Dhivehi Unlimited will be commencing guitar classes on the 14th of June 2009. Classes are scheduled to run from 14th June to 14th August, and enrolment is currently undergoing. The classes are open for ages 6 and above, and students will be grouped according to age / skill level. Tuition fees are MRf 300 per month. Equipment will be provided in class. The only requirement for prospective students is to have the will to succeed, and a love of music!
Classes will be taken two days a week, options being morning or afternoon, by Chippe’. Below is a short profile of Chippe’.
In 1998, Ibrahim Shifau, or Chippe’, found his calling, when he started playing the guitar with a few of his neighborhood friends. As the lead guitarist of one of the most extravagant local thrash metal bands Serenity Dies, he has became versatile in all kinds of styles, from classical, blues, rock, and fusion rock.
Chippe’ started his music career after his studies in the SALAAM School of Arts, Languages & Music, with music professionals such as Tobias, Felix, Valantine and Daniel. Later on, Chippe’ pursued his studies online and with the aid of textbooks.
The young guitarist’s early influences are Jennifer Batton, Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, Frank Gambale, Steve Vai, and many more great artists. Local influences included artists such as Nashid, Hassan Rauf, Dhille and Anil.
Chippe’s gear is Ibanez guitars and Jackson guitars, Marshall pre-amp, SIT strings and Jim Dunlop guitar picks.
Performing in varied locations in the capital, Male’, Chippe’s guitar work has been featured in the surfers’ show Raalhugandu (2002), where he performed with the band Levithian. Not long after that, his band Serenity Dies self-released their very first album Murder, which was also the first thrash metal album to be released in the Maldives.
From 2002 to date, Chippe’ has been teaching guitar as a private tutor, to children, amateur guitarists and adults. Accordingly, there are many in the local music scene who have been taught by him, and it is with a fitting sense of pride that Chippe’ continues teaching with the kind of dedication and commitment that brings real results.
Dhivehi Unlimited
Formed in January of 2009, Dhivehi Unlimited is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in the Arts in the Maldives, and through various classes, master classes & workshops, artistic events and productions, aims to assist, promote and develop Maldivian arts and artists to reach their full potential. Through collaboration with organizations, professional artists and individuals, dU is committed to supporting all arts and artists Dhivehi, and to providing a platform from which to venture locally, or across the boundaries into the international arena.
Currently, dU Dance Classes are ongoing at the Youth Centre. Future events are yet in the conceptual and planning stage.
Application forms are available from Dhivehi Unlimited Studio, Male’ schools, and the Youth Centre. For more info, please call 979 7980, or email dhivehiunlimited@gmail.com, or alternatively find us on Facebook.
