Kozhikode Aboobacker, composer and noted Mappilapattu veteran, passes away

Noted music composer, singer, and master tablist Kozhikode Aboobacker, affectionately known as ‘Avukkakka’, passed away on Tuesday (September 1, 2026). He was 80.

​Aboobacker, widely admired across South India for his prolific contributions to Mappilapattu, a traditional Muslim folk song style native to the Malabar region of Keralam, had been undergoing medical treatment following a stroke. His passion for music remained undiminished until his final days, with the veteran artiste having composed a new melody just two days before becoming bedridden.

​Throughout an illustrious career spanning several decades, Aboobacker composed music for over 3,000 songs. His compositions became staples of Mappila music stage performances, cultural broadcasts, and recorded albums. Virtually every leading playback singer in Malayalam cinema and light music, including K.J. Yesudas, K.S. Chithra, G. Venugopal, Minmini, and M.G. Sreekumar, have lent their voice to his melodies. His ability to blend traditional Malabar folk rhythms with intricate melodic structures earned him widespread critical acclaim.

Among his widely known compositions are ‘Karayanum Parayanum Manamthurannirikkanum, sung by K.J. Yesudas, and ‘Yatheeminathani’, rendered by K.S. Chithra. ‘La Ilaha Illallah’, ‘Pakalanthi Njan’ and ‘Padan Njan Gayakan Alla’ were among his other popular works.

Aboobacker fell ill while preparations were under way for the release of Eenangalude Sulthan, a book by Hameed Koliyadukkam documenting his life and musical career. He had hoped to organise the book launch in the presence of K.S. Chithra and Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, but the event was cancelled after he became bedridden.

Gifted tablist

​Aboobacker initially launched his career through the musical troupe of the legendary composer M.S. Baburaj. Beyond his work as a primary composer, he was an exceptionally gifted tablist, serving as a favoured rhythm accompanist for masters of Indian film music such as G. Devarajan and Bombay Ravi during major recording sessions.

In addition to his musical endeavours, he shared a lifelong friendship with the late veteran actor Mamukkoya, with whom he attended school during his childhood in Kozhikode.

The burial services will take place later on Tuesday.

Aboobacker is survived by his children, Ghulam Ali, Roshni, Femina, and Sajina. He is predeceased by a son, Fayas.

(The writer, Aleesha V. Joseph, is an intern with The Hindu)