Mahfooz Kamal, a 24‑year‑old singer from Thrissur, captured first place at a prominent Mappilappattu contest organized by a UAE radio station, all while holding a sales position in Dubai.
Born the third child of Kamaluddin–Subaid couple in Pavartti Venmenat, near Chavakkad, Mahfooz first performed on school stages. He excelled in inter‑school and district competitions from eighth grade onward, later shining at Asmabi College’s D‑zone and Inter‑son contests.
His breakthrough came in 2016 at the Nilgiri State Literary Festival, where he topped five categories—including Mappilappattu, Madh, devotional, Khawali and group song—earning the coveted “Kalaprathibha” title.
Subsequent years saw Mahfooz represent Thrissur district, securing leading positions in Mappilappattu, Khawali and revolutionary songs at state festivals through 2019, and winning state‑level accolades in Seera recitation and group singing in 2021.
In 2023, the expatriate literary festival recognized him again, and he repeated his first‑place finish at the UAE radio‑hosted Mappilappattu competition, confirming his appeal among the Gulf diaspora.
His vocal style blends traditional Mappilappattu melodies with a personal touch, a skill honed under mentors such as Anwar Sadath Elavathur, Mustafa Padapparamp, and Ashraf Sahadi Palpeti.
Mahfooz’s brothers, Mahroof and Marsukh Kamal, also pursue music, while his wife Fayisa and daughter Amin Hal Aibak provide steadfast support for his dual career.
Today, 13 November 2026, his performances continue to draw crowds at both UAE Madh gatherings and Dubai‑based Khawali ensembles, cementing his reputation as a leading voice of Kerala’s expatriate community.
