‘Sultan of Mappila songs’ Kozhikode Aboobacker passes away at 80

Kozhikode: Malayalis' very own ‘Sultan of Mappila Songs’, Kozhikode Aboobacker, has passed away, departing for a world with no one left to “karayanum, parayanum manam thruannirikkanum” (cry, speak or open one's heart to). He had been undergoing medical treatment for nearly two months after suffering a stroke. Even just two days before becoming bedridden, Aboobacker sat on the veranda of his home, composing a new tune. During his final days, only his family and favourite disciples were by his side.

The journey into the musical world for Aboobacker, the son of Imbichi Ahammad, an iron merchant at Valiyangadi, and Khadeeja, is quite fascinating. Film actor Mamukkoya and Aboobacker were classmates. While they were students, the teacher asked Aboobacker to sing upon Mamukkoya's suggestion. T Usman, the favourite tablist of legendary composer Baburaj, happened to overhear this by chance. That led to his debut through Baburaj's musical troupe.

Illness paralysed Aboobacker just as preparations were underway to release a book titled ‘Eenangalude Sultan’ (Sultan of Melodies), authored by Hameed Koliyadukkam. He was struck down unexpectedly while nursing a wish to conduct the release event with singer K S Chithra and Chief Minister V D Satheesan in attendance.

Kozhikode Aboobacker was an artist who gifted over 3,000 timeless melodies to the music world through his signature compositions. Songs such as “Karayananum Parayanum Manamthurannirikkanum” sung by K J Yesudas and ‘Yatheeminathaanee” sung by K S Chithra became massive hits.
 

He was a music composer deeply familiar to Keralites through numerous iconic tracks, including “La Ilaha Illalla", “Pakalanthi Njan” and “Paadan Njan Gaayakan Alla”. Furthermore, almost every prominent playback singer in Malayalam, including Sujatha, Afsal, M G Sreekumar and Shahabaz Aman, has lent their voice to “Avukka's” compositions.

A favourite tablist of legendary composers G Devarajan Master and Bombay Ravi, Aboobacker's tunes went on to dominate all Mappilappattu reality shows.

These songs released decades ago continue to enjoy massive popularity across social media platforms today. Upon learning about his illness, disciples and close friends, including Kannur Prakash, Firoz Babu, Sibella Sadanandan, Indira Joy and Saji Millennium, visited him in hospital over the past few days.