The new album by BaBa ZuLa, Hayvan Gibi [‘Like An Animal’], was released by Night Dreamer last month. In Turkish, the phrase ‘Hayvan Gibi’ is widely used for musicians who play extraordinarily; an expression of virtuosity about an unbelievably good performance, on a par with “Hey man, this band is out of this world,” making it an […]
Although the term ‘Istanbul Psychedelia’ defines the music of BaBa ZuLa pretty well, their inspiration is not just Istanbul, but the whole of Anatolia. The band is deeply fascinated by the sounds of the late 60s and 70s when Anatolian Pop, which later converged into Anatolian Rock, was king. Retaining this influence at their core, […]
Oriental dub legends BaBa ZuLa’s extraordinary live performances are a legend unto themselves. By mixing traditional instruments such as the darbuka, electric saz, and spoons with electronics and dub, BaBa ZuLa create a unique sound. Known as the “Kings of Istanbul psychedelia”, their style of ‘rock’ rolls in a way that Westerners haven’t heard since […]
Deep within their unruly, freedom-loving psychedelic vibe, there is a particularness about BaBa ZuLa’s world that I love. Their front covers are always carefully considered and stunningly constructed. They are particular about their experimental sound, which never fits into any one genre but effortlessly brings together Western and Eastern beats. And the lyrics for […]
Currently on their Do NOT Obey XX world tour, sonic rebels BaBa ZuLa return to the capital for an exclusive gig at the award-winning venue Under the Bridge, in southwest London on Thursday 27th April. Renowned for their ritual-like performances, expect a tantalizing audio-visual feast of Anatolian electro dub beats, belly dancers, elaborate costumes, […]
Turkey has a long and proud tradition of protest music, its folk songs reflecting the political and social turbulence that has plagued the republic since its inception. BaBa ZuLa is one of the country’s most original acts and it’s fitting that on their 20th anniversary, these “art-anarchists” release an album full of rebelliousness. Newly available […]
