Veteran Mappilapattu Composer Kozhikode Aboobacker Passes Away at 80 in Kerala

Veteran music composer, singer, and master tablist Kozhikode Aboobacker passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the age of 80, according to family announcements. Affectionately known as Avukkakka, Aboobacker died late Monday night on August 31, 2026, at his residence located in Ullissery Kunnu, Areekode, Kozhikode, Keralam.

## Medical Treatment and Funeral Arrangements

Aboobacker had been undergoing medical treatment for approximately two months following a stroke, per family statements. Burial services were scheduled for Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 1:30 PM at the Mathottam Khabasthan Masjid in Kozhikode. He is survived by his wife K.V. Subaida and children Ghulam Ali, Roshni, Femina, and Sajina. He was predeceased by a son, Fayas.

## Contributions to Mappilapattu Music

Throughout his decades-long career, Aboobacker composed music for over 3,000 songs, according to regional cultural records. His work contributed significantly to Mappilapattu, a traditional Muslim folk song style native to the Malabar region of Keralam. His compositions remained integral to Mappila music stage performances, cultural broadcasts, and recorded albums across the state.

## Collaborations and Legacy

In addition to his vocal and compositional work, Aboobacker was a gifted tablist. According to biographical archives, he collaborated with renowned Indian film music directors such as M.S. Baburaj, G. Devarajan Master, and Bombay Ravi, placing him within a significant lineage of Malayalam music. Leading figures across the cultural and musical spectrum extended condolences on the passing of Kozhikode Aboobacker. The passing of Kozhikode Aboobacker marks the end of an era for Mappilapattu music and the broader Malayalam cultural scene, leaving a void for artists and fans of the traditional folk song style, per local cultural associations.