Olcay Bayır’s music is a natural marriage of her time-honoured Anatolian heritage and the vibrant, eclectic sounds of London. Classically trained in the UK as a soprano, collaborations with musicians from all around the world have informed Olcay’s music as much as the rich folk traditions of her youth. Expect a rhythmically powerful, soulful, rooted and contemporary live set.

Her debut album Neva was a collection of Anatolian folk songs. New album Rüya [Dream], released in March of this year, was part funded by PRS Foundation’s Women Make Music programme and showcases Olcay’s own compositions.

The singer says: “Music is the greatest passion for which I have always had the biggest place in my soul. It is my true happiness. As I have been going through my life, I have nourished my emotions with various styles of music, regardless of national borders. I have been inspired, amazed by each of them. Now, it is time for me to sing.”

Born in Turkey, singer/ songwriter Bayır moved to London as a teenager. She was nominated for Best Newcomer in Songlines Music Awards – 2015, and was described by Guardian music critic Robin Denselow as “an impressive newcomer to London’s vibrant global music scene,” who described her live performances as “exquisite”.

See her live at The Pheasantry in Chelsea in September, when she will perform tracks from her new album.

Event details

Title: Olcay Bayır at The Pheasantry Jazz Club

Date: Wednesday 18 September 2019

Time: 7pm to 10pm

Venue: The Pheasantry Jazz Club, 152-154 King’s Road, Chelsea, London SW3 4UT

Tickets: £15, available online – click here to buy.