Maldives' Own '2OFUS' Makes History with Third-Place Finish at Battle of the Bands International

The Maldivian band '2OFUS' has secured third place at the 'Battle of the Bands International' competition in Mumbai, India, marking the first time a Maldivian band has earned such recognition on a global stage.

The competition featured 12 bands from across various nations, each vying for the top honours. Among them, 2OFUS stood out, captivating audiences and earning praise from the judges. The band's performance resonated deeply with the Maldivian community, which followed their journey with pride. In the finals, the musicians expressed their commitment to representing their country, stating that while their presence on stage was small, they carried with them the spirit of an entire nation. Their message was clear: success belongs to those who dare to dream and work tirelessly to achieve it.

Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef congratulated 2OFUS on their historic achievement, acknowledging their talent and dedication. "This is a remarkable achievement, and your talent and hard work have brought immense pride to the nation on a global stage," he stated in a post to social media. "Your success will undoubtedly inspire many Maldivian artists."

Their performances drew widespread acclaim. Judges described their musical delivery as electrifying, bringing a dynamic energy to the stage and stirring emotions among the audience. Anu Malik, a prominent Indian music composer, hailed 2OFUS as one of the most talented bands he has encountered in recent years, praising the individual artistry of its members.

Beyond the competition venue, public support surged. Admirers took to online platforms to express their enthusiasm, with messages of encouragement pouring in from fans across the Maldives and beyond.

For the grand finale, 2OFUS presented a performance that left a lasting impression. They seamlessly blended the Maldivian nationalistic tune 'Eheree Dhivehi Nishaan' with a Hindi song, delivering a rendition that judges described as deeply moving. Some remarked that the emotional intensity of the performance brought them to tears.

Recognising the significance of the moment, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information and Arts Ibrahim Waheed travelled to Mumbai to personally congratulate the band. Their success is widely regarded as the most notable international recognition achieved by a Maldivian band to date.