Baba Zula is a quintessential figure in the world of Turkish alternative music, known for blending traditional Turkish musical instruments with modern electronics to create a sound that transcends borders and epochs. Formed in 1996 by Levent Akman and Murat Ertel, the band originated in Istanbul, the cultural crossroads of Europe and Asia. They have since crafted a unique soundscape that pulls from a rich tapestry of Anatolian folk music, psychedelic rock, dub, and other worldly influences, earning them an international cult following.

Their music is characterized by the use of traditional instruments such as the electric saz, darbuka, and spoons, fused with contemporary electronic effects, creating a hypnotic groove. The group's performances are legendary, often including theatrical elements, costumes, and impromptu belly dancers, encapsulating the eclectic spirit of Istanbul's underground scene. Over the years, they’ve gained critical acclaim with albums like "Gecekondu" (2010) and "Derin Derin" (2019), along with a host of live releases and a defining retrospective collection titled “XX,” celebrating two decades of their ceaseless innovation and cultural crossover. Baba Zula not only serves as a beacon of modern Turkish music but also as a political voice, with their work often addressing themes of freedom and resistance, making their artistry both a sonic pleasure and a statement of cultural defiance.

Genres

Turkish Folk

Turkish Jazz

Turkish Psych

Turkish Rock

Related Artists

Duman

Goran Bregović

Plan B

Yıldız Tilbe

mor ve ötesi

Gripin

Selda Bağcan

Replikas

Redd

Erkin Koray

Fazıl Say

Özdemir Erdoğan

Latest Release

Haller Yollar (Gain Sahne Live Session)

Baba Zula

Single - Released December 16, 2022