Olcay Bayir – Tu Guli (Arc Music, 2024)
Olcay Bayır’s latest album, Tu Guli, presents moving songs deeply grounded in Anatolian culture and her Kurdish Alevi roots. Through her delightful, soul-infused songs, Bayır pays homage to the resilient people of Anatolia who steadfastly uphold their language, culture, and traditions amidst adversities.
The album reflects Bayır’s multicultural background. She currently lives in London, her adopted home. Central to her narrative are the strong women of Anatolia, including her grandmothers and mother, whose stories and resilience she amplifies through her music.
Drawing from mesmerizing traditional Anatolian melodies and infusing them with contemporary elements, Bayır offers a diverse set of songs infused with emotional depth. Her haunting vocals convey tales of the past, honoring the Anatolian heritage and the enduring spirit of its people.
Tu Guli features a variety of tracks that traverse Anatolia’s history and culture. From the up-tempo Kurdish wedding dance of “Edlê” to the poignant reflection on war in “Setero,” Bayır’s songs capture the essence of Anatolian life and struggles.
The album also features personal narratives, such as “Husna,” inspired by her grandmother’s experiences, shedding light on the challenges faced by women in Anatolian society. Through songs like “Ağ Elime Mor Kınalar Yaktılar,” Bayır addresses social issues and historical injustices, inviting listeners to contemplate the complexities of Anatolian history and identity.
Bayır’s influences range from traditional Anatolian tunes to Armenian melodies, exploring Anatolia’s composite cultures and complex histories, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the indomitable spirit of the region and its people.
Buy Tu Guli.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.