The Voice that Launched the Vote

May 9 is the date for parliamentary elections in Maldives, and I wish my Maldivian friends a free and fair day at the polls, as well as excellent coverage by TVM and VOM. At the same time, I am remembering the excitement of being in the Maldives in the months leading up to the presidential election last fall. One of the memories that stands out is a beachfront concert intended to promote awareness of the importance of voting. That was where I heard Unoosha sing for the first time. The song, "Think Nation" was an extraordinary blend of rock and rap, with words by an 85-year-old poet. The lyrics sound like, "minivan, get a car," but actually are nothing to do with automotive choices. Minivan is the word for freedom in Dhivehi, the island language of Maldives. I couldn't get the catchy beat -- and Unoosha's voice -- out of my head. She definitely rocked the vote.

It was also astounding to see another side of the quiet, polite young lady who had come to my TV hosting class wearing nerdy glasses. She's on the far right in this picture.

I am proud to say that, since she received the training, she has hosted several popular programs on TV Maldives with her band, Kiddy. But when she sings, she is transformed, commanding attention and swinging a glorious mane of hair. (Head coverings for women are a personal choice in the Maldives, although it is a 100% Muslim country.)

It is obvious that Unoosha is ready for a much bigger stage. Here's the link to her latest collaboration with the Maldivian rock band Fasylive. Stay with it to the end, where you can hear Unoosha scatting to Fasy's guitar riffs. The song in Dhivehi is a cry for independence from a women who doesn't want to be taken for a ride.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Unoosha/13235438239#/video/video.php?v=56207996859

Raw, world class talent, IMHO. She recently sang at Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon's anniversary party at a Maldivian resort, and you know that anyone who can hold her own in a duet with Mariah has got game.

A Maldivian rocker chick? Who knew?

The Maldives is traveling a difficult road to democracy in the Islamic world. It is easy to get discouraged by reports of irregularities at the polls. There will always be disagreements over policy, no matter who is serving as president or in parliament. As long as there are talented young voices like Unoosha to rock the vote, I'm confident about the future.

Here's hoping there is someone out there in the music world who can bring her talent to the world. Meanwhile, go to Facebook and become a fan of Unoosha, so you can say you knew her when.