Capturing the unseen: Shaafee's lens on Malé

His portraits of Malé are especially vivid, often bringing out a rarely seen side of our city. We had a chat with him just as he was starting to explore politics through his medium. His political messaging is rooted in everyday experiences, communicating the concerns of the ordinary person.

We discussed his experience of the city, his influences when he started out in photography, his love for music, the purpose of his art, and more in this interview. 

What brought you to Malé, Mohamed? When did you make the move?

It was December 2018, I was working at a shop owned by a friend of my dad and then I joined the Maldives Airports Company. I was a customer service officer there, helping guests check-in as well as guiding arriving and departing guests.

You were taking photos on your island too, right? Who were some photographers you looked up to back then?

I was mostly exposed to local photographers at the time. Nashiu Naeem is one, ah, I am terrible with names, but Yamin is another photographer. Naj was a huge influence too, as was Fooz. 

When did you really start getting into photography?

Just [2023]. I started snapping street photos and got a surprisingly good response from people. I hadn’t thought of a career in photography, that it would be possible in fact, but this has made me reconsider. 

What do you look for in your photos?

Stuff that people would normally overlook, places that would grab my interest if I observed them long enough. I’d see interesting things. 

I also wanted to ask you how your impression of Malé changed over time.

I thought it was the best place in the entire Maldives when I first came here, it’s so easy and convenient, you get much better services here, and more options. But now I just feel the congestion so much.

I notice that Malé appears very romantic through your lens.

It’s a different world entirely. The city is suffocating in real life but in my photos you see it in another light, as a freer, more peaceful place. That said, I feel I’m becoming a bit political with my photos these days. 

How do you feel about mixing politics and photography?

I think I’m expressing the thought of the common person, their thoughts and emotions. I think if I have a platform I should also have a voice, I feel that’s the purpose of my photography.

You’re also exploring photographing live musical performances. What drew you to that? Is it commercial work?

Music is second only to photography for me. I have a lot of friends who’re musicians. One of the people who made me take up photography again after I’d given up was Aruham. I think music has a bad rep and most musicians are kind of struggling here. I want to help them however I can. 

You took some really great photos of Raveo, were you commissioned?

No, it was a passion project.

You were experimenting with slow shutter speeds and unconventional framing, what was the inspiration behind this?

I was mostly looking at music photography abroad, photos of Kanye West, The Weeknd, Tyler, you know?

What kind of music do you listen to?

Haha, I listen to basically everything. It really depends on my mood. These days I’m listening to Radiohead. 

Haha. I read something recently where someone had said only people with a certain level of comfort in their lives would listen to Radiohead. Because you need that comfort to get Radiohead’s alienation.

My thought about that is completely different. I don’t think people who’re comfortable with their lives would understand Radiohead at all. They’d be too comfortable to care, it’s not easy listening. 

What Radiohead album are you listening to these days?

Mostly OK Computer. I’m also listening to a bit of indie music now, like Peach Pit.

Before I forget, what’s your family like? 

I have a huge family, five siblings. I’m the youngest, I got special attention and special life lessons. I learned a lot from my elder siblings. We had a lot of fun though back on the island. We played a lot, I even shot a lot of films on the movie camera for laughs. 

I wonder if you’d ever get into film. Do you have a favourite film/director?

I think it’s something I might get into eventually. I’m really inspired by Wong Kar-Wai – it’s there in my photography, too. Fallen Angels (1995) is a great film.

Before we wind up, could you tell me if there’s a story behind your IG handle?

It’s like you can’t make music with a stringless guitar, it’s pretty useless that way. 

I mean to say I am the stringless guitar, the strings are the ‘proper gear.’ But I didn’t give up on my passion even when I didn't have the gear back when I started out. I did what I could with what I had.