---
title: "‘Sultan of Melodies’ Kozhikode Abubacker Dies at 80; Mappilappattu World Mourns"
english_title: "Kozhikode Abubacker Dies at 80: Mappilappattu Musician and Tablist Passes Away"
publisher: "Truevision English News"
canonical_url: "https://english.truevisionnews.com/news/380615/kozhikode-abubacker-mappilappattu-musician-composer-dies-at-80"
published_at: "2026-09-01T06:42:00+05:30"
category: "Kerala"
language: "en"
image: "https://cf.zdn.im/img/truevisionnews.com/0/image-uploads/6a96272b7973b_kozhikode-abubacker-mappilappattu-musician-composer-dies-at-80.jpg"
keywords: ["Kozhikode Abubacker", "Kozhikode Abubacker death", "Mappilappattu", "music composer", "tablist", "KS Chithra", "KJ Yesudas"]
---

# ‘Sultan of Melodies’ Kozhikode Abubacker Dies at 80; Mappilappattu World Mourns

> **Lead Summary:** **Kozhikode:** The Mappilappattu community is mourning the death of renowned musician, composer and tablist Kozhikode Abubacker, popularly known as Avukka. The celebrated artist, who was widely regarded as a ‘Sultan of Melodies’, died at around midnight on Monday at his residence in Ullisherikkunnu, Areekad, at the age of 80.

## Article Content

**Kozhikode:** The Mappilappattu community is mourning the death of renowned musician, composer and tablist Kozhikode Abubacker, popularly known as Avukka. The celebrated artist, who was widely regarded as a ‘Sultan of Melodies’, died at around midnight on Monday at his residence in Ullisherikkunnu, Areekad, at the age of 80.

Abubacker had been undergoing treatment for nearly two months after suffering a stroke. Despite his declining health, his passion for music remained undiminished. Just two days before he became bedridden, he was reportedly sitting on the verandah of his home and composing a new song. During his final days, he was cared for by his family and close disciples.

Born to Imbichi Ahmed, a businessman in the iron trade at Valiyangadi, and Khadeeja, Abubacker entered the world of music through an unexpected turn of events. He was a schoolmate of actor Mamukkoya. During their student days, Mamukkoya once persuaded a teacher to ask Abubacker to sing. His performance happened to be heard by T. Usman, a renowned tablist and a favourite of legendary composer M.S. Baburaj. This eventually paved the way for Abubacker to make his musical debut with Baburaj’s troupe.

Abubacker went on to leave an indelible mark on Malayalam and Mappilappattu music, composing more than 3,000 songs during his long career. His compositions included several enduring hits, with K.J. Yesudas lending his voice to ‘Karayaanum Parayaanum Manam Thurannirikkanum’ and K.S. Chithra singing ‘Yatheeminathaani’. Songs such as ‘La Ilaaha Illallah’, ‘Pakalathi Njaan’ and ‘Paadaan Njaan Gaayakan Alla’ also earned widespread popularity.

Several leading playback singers, including Sujatha, Afsal, M.G. Sreekumar and Shahabaz Aman, have sung songs composed by Abubacker. He was also associated with legendary musicians, serving as a tablist for celebrated composers such as Devarajan Master and Bombay Ravi.

His compositions became particularly popular on Mappilappattu reality shows, where many of his decades-old songs continue to receive enthusiastic appreciation. His music has also found a new generation of listeners through social media.

A book titled ‘Eeṇangalude Sultan’ (Sultan of Melodies), written by Hameed Koliyadukkam, was being prepared for publication. Abubacker had hoped to organise the launch with the participation of K.S. Chithra and Kerala Assembly Speaker V.D. Satheesan, but his illness left him bedridden before those plans could materialise.

Several of his disciples and friends, including Kannur Prakash, Firoz Babu, Sibella Sadanandan, Indira Joy and Saji Millennium, had visited him in hospital after learning about his illness.

Abubacker is survived by his wife, K.V. Zubaida, and children Ghulam Ali, Roshni, Femina and Sajina. His son Fayas predeceased him. The funeral prayer is scheduled to be held after noon on Tuesday at Mathottam Kabirsthan Mosque.

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- [Original Story Source](https://english.truevisionnews.com/news/380615/kozhikode-abubacker-mappilappattu-musician-composer-dies-at-80)