Kozhikode Aboobacker, the veteran popular music composer, singer, and master tablist, passed away last night, Monday, at his home in Areekode’s Ullissery Kunnu, and the news surfaced today, Tuesday, September 1, 2026. The composer breathed his last at the age of 80.
Lovingly called “Avukkakka”, the composer has been undergoing treatment for a stroke for the past two months. The reports also suggest that he was laid to rest this afternoon at the Mathottam Kabarsthaan Masjid. He is survived by his wife, K V Zubaida, and children Ghulam Ali, late Fayas, Roshni, Femina, and Sajina.
Over several decades, Aboobacker had an illustrious career composing more than 3,000 songs, and his songs became a staple of Mappila music performances on stage. He is also a well-known tabla player and served the masters of Indian film music, G. Devarajan and Bombay Ravi, during major recordings.
Besides that, he is also known for his contributions to Mappilapattu, a traditional Muslim folk song style native to the Malabar region of Kerala. He began his musical career in the troupe of the legendary composer M.S. Baburaj and was a lifelong close friend/classmate of the late veteran Malayalam actor Mamukkoya.
Some of his hit songs include Mouthum Hayaathum, Purappetta Abujaahiludan, Yatheeminnathaani, Anchanjum Poruladi, Arab Nattil, Kadakkannin Muna, Kanneeril Mungi, and Ummaye Chothichu.
We pay our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and fans grieving the loss of the legendary Artist Kozhikode Aboobacker.
