​Irfan Erooth is a 27-year-old musician, composer, and Avid certified audio engineer, blessed with a magical voice. He hails from Vaniyambalam, a small town in Kerala, India, where he completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Audio Engineering & Music Production and Masters in Mass Media & Journalism.
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Early Life:
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Irfan's musical journey began in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where his family was settled for most of his childhood. Mesmerized by the melodious recitation of the Holy Quran and Azan by the Arabs at different masjids and madrasas, young Irfan was greatly interested in learning to do the same. He secured admission to Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zubair (R.A) - School of Quran, along with Arab kids, where he learnt almost 2/3rd of the Holy Quran by heart, attending elementary schooling on the side, at the International Indian School, Jeddah. He still believes that with the limitless recitation of the Holy Quran for hours every day, this was where his vocal tuning began.
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Irfan's mother, born as the daughter of legendary Mapilappattu writer Nalakath Kasim's (late) brother Nalakath Khalid, was his first trainer, and all credits of bringing out his talents at a very young age go to her. Irfan's ties to music are deep-rooted in his family.
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After shifting to Kerala, Irfan joined Ansar English School, Perumpilavu, Thrissur for his high school, where he discovered his burgeoning love for Indian music and won numerous prizes in District and State level inter-school competitions. He was unbeatable as the winner of 'Kala Prathiba' Award for four consecutive years. In addition to being a musical genius, he excelled in sports as well, playing for the school team as goalkeeper in both district and state-level sports meets for Football and Handball. He was titled 'Best Goalkeeper' in Thrissur District Handball Championship of 2014.
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The Turning Point:
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Afflicted by the usual fear that grips most Indian parents, Irfan's family was worried about sending him to pursue a career in music. He ended up leaving for Delhi for higher studies in music, making up the excuse that he was actually leaving for UPSC Civil Service Exam Coaching. It was at this time that his interest for Indian classical music and Sufi music began, and he got to attend concerts and meet many legendary musicians in Delhi.
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The turning point of his life was at his unexpected encounter with Jawed Aslam, his fellow artist in the Mehfil-e-Sama'a - Sufi Ensemble. Having a lot in common, they bonded easily, and in a short time held their first-ever Sufi music concert at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi. Little did they know that this was the starting of something big in both their lives. Later, they were invited to perform at the University of Delhi.
There's a famous quote that says "What is meant to be will always find a way”, which turned out true for both of them as there happened to be a group of research students from the University of Calicut in the audience, and they ended up being invited to perform in the Calicut University Campus at Kerala. They never looked back after that, and now they have completed more than 200 stages all around India and gained attention, being called 'the most promising Sufi music band in South India' by The New Indian Express.
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Later, they went on to perform at great stages like Kochi-Muziris Biennale for two consecutive editions 2018-19 & 2022-23, making it the only band to be invited to perform in Biennale consecutively, other stages include Kerala Literature Festival, Lakshadweep Islands and many more.
With more gigs in the South, Irfan eventually shifted to Bangalore and completed his graduation in the Bachelor of Science Degree in Audio Engineering & Music Production from CMR University in 2019 and Masters in Mass Media & Journalism from JAIN University, Bangalore in 2023.
He pursued his classes in Hindustani Music and harmonium with Ustad Farooq Ali Chand of Bhendi Bazar Gharana and currently trains under Pandit Radhakrishna T of Maihar Gharana for the sitar.
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Debut Album - ALAM-ELU:
An unexpected visitor, allure, transient joy... departure, dejection, betrayal, pain... “The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” ~Rumi This debut single of Irfan is a song of despair, hope and realisation. An attempt to heal, when reasons fail before love, when dark thoughts, malice and despair takes over. Named after the lost love, this piece was produced in collaboration with many great artists in the industry.
"Alam Elu" (Lotus Flower) is a milestone. And it's here to bloom, to guide.
As Rumi said, these pains you feel are messengers. Listen to them.
Covid-19 Lockdown and New Beginnings: How One Musician Adapted and Thrived:
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit and lockdowns were implemented, the live music scene suffered a major setback. Irfan's Mehfil-e-Sama'a was no exception. But instead of giving up, Irfan saw an opportunity to explore new markets and spaces, which led him to create content for the digital world. Within just 10 months, he released over 20 videos, monetised his channel, and garnered a significant number of hits.
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With the live music scene facing continued challenges, Irfan and his college colleague Ashbin Paulson decided to launch a new media company, Tune.Abl. This limited liability partnership company provides services across all spectrums of the audio industry.
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Irfan also took on the role of Head of Audio Distribution for Saina Movies, one of the largest production houses in Kerala, while also working with other big names in the audio industries of South India.
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Today, Irfan oversees the progress of his own firm, performs with his band Mehfil-e-Sama'a across India and abroad, and works as an interaction designer for Non Zero Design.
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When asked to describe his life in one word, Irfan responds with "Masha Allah!" - a phrase that expresses gratitude and appreciation for the blessings in his life.


Awards
Best Album - Seamedu
Music Awards
2018
Only Indian Finalist - Awakening International Contest 2009
Most Promising Sufi Band In South India
- Indian Express
