thesilkroadtoday
Malappuram, Kerala — Renowned Mapilapattu lyricist, choreographer, and cultural practitioner Faisal Kanmanam has been awarded the prestigious Kerala Folklore Academy Award 2022 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Mapila arts and the preservation of traditional Mapilapattu heritage.
The award was presented by Kerala’s Minister for Cultural Affairs, Saji Cherian, during a ceremony held in Thiruvananthapuram. The recognition celebrates nearly three decades of dedicated service by Faisal Kanmanam, who is also widely known by his pen name Maliyekkal Abu Kenza.
A distinguished figure in Kerala’s cultural landscape, Kanmanam has made significant contributions to several traditional Mapila art forms, including Mapilapattu, Oppana, Duff Muttu, and Vattapattu. Through his creative compositions, lyrics, and choreographic works, he has played a vital role in preserving and revitalizing these rich artistic traditions for contemporary audiences.
Kanmanam’s artistic journey has been shaped by the guidance of some of the most respected exponents of Mapila culture, including Kadayikkal Koyakutty, Paravannur Moideenkutty, V.M. Kutty, Hamzath Vettan, O.M. Karuvarakkundu, Hasan Nediyanadu, and M.H. Valluvangadu. Drawing from this distinguished lineage, he has successfully bridged traditional forms and modern cultural expressions.
His efforts have previously been recognized by the Mahakavi Moyinkutty Vaidyar Mapila Kala Academy, which praised his role as a cultural bridge connecting older generations of artists with emerging talents. Through his work, Kanmanam has ensured that the rich legacy of Mapila music and performance continues to thrive in the twenty-first century.
The Kerala Folklore Academy Award stands as one of the state’s highest honors for practitioners of traditional arts and folklore. Faisal Kanmanam’s recognition underscores the enduring importance of Mapila cultural traditions and highlights the contributions of artists who dedicate their lives to safeguarding Kerala’s intangible cultural heritage.
The award not only honors an individual artist but also celebrates the vibrant legacy of Mapilapattu and related folk traditions that continue to enrich the cultural identity of Kerala and India as a whole.
