All about Turkish folk music icon Selda Bagcan’s career, life, canceled tour dates
A poster for Selda Bagcan's concert in Genk, Belgium, April 8, 2024. (Photo via Instagram / @seldabagcanofficial)
Selda Bagcan, the prominent Turkish folk and protest musician, has canceled her U.S. concerts after contracting a virus.
The 75-year-old singer shared the news on social media, expressing regret for missing the shows and explaining her doctors’ recommendation against travel.
My dear friends, despite wanting so much to come to my concerts in America, I won’t be able to. I’ve caught a virus; it’s a temporary illness, but my doctors haven’t allowed me to travel. I’m not sure whether I should apologize to Gurkan Us, who organized the concerts, and to all of you, as this is due to illness. I hope to reschedule the dates as soon as possible and see you all very soon.
Selda Bagcan said in a health update video
Who is Selda Bagcan? Her rise to fame through Turkish folk music
Born in 1948 in Mugla, Türkiye, Selda Bagcan grew up in a family that valued education and self-expression. Her father, a veterinarian, and her mother, a teacher, encouraged her musical interests from a young age.
She learned the mandolin at age five, later exploring the guitar and developing her powerful, distinct voice. This early exposure to music would lay the foundation for a career that redefined Türkiye’s music scene.
Bagcan’s musical journey took off in the early 1970s while she was a physics student at Ankara University. She began performing in Ankara’s local clubs and soon recorded her first singles, which achieved remarkable popularity across Türkiye.
Her debut songs were raw and deeply emotional, rooted in Anatolian folk traditions, and featured her strong vocals accompanied by acoustic guitar or baglama. In these songs, she addressed themes of social justice, poverty, and the struggles of Türkiye’s working class—issues that resonated widely in a country facing political and economic tensions.
Selda Bagcan was one of the foremost voices of Turkish protest music in 1970s
Bagcan’s music quickly gained traction, especially among left-wing groups, students and activists. She became one of the foremost voices of Turkish protest music, aligning with the era’s social and political movements.
In 1972, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs selected her to represent Türkiye at the Golden Orpheus Song Contest in Bulgaria, and she soon began performing in concerts and festivals across Europe.
Her lyrics criticized inequality and power structures, making her a symbolic figure in Anatolian rock and protest music. As her fame grew, Bagcan’s ability to communicate the hardships and resilience of Turkish people made her both loved by the public and scrutinized by authorities.
Turkish folk music singer Selda’s imprisonment, confiscation of passport in 1980s
Following the military coup in 1980, Bagcan faced severe repercussions for her outspoken music.
- She was jailed multiple times, interrogated, and detained due to her politically charged lyrics
- Her passport was confiscated, cutting off her international touring possibilities for much of the decade.
- Authorities also banned her music from state-run media, attempting to silence her message.
During this challenging period, Bagcan remained resolute, producing music independently. She eventually established her record label, Major Music Productions, to preserve her creative freedom and maintain control over her work.
Despite government-imposed limitations, Bagcan’s popularity continued to soar, particularly among the working class and politically conscious youth.
- Her songs, such as “Ince Ince” (“Little by Little”), “Yaz Gazeteci Yaz” (“Write, Journalist, Write”), and “Vurulduk Ey Halkim Unutma Bizi” (“We Were Shot, My People, Don’t Forget Us”), became anthems of resistance
- They told stories of Türkiye’s villages, working neighborhoods, and the struggles of those often ignored
- In songs like “Adaletin Bu Mu Dunya” (“Is This Your Justice, World”) and Anayasso (“Mother Law”), Bagcan pointed to injustices and social issues that resonated across communities
Even in periods of intense political crackdown, her voice provided strength to those facing oppression.
International recognition, Selda’s influence on hip-hop and global music
Selda Bagcan’s music resonates far beyond Türkiye, influencing artists across genres and bridging cultures with her blend of folk and rock.
Selda Bagcan placed among 81 legendary women singers:
- Selda Bagcan was notably included in The Times’ list of “81 Legendary Women Singers,” an international ranking that honored women who have made significant contributions to music
- Organized alphabetically, the list placed her alongside iconic names such as Edith Piaf, Maria Callas, and Mercedes Sosa.
This recognition further solidified Bagcan’s enduring influence and her unique role as a pioneering figure in Turkish protest music.
Expanding her reach through hip-hop:
- Hip-hop artists have drawn heavily from Bagcan’s work, introducing her music to international audiences.
- Mos Def sampled her song “Ince Ince” in “Supermagic” on his Grammy-nominated 2009 album “The Ecstatic”, using Bagcan’s sound to reflect themes of resilience and economic struggle.
- Dr. Dre also incorporated “Ince Ince” in his song “Issues”, amplifying Bagcan’s message within a new musical space.
Which other foreign musicians used Selda Bagcan’s sound in their music?
Bagcan’s impact spans across genres and media:
- American artist Oh No sampled her song “Yaylalar” on his album “Dr. No’s Oxperiment”
- Australian hip-hop group Curse Ov Dialect used her track “Gitme” in their album “Wooden Tongues”
- Her distinctive sound was even featured in the video game “Skate 2”
- Actor Elijah Wood, an admirer, named his record label Simian Records after one of her songs, noting her deep influence on his musical perspective
Selda Bagcan’s experience of performing on a global stage:
- Bagcan shares Türkiye’s folk traditions at major festivals around the world, including the WOMAD Festival founded by Peter Gabriel
- Known for her powerful performances and commitment to social justice, Bagcan continues to draw diverse audiences, reinforcing her role as a cultural icon who connects Turkish music with global listeners.
Selda Bagcan’s dedication to social justice and lasting legacy in Turkish music
Throughout her 50-year career, Bagcan has remained a steadfast advocate for human rights and equality. Her songs continue to echo the pain, resilience, and strength of Türkiye’s people, amplifying the voices of those who feel unheard.
Bagcan’s deep connection to Anatolia’s folk traditions and her fearless stance on social issues has made her one of Türkiye’s most respected artists. She once said, “The role of an artist is to be independent. I would oppose the existing Soviet regime if I lived in the USSR. It’s the duty of an artist to criticize existing conditions.”
Today, Selda Bagcan’s legacy as a musician and activist endures. Her work continues to inspire both Turkish and international audiences, bridging generations with music that speaks of suffering, hope, and the desire for justice.
