Artist Biography
Nanjiyamma Born 1 January 1960 is an Indian folksinger who hails from a tribal community in Kerala.
She garnered public attention after singing playback in the Malayalam film Ayyappanum Koshiyum in 2020.
The film’s title song “Kalakkatha” written by herself in Irula language and composed by Jakes Bejoy attained popularity after its release on YouTube. The song received more than 10 million views in a month.
PALAKKAD: Nanji chechi (sister), an Adivasi woman of Nakkupathy Piruvu ooru (place) in Attappadi who ekes out a living by grazing goats could not believe her eyes when she was invited by filmmaker Sachi and music director
She has been singing from childhood. She hasn’t gone to school and has been making a living rearing cattle. Being in the news is totally new for her. Chechi has acted in one of the song sequences as well,” Pazhani says. Besides a short film, she has sung in the state film award-winning film, Velutha Rathrikal.
She has sung three more songs in the movie. Nanjamma, who belongs to Nakkupathy Pirivu ooru (colony), has been part of Attappady-based Azad Kala Samithi, which has been performing the dance and music of the region across Kerala and outside the state.
“We’ve performed at events organised by Folklore Academy and other art and cultural organisations. We’ve also staged our dance and songs at Utsav, organised by the Kerala government to promote traditional art and dance forms in all the districts,” says Pazhani Swamy S, leader of the Samithi.
Since the movie is set in Attappady, director Sachy wanted tribal songs to be included and that’s when he contacted the Samithi. “He listened to Nanji chechi and later a 11-member team from our troupe was called for a session in Kochi. Later, the songs were recorded in Chennai,” says Pazhani, a tribal watcher of the Forest Department, who has also acted in the film.
