RAIED SHUQUM (ABU DHABI)
Gaye Su Akyol, the renowned Istanbul-based singer, songwriter, and producer, is set to captivate audiences at The Black Box at New York University Abu Dhabi on September 19 and 20.
The performances will also feature TootArd, comprising of brothers Hasan and Rami Nakhleh, known for their boundless creativity and ability to reshape their musical landscape.
Known for her innovative blend of Turkish psychedelia, folk songs, surf music, and 90s Western rock, Akyol's performances promise to be a unique and immersive experience.
Her music, which has evolved to include influences from Anatolian folk and pop, African and Middle Eastern sounds, and even elements of disco and rock from various cultures, reflects her deep understanding and appreciation of diverse musical traditions.
Akyol's lyrics often delve into the socio-political landscape of her home country, offering a poignant and sometimes provocative commentary on contemporary issues.
Her ability to weave complex narratives through her music has earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated following.
"Music is a powerful weapon. It can be used to challenge societal norms and provoke thought, while also providing a sense of freedom and resistance against oppression," she told Far Out magazine.
Akyol, born on January 30, 1985, in Istanbul, Türkiye, is a multifaceted artist delving into music, painting, and anthropology.
In addition to her musical career, Akyol is also a successful painter, with exhibitions both in Turkey and abroad.
Her visual art often complements her music, creating a cohesive artistic vision.
Her father, Muzaffer Akyol, is a renowned painter, which influenced her artistic upbringing.
In addition to her musical talents, Akyol is also known for her striking visual style.
Her performances often feature elaborate costumes and stage designs that reflect her eclectic musical influences.
Before embarking on her solo career, Akyol performed in several bands, including Mai, Toz ve Toz, and Seni Görmem İmkansız, alongside Tuğçe Şenoğul. Her solo debut album, "Develerle Yaşıyorum" (I Live With Camels), was released in 2014, showcasing her unique blend of traditional Turkish music with modern genres like psychedelic rock and surf music.
This was followed by "Hologram İmparatorluğu" (Hologram Empire) in 2016, which further established her as a significant figure in contemporary Turkish music.
Akyol's music is deeply influenced by a diverse range of artists, from Turkish classical singer Selda Bağcan to grunge icon Kurt Cobain.
Her innovative sound and thought-provoking lyrics have earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated following.
In 2019, she received the Best Artist award at the Songlines Music Awards.
TootArd's music is a fusion of global pop hooks and quarter-tone melodic lines.
Their distinctive blend of disco and dance music draws inspiration from the rich musical traditions of Southwest Asia and North Africa, resulting in a captivating and boundary-pushing musical journey.
TootArd, which means "Strawberry" in Arabic, was formed in 2010 in the village of Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights.
Armed with PSR-62 Oriental synthesizers, the band is known for its unique blend of genres, including psychedelic rock, Tuareg music, reggae, and Arabic rock.
Their music often reflects their experiences growing up in a politically complex region.
"Music is our passport. It allows us to cross borders and connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds, despite the political barriers we face," Hasan, the band's lead vocalist and guitarist, told Pan African Music.
The band lists Egyptian musicians like Omar Khorshid and Umm Kulthum as influences, in addition to Magdi El Husseiny and Ihsan Al Munzer who were among the first musicians to use the then new synthesizers in Arabic pop music.
TootArd's debut album, Nuri Andaburi, was released in 2011 and featured songs that addressed the political situation in their homeland.
Their second album, Laissez Passer (2017), highlighted the statelessness of the Druze people in the Golan Heights and incorporated Tuareg-style music with psychedelic rock.
The title, which means "Let Them Pass", refers to the travel documents used by the inhabitants of the Golan Heights.
In 2020, they released their third album, Migrant Birds, which continued to explore themes of identity and displacement.
The band has performed extensively in the Middle East and Europe, gaining a reputation for their eclectic and innovative sound.
For Akyol and TootArd performing in Abu Dhabi is an opportunity to connect with fans in the region and to introduce their music to new listeners.
The performances at The Black Box allow musicians from different backgrounds to share their work with new audiences, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural expressions.