Published Sep 01, 2026 | 4:02 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 01, 2026 | 4:02 PM
Kozhikode Abubacker
Synopsis: A towering presence in the world of Mappilapattu, Avukka left behind an extraordinary musical legacy spanning several decades, composing melodies for more than 3,000 songs. His melodies became an integral part of Mappila music programmes, stage performances and albums across South India.
Keralam’s renowned Mappilapattu singer, composer and tabala artiste Kozhikode Abubacker passed away at his residence at Ullisseri Kunnu in Kozhikode on Tuesday, 1 September.
Popularly known as Avukka, the Mappilapattu maestro was 80 and had been undergoing treatment after suffering a stroke.
A towering presence in the world of Mappilapattu, Avukka left behind an extraordinary musical legacy spanning several decades, composing melodies for more than 3,000 songs.
Remarkably, his creative spirit remained alive until the end, with the veteran musician composing a tune just two days before he became bedridden.
His melodies became an integral part of Mappila music programmes, stage performances and albums across South India.
Leading voices of Malayalam music, including KJ Yesudas, KS Chithra, G Venugopal, Minmini and MG Sreekumar, brought his compositions to life.
An accomplished table player, Avukka was a sought-after accompanist for celebrated composers.
Among his best-loved songs were ‘Karayanum Parayanum Manamthurannirikkanum’, sung by Yesudas, and ‘Yatheeminathani’, rendered by Chithra. ‘La Ilaha Illallah’, ‘Pakalanthi Njan’ and ‘Padan Njan Gayakan Alla’ were among his other popular creations.
Avukka began his musical journey with the troupe of legendary composer MS Baburaj.
An accomplished tabla player, he later became a sought-after accompanist for celebrated composers including G Devarajan and Bombay Ravi during major recording sessions.
He fell ill while preparations were progressing for the release of Eenangalude Sulthan, a book by Hameed Koliyadukkam chronicling his life and career.
Condoling his death, Chief Minister VD Satheesan described Abubacker’s passing as a major loss to Keralam’s cultural world.
He said the musician had created a distinct era in Mappilapattu, taking the genre into the hearts of generations through his unique melodies.
Mappilapattu, or Mappila songs, is a Muslim folk song genre set to lyrics and a melodic framework in Arabic Malayalam by the Mappilas of the Malabar region in Keralam. Mappila songs have a distinct cultural identity, even as they remain closely linked to Keralam’s cultural practices.
