Shafeeqa Abdul Latheef
Shafeeqa Abdul Latheef is a Maldivian playback singer.
Career
Shafeeqa Abdul Latheef comes from a family with a strong musical background, her father, Abdul Latheef, being a notable musician in his prime years. Influenced by Hindustani music and inspired by renowned singers like Asha Bhosle, she began her singing journey at a young age. In 1982, an important opportunity arose when musician Imaadh Ismail and members of the Summer band were in search of a female vocalist. She participated in a brief audition which was rejected by the band members and instead requested her to render the song "Dil Ke Armaan Aansuo Me Bah Gaye" from the film Nikaah. Impressed by her performance, they invited her to perform at the Gadhanoo Carnival, where her local adaptation of the song the same song titled "Dhevvi Faruvaayaa Shifaa" earned her widespread recognition.Following this, Shafeeqa's musical journey continued as she lent her voice to various films, including Shakku, Nufolhey Maa, Karunaige Agu, Loabeege Thoofan, Hadhiyaa, Imthihaan and Alathu Loabi most of which are composed and co-sung with Imaadh Ismail. In addition to her film work, she has been a part of several musical groups such as Waves band, Antaris band and Olympians. Her involvement with the Olympians band, in particular, earned her recognition as a lead singer within the group. Shafeeqa's musical contributions extended to studio albums, with notable tracks including "Edhigen Mirey Dhaanamey" and "Fun Zakham Kuruvi Ramzun" for Galaxyge Therein 1, "Ey Keehvebaa Ithubaaru Kuraashey" for Galaxyge Therein 2, "Habeebee Habeebee" for Hulhudhaan, "Loa Tholhey Loa Tholhey" for the short film Dheke Dhekeves 4 and her songs from Chance and Thari.
In recognition of her musical achievements and dedication to the craft, Shafeeqa received the National Award of Recognition from the Government of Maldives in 1992.