MUSCAT – Oman’s expatriate population have always grabbed every opportunity that came their way to showcase their unique and diverse art forms.
A recent successful attempt in that direction was the highly entertaining and artistic show staged by a group of Kerala Muslims who are totally dedicated to not only highlight their unique musical and art forms, but also revive the lesser-known traditional ones.
And in that order, the riveting Mega Show 2026 organised by the Muscat Chapter of the Kerala Mappila Kala Academy (KMKA) and staged at the auditorium of the Middle East College, in Rusayl, was a treat to the eyes, ears and the hearts of the more than 1500 audience that thronged the venue.
Colourful event
The colourful and engaging event was inaugurated by G. V. Srinivas Rao, the Indian ambassador and among the prominent members in the crowd included the guest of honour, Sheikh Ahmed Al Balushi, the Majlis Al Shu’ra member from Seeb wilayat, and Haitham Mohammed Rafi, the Omani singing sensation. Others included A. K. Mustafa and Arif Kapil, the Kerala state committee president and general secretary, respectfully of KMKA and Aisha Banu, daughter of the late P. H. Abdullah ‘Maash’, one of the founders of KMKA. Also present were Dr Sidheeq Mankada, chairman; Sameer Kunjippalli, convener; Faisal Vanimel, president; Nasar Kandiyil, general secretary and Ishaq Chiriyndan, treasurer of the KMKA Muscat Chapter. Other members like Muneer ‘Master’, Lukman Kathiroor, Midlai and Faisal Aluva were also present.
Vibrant touch
Popular singing stars from Kerala that added a vibrant musical touch to the Mega Show were Kannur Shareef, Asif Kappad and Sindhu Premkumar.
Major boost
The enthusiastic crowd that included many Kerala Muslim families and the manner in which they enjoyed the show has given the Mappila art forms a major boost, prompting the organisers to promise future annual shows of this nature.
Beyond expectations
“The Mega Show was not just a mere hit, it went beyond our expectations,” enthused Nisam Aniyaram, the chief coordinator of the event. He added that the success of the event has prompted them to promise bigger events on an annual basis.
On one platform
He noted that that KMKA, which had 16 chapters in the GCC and 86 chapters in Kerala, was formed nearly a quarter of a century ago to bring about the Mappila art forms on “one platform”. The organisation has been successful in this endeavour and it has received massive support from the artists and also the community, a reflection of which is seen in the burgeoning chapters both in this part of the world and Kerala.
Keeping art forms alive
Youngsters are tending to lose touch with traditional art forms but the KMKA was determined to keep alive the folkloric Mappila art forms and woo in the younger generation, Nisam said. “This show has been a very successful attempt and it has boosted our confidence to embark on future ventures like this,” he said, thanking their sponsors, supporters, the public and the media for their support.
(The KMKA is a significant cultural institution in Kerala, focused on preserving Mappila Muslim heritage, music (like Oppana), and literature.)
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