was as a performer. In the same year, he won an award at the New York International Music Festival. He won for the Best Acoustic Blues act. This allowed him to perform at the famous Madison Square Garden in New York. The album is dedicated to Maizan Hassan Maniku.

Dhoni

Island Pulse