BaBa ZuLa: A Journey through the Musical Cosmos of Istanbul

Nagihan Melike Demircioglu - Onedio Member

Haziran 16 2023 - 06:43pm

Founded in 1996 by Levent Akman, Murat Ertel, and Emre Onel, BaBa ZuLa is a Turkish musical group that, with its original melodies, rhythms, and lyrics, captures the mesmerizing fusion of traditional Turkish music, folk music traditions, and electronic music. The group has referred to their unique style as 'Cosmic Road Music,' an amalgamation that takes listeners on an unparalleled sonic journey.

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BaBa ZuLa: A Sonic Tapestry of Improvisation and Theatricality Defying Musical Boundaries

fullscreen — BaBa ZuLa's creative process is deeply rooted in improvisation, combining original melodies, rhythms, and lyrics to form an eclectic mix of sounds that transcends genres. The band's performances are equally dynamic, incorporating colourful costumes and theatrical elements that mirror the vibrant energy of their music.

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Pioneering the Fusion of Traditional Turkish Music with Improvisational Minimalism

Harmonizing Anatolian Mysticism with Universal Music Consciousness

A Worldwide Musical Journey from Istanbul to Global Festivals and Silver Screen

Masters of Cultural Fusion and Musical Innovation in the Global Landscape

Over the years, BaBa ZuLa has produced an impressive discography of albums, each with its distinct flavor and thematic focus, and they have performed at various festivals and events worldwide. They have also been involved in creating original scores for films, demonstrating their versatility and unique contribution to the Turkish and global music scene. Their dedication to reinterpreting traditional forms and creating new soundscapes has made BaBa ZuLa not just a music band, but a symbol of cultural fusion and musical innovation.

Here is the musical journey of BaBa Zula!

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1. "Tabutta Rövaşata" (1996)

The group’s inception came about in 1996, when filmmaker Derviş Zaim commissioned Zen (the band considered the precursor to BaBa ZuLa) to create music for his movie 'Tabutta Rövaşata.' Following the success of this project, the band, despite not initially intending to continue under the same name, proceeded with it due to their growing popularity and requests for concerts. This project also set the precedent of collaborating with guest artists, including prominent figures such as William MacBeath and Ralph Carney.

2. "Üç Oyundan Onyedi Müzik" (1999)

This album, whose title translates to 'Seventeen Music from Three Plays,' is a collection of music composed for the theatrical performances of 'Küçük Prens,' 'Kurbağa Öyküleri,' and 'Mutfak Kazaları.' It is enriched by the contributions of musicians like Ralph Carney, Brenna MacCrimmon, and Selim Sesler, reinforcing the band's commitment to collaborative music creation.

3. "Ruhani Oyun Havaları" (2003)

'Ruhani Oyun Havaları' (2003): Translated as 'Spiritual Dance Tunes,' this album reflects the band's mystical influences, featuring the talents of Canadian folk musician and musicologist Brenna MacCrimmon. Renowned producer Neil Fraser (Mad Professor) brought his unique touch to the album's mixing, contributing to its distinct, spiritual sound.

4. "Duble Oryantal" (2005)

'Duble Oryantal' (2005): 'Duble Oryantal' is characterized by its fusion of dub music elements with the band's signature Turkish sound. It features a host of guest musicians, including reggae duo Sly & Robbie, German musician Alexander Hacke, Neil Fraser, and Turkish artists Özkan Uğur, Mehmet Güreli, and Hüsnü Şenlendirici, among others.

5. "Dondurmam Gaymak" (2006)

This album, commissioned for the film of the same name directed by Yüksel Aksu, showcases BaBa ZuLa's knack for cinematic music production, further solidifying their position in the Turkish music scene.

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6. "Kökler" (2007)

'Kökler,' which translates to 'Roots,' reflects BaBa ZuLa's deep connections to Turkish musical traditions. It features several popular tracks such as 'İskender,' and includes contributions from renowned musician Neşet Ertaş and a song set to the words of Sufi poet Pir Sultan Abdal.

7. "Gecekondu" (2010)

With its title referring to informal dwellings often found in Turkish cities, 'Gecekondu' reflects the band's social consciousness, offering commentary on urban life and its associated struggles and hopes.

8. "34 Oto Sanayi" (2014)

Named after an industrial district in Istanbul, this album resonates with the city's energetic and diverse atmosphere. The album echoes the city's rhythm and vibes, mirroring the bustling, lively spirit of Istanbul.

9. "XX" (2017)

Released on the band's 20th anniversary, 'XX' serves as a retrospective of BaBa ZuLa's music, featuring remixes of their previous songs and some new tracks. This album signifies their two-decade journey of innovation and staying power in the music industry.

10. "Derin Derin" (2019)

This album dives deep into the roots of Anatolian music, exploring the melancholic and ecstatic dimensions of Turkish folk and modern genres. Its title, 'Derin Derin,' translates to 'Deeply,' reflecting the band's intention to delve into the profound aspects of musical expression.

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11. "Hayvan Gibi" (2020)

Hayvan Gibi' (2020): The band's most recent album at the time of writing, 'Hayvan Gibi,' translates to 'Like an Animal.' The title hints at the raw and instinctive energy of the music within. The album is a bold and intense representation of BaBa ZuLa's musical evolution, showcasing their wild creative spirit and their ability to transform traditional sounds into something wholly original.