Sezen Aksu

‘The Voice of Istanbul’ returns to the Hall following her first appearance here in 2007.

Her new band … , led by Grammy-nominated pianist and composer Fahir Atakoğlu and featuring highly respected percussionist Jarrod Cagwin and Dutch bassist Eric van der Westen alongside Turkish master musicians Mustafa Boztüy (percussion), Göksun Çavdar (clarinet), Fatih Ahıskalı (Guitar and Cumbus), Özer Arkun (Cello) and Nurcan Eren, Sezen’s long-standing backing vocalist, will perform her best-loved songs with fresh style.

Ranked amongst the world’s best alongside Billie Holliday, Caruso, and Placido Domingo in a recent 50 Great Voices series (United States National Public Radio), Sezen Aksu is a diva whose inimitable voice touches deep into human soul whether or not one understands the Turkish of her deeply poetic lyrics.

Since starting her singing career over 30 years ago she has penned over 500 songs, from fragile ballads to raucous, hip-shaking dance music. Her songs speak of love, but don’t shy from social and political issues, earning her a place on Songlines Magazine’s list of World Music Rebels alongside Manu Chao and Bob Marley.

Drawing on Turkish folk and even Ottoman Classical traditions, her songs have a unique signature that blends oriental roots with contemporary pop. Her song Şımarık, known more famously as Tarkan’s Kiss Kiss song, became an international hit in many languages.