Kozhikode Well known singer and exponent of Mappilla Paattu – the Muslim folk songs – has died aged 86 following heart ailment.
Kutty is credited with popularising Mappila songs that’s a cultural identity of the Muslim community of the state especially in the northern district of Malabar. He set the genre on popularity wave by composing Arab-Malayalam lyrics syncing :Ishels”(tunes) believed to have been sung by Arab sailors who centuarrived in Kozhikode for trade centuries ago. These songs were then given local slang endearing them to the masses.
Kutty started his career as a teacher and researched deep into ancient Arab music. He got his breakthrough after singing ‘mapilla pattu’ on radio at age 20. He gave countless stage performances and encouraged new talents into his troupe.
Kutty has written over 1000 songs and authored several books. Noted among his works are “Mapila pattinte lokam”, “Bhktigeethangal”, “Kurutikunju” and “Basheer Mala”.
Kutty was honoured with Sangeetha Nadaka Academy award and has served as Honorary Secretary at the Insitute of Mapilla Studies.
Chief Minister Pinaryi Vijayan condoled the demise saying Kutty was a genius who played key role in popularising Mappila Pattu and elevated music genre to newer heights.
