The Man Behind the Drum

Mathew Paul, hailing from the Kunnapally family in Muhama, joined SB College in the 1972–75 batch for BSc Zoology. During college, he made a name for himself as a member of the Block Busters, a six-member Western music band—a rarity on Kerala campuses. His role as the Congo drummer showcased his deep passion for rhythm.

After completing his bachelor’s degree, Mathew pursued a formal course in chenda at Kerala Kalamandalam, becoming the first Christian to earn a diploma in this traditional art form. He earned the nickname “Chenda Maathan” from his peers, solidifying it with a captivating solo chenda performance at Kavukattu Hall.

Creative Ventures

Mathew’s creative journey extended into the world of filmmaking. He directed three documentaries that won the Kerala State Film Awards:

• Rivers of Kerala (1983)
• Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair (1984)
• Panchavathyam (1988)

The topics covered by these documentaries reveal his areas of interest.

In advertising, Mathew achieved fame for his iconic jingle, “Mazha, Mazha, Kuda, Kuda,” for Poppy Umbrellas, and went on to create over 300 ad films.

Mathew also ventured into mainstream cinema, beginning his career at Navodaya Studio as an associate director for films like Padayottam and My Dear Kuttichathan. In 2000, he independently produced, wrote, and directed the feature film Ayappantamma Neyappam Chuttu, with his son Mathew Paul playing the lead role.

Introducing the Djembe to SB College

Despite his success in films and advertising, Mathew maintained a close connection with his alma mater. He was a regular participant in the annual alumni meets. He once enthralled attendees at an alumni meeting of his spouse, Sheela Mathew (also an alumna), by playing the Djembe. The performance sparked widespread interest, prompting Mathew to propose introducing a Djembe band on campus.

The project gained momentum when Dr. Jose P. Jacob of the Zoology Department took charge of student training. Financial support came from alumnus Santosh Joseph Karimattom (PDC and B.Com, 1978–83), a successful entrepreneur. The instruments were housed in the Zoology lab, and Mathew personally coached 14 handpicked students for two months.

The Djembe band was inaugurated on January 26, 2010, during the annual alumni meet in Kallarackal Hall, by the legendary chenda maestro Padmasree Mattannoor Sankarankutty Marar. The band went on to perform at numerous events, both on and off the campus.

A Life Dedicated to Harmony and the Environment

An advocate for peace, harmony, and environmental preservation, Mathew lived an austere life despite his association with advertisements and films. His dream to spread the Djembe band to other colleges and schools was put to a full stop when he was diagnosed with cancer and passed away on September 30, 2015. In keeping with his environmental values, his funeral services were conducted without flex boards or loudspeakers, reflecting his lifelong respect for nature.

Mathew’s legacy spans his music, film, and environmental advocacy contributions. The Djembe translates to “everyone gathers together in peace,” symbolises his vision of unity and harmony.

Honouring Mathew Paul

As St. Berchmans College hosts its annual alumni meet on January 26, 2025, Mathew Paul will be remembered and honored as part of the golden jubilee batch. His enduring contributions to the arts, environmentalism, and his alma mater ensure his memory lives on.