Tufan Derince

Tufan Derince is a Kurdish folk musician born in 1987 in Diyarbakır, Turkey. He began his musical journey at a young age, starting to play at weddings when he was just 12. Derince attended the Gaziantep University Conservatory Department, where he honed his skills. After completing his studies, he established a music center in Mersin, teaching other musicians and producing music for himself and other artists. Known for playing the electric baglama, Derince's music is a vibrant celebration of Kurdish identity, often performed in traditional wedding and folk ensemble formats. His performances have been described as "wild distorted Kurdish wedding music," showcasing his unique blend of traditional and modern elements.

Derince has gained international recognition, performing at notable events such as GlobalFEST in New York, NPR's Tiny Desk meets globalFEST series, DubaiEXPO2020, and SXSW in Austin, Texas. His music combines traditional Middle Eastern and Turkish folk sounds with modern twists, making him a standout in the global music scene. Derince is currently based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, where he continues to create and perform music that resonates with fans worldwide. Some of his popular songs include "Girani," "Agir Delilo, Pt. 1," and "Yan Mirin Ya Diyarbekir," which showcase his energetic and culturally rich musical style.