Samji Arattupuzha’s New Song Captures the Nostalgia of Church Band Music

Thiruvananthapuram, India Jul 11, 2026 ALN: ‘O thappu kottu, thakilu kottu…,’ a new composition by veteran musician Samji Arattupuzha, instantly transports listeners to the courtyard of a church. The song, which dropped on YouTube two weeks ago, recreates the joyful verve of a Malayali Christmas carol. Samji employs drums and clarinet to create a textured soundscape that evokes a nostalgic Christmas spirit. This piece not only reflects the rich musical traditions of but also serves as a reminder of the cultural significance of church music within the community.

Rendered by a group of singers — Ramesh Murali, OU Basheer, Sreekanth, Nimya Lal, Ashitha Prakash, and Angel Mary — the song is the latest addition to Samji’s repertoire of over 500 Christian devotionals. The collaboration of these artists highlights the communal aspect of music-making, especially in the context of religious and festive celebrations where collective participation is often at the heart of the experience.

A composer and singer, Samji, 72, says he approaches each song with an intention of making it sound different. Known for using instruments such as the shehnai, sarod, sarangi, and sitar that are not often conventionally used in Christian devotional numbers, Samji’s repertoire is a unique mix of influences. “I like to experiment with ragas, too. I have used Mukhari, Haimavathy, Kamboji, Parpathy, Anandabhairavi, Bihag, and ragamalikas in these Christian devotional numbers, which was not the norm and I enjoyed the challenge of making the songs work. Many of these songs were hits,” he adds. This innovative approach not only enriches the musical texture of the songs but also broadens the appeal of Christian devotional music, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Having started his career in the 1970s, Samji has worked with all the prominent names in the Malayalam music industry. “It is the sheer passion for music that has brought me this far,” he says. “I started singing quite early in my life – when I was just eight or nine with no formal training. And the interest grew with me. I won prizes at school and college level festivals, including the first prize for light music at University,” he reminisces. His early experiences in music competitions laid the foundation for his future endeavors and helped him hone his skills, which would later prove invaluable in his professional career.

His first music teacher was Rugmini Amma, a gold medallist at the Madras Music Academy; he later had a few eminent musicians whom he considered mentors. “But I am still learning, that is the thing about music. The more you learn, the more aware you become of how little you know,” he says. This philosophy underscores the continuous journey of artistic growth and the importance of mentorship in the arts. In 1973, he cleared the audition at Akashavani, where he got an opportunity to present his first composition, ‘Devalaya Nada Thurannu….’ This moment marked a significant milestone in his career, paving the way for further opportunities in the music industry.

It was also when a representative of Columbia Music happened to listen to Samji’s songs. Impressed, he suggested that Samji could try his luck in Chennai and encouraged by the idea, Samji left for Chennai in the hope of recording an EP. The decision proved a turning point as Samji sang four songs in an EP and it became a hit. He went on to work with accomplished singers Yesudas, S Janaki, Jayachandran, B Vasanthi, Ambili, Vani Jayaram, and SP Balasubramaniam, for major record companies including HMV, Polydor, Columbia, and Inreco. This collaboration with renowned artists not only enhanced his visibility in the industry but also allowed him to experiment with various musical styles and genres.

He also assisted gospel musician Peter Ruben in composing at the Madras Christian Arts and Communications. This experience further deepened his understanding of the intersection between music and spirituality, allowing him to explore different dimensions of devotional music. Samji chose devotional songs because of the freedom it gave him. Film songs were restrictive in terms of the theme, while devotionals gave him all the space for channeling his creativity, says Samji. However, he has composed songs for seven Malayalam films and television serials. His first movie was Aaghosham, directed by TS Saji. He also found time to sing, showcasing his versatility as an artist who can navigate both the devotional and cinematic music landscapes.

Samji’s rich musical oeuvre includes Hindu devotional songs and Mappilapattu as well. “I listen to the new songs that are coming out, the new singers who are making a mark … I keep myself updated.” This dedication to staying current with musical trends reflects his commitment to growth and adaptation in an ever-evolving industry. He believes the lyrics lead the way to the tune. “I get the lyrics into my head first. Then I play the shruthi on the harmonium, notate and then I start exploring my possibilities with the song.” This methodical approach to composition emphasizes the importance of lyrical content in shaping the musical expression and emotional resonance of a piece.

He is currently working on a set of morning prayer songs. “There is never a day without music in my life, and there never will be,” he says. This statement encapsulates his lifelong dedication to music, which serves as both a profession and a passion. Samji’s ability to continually create and innovate within the realm of devotional music not only enriches the musical landscape of but also contributes to the preservation and evolution of cultural traditions.

‘O Thappu Kottu Thakilu Kottu’ has been produced and written by Chev. Kuriakose Thadathil. The song is on YouTube, where it is accessible to a global audience. The release of this song during the festive season is particularly significant, as it resonates with the sentiments of joy and community that characterize the Christmas celebrations in . The song, while rooted in tradition, also reflects contemporary musical sensibilities, showcasing how artists like Samji Arattupuzha are bridging the gap between the past and the present in 's rich musical heritage.