The Addu Atoll are an island nation in the Indian Ocean, and its culture is an amalgamation of Malaysian, Indonesian, East African, Arab and Indian influences.

Raivaru:

Raivaru is the oldest and most distinctive poetry form in the Addu Atoll. It is a poetic melodic chant set to a prescribed metric pattern. It is recited in a plaintive tune with abrupt endings.In its original form raivaru is a dialogue in poetry form and was composed and recited spontaneously. Traditionally, raivaru was used as a means of communication and relieving boredom.

Fishermen recite raivaru to relieve boredom and monotony. Lovers use raivaru to convey their feelings. There are tales told in raivaru form, some of which are considered to be Dhivehi literary classics. There many categories of raivaru. Undoable raivaru was sung by women in their leisure; goathi raivaru was used at home; athirimathee raivaru may not be recited at home; kandumathee raivaru was recited by sailors and fishermen at sea; bereki raivaru contain some offensive language and may not be recited at home or in decent society.

Bandhi :

Bandhi is another traditional poetry form of the Maldives. There were two types of bandhi. They are those recited by children at play, and those chanted by fanditha verin (traditional magicians and medicine men), in the form of mantras

Farihi :

Farihi is the name given to traditional love poetry set to tune.

Boduberu songs begin with a slow beat, which eventually enters a wild crescendo accompanied by frenetic dancing. Lyrics can be about any number of subjects, and often include vocables (meaningless syllables).