Umbayee Biography 
Umbayee was a prominent ghazal singer from Kerala, who played a major role in popularizing ghazals among Malayalam speaking people. Known for his unique style of singing, he composed and sang many folk and ghazal songs. Though he remained an immense popular singer throughout his life, he was never interested in playback singing. His real name was Ibrahim, and he was an influential figure of his hometown Mattanchery, Ernakulam. He died on 1 August 2018 in Aluva, aged 68. Umbayee has released several ghazal albums, and has held music concerts extensively in India and outside.
Umbayee was born in 1952 in Mattanchery, Kerala. He was inclined to music since young. But sadly, his passion was not supported by his father. He was not brilliant student, and failed in his school subjects, and very soon he ended his studies too. His father sent to him to Mumbai to his uncle’s home, who arranged him the job of an electrician. But it only propelled the singing career of Umbayee. He met Ustad Munawar Ali Khan, and studied music under him for long 7 years. He was inspired a lot by the singing style of Mehboob too, who also hailed from his hometown.
Umbayee used to be doing odd jobs in Abdul Khader Vakil’s house, a major hub for several musicians who visited Kerala. He did so to get more opportunities to mingle with singers and learn about music. Years later, he turned a pioneer of Malayalam ghazals, fully active in singing for more than 3 decades till his death. He regularly held mehfils (ghazal concerts) and released over a dozen of ghazal albums. Gazalmaala, Hrudyaraagam, Madhuramee Ganam and Orikkal Nee Paranju are among his most popular albums.
Published: August 13, 2018
Updated: August 13, 2018
