In every community there are hidden talents, not least in the British Turkish community. We recently discovered the immensely gifted multi-instrumentalist Salahi ‘Sal’ Ormandji. This Turkish Cypriot from Islington, North London, has been performing for over 35 years, and, at the tender age of 51-ye...
The streets of Istanbul have a storied past. The city’s history echoes through the ancient alleys and modern avenues alike, rising from the bustle of its bazaars, the prayers of its religious houses, and the lapping of the Bosphorus. This rich tapestry of sound has been woven into its musical lands...
London continues to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye with a rich programme of culture. On Friday, 1 December, St James`s Church in Paddington will host Türkiye’s famed pianist Gülsin Onay. The internationally renowned, multi-award winning pianist has performed in 8...
The Psychedelic World of Barış Manço is now firmly established in the London cultural calendar, allowing fans of the iconic rock star to come together and enjoy his biggest hits in a spectacular tribute night performed by singer Djanan Turan, The Flying Karpet band, and a host of special guests. Ba...
Derya Yıldırım and Grup Şimşek are a firm favourite on the indie music circuit with their infectious Anatolian psych-pop groove that’s heavily influenced by the likes of Selda Bağcan, Aşık Mahzuni Şerif, and Barış Manço. Music anthropologist, DJ and friend Sebastian “Booty” Carrell (B-music) introd...
Next year will mark two decades for popular indie rock band Pinhani. Formed by two cousins, Sinan Kaynakçı and Zeynep Eylül Üçe, back in 2004, Pinhani quickly rose to prominence in the Turkish music scene with their unique melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Pinhani were responsible for the soundtrack t...
Those who attended the recent Royal Garden Hotel Kensington Ball to celebrate the centenary of the Turkish Republic will know all about the enchanting voice of soprano Sibel Demir. She wowed guests with her exquisite rendition of Turkish classical music and popular folk songs. Demir returns to the...
If you’re in London and in need of some feelgood Turkish music, then this Turkish 90s Party at The Phoenix is just for you! Expect a night of nostalgia with hit tunes from the artists who defined the golden era of Turkish music, including Tarkan, Mustafa Sandal, Kenan Doğulu, Sezen Aksu, Burak Kut,...
Kurdish folk music meets a contemporary sensibility in the extraordinary vocal talent of Aynur Doğan, one of the most prominent Kurdish singers of our times. Aynur’s impressive voice and compelling gift for musical narration represent the Kurdish music heritage of her cultural roots as a global gen...
In November, one of Turkiye’s coolest exports, Islandman, will be returning to London to play Camden’s Koko as part of their European tour. Formed a decade ago, Islandman comprises of multi-instrumentalist and producer Tolga Böyük, Eralp Güven (percussion) and Erdem Başer (guitars). The three-piece...
