Kozhikode Aboobacker, popularly known as “Avukkakka,” died on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the age of 80. A veteran composer, singer and master tablist, Aboobacker was a leading figure in Mappilapattu, the traditional Muslim folk song style of Kerala’s Malabar region. He had been receiving treatment after a stroke and, according to family members, composed a new melody just two days before becoming bedridden.
Over a career that spanned several decades, Aboobacker created music for more than 3,000 songs. His compositions became staples of Mappila stage performances, cultural broadcasts and recorded albums, and were recorded by most of Malayalam cinema’s leading playback singers, including K.J. Yesudas, K.S. Chithra, G. Venugopal, Minmini and M.G. Sreekumar. Signature numbers such as “Karayanum Parayanum Manamthurannirikkanum” (Yesudas) and “Yatheeminathani” (Chithra), along with “La Ilaha Illallah,” “Pakalanthi Njan” and “Padan Njan Gayakan Alla,” remain popular.
Aboobacker fell ill while preparations were under way for the release of “Eenangalude Sulthan,” a biography by Hameed Koliyadukkam documenting his life and work. He had hoped to launch the book in the presence of K.S. Chithra and Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, but the event was cancelled after his health deteriorated.
He began his musical journey with the troupe of legendary composer M.S. Baburaj and later served as a sought‑after tablist for film music masters G. Devarajan and Bombay Ravi. A lifelong friend of the late actor Mamukkoya, Aboobacker shared school days in Kozhikode. He is survived by his children Ghulam Ali, Roshni, Femina and Sajina, and was predeceased by a son, Fayas. Burial services were scheduled for later on Tuesday.
