Photo: Emre Ünal
Singer, songwriter and composer Melike Şahin was once a voice of Baba Zula. Her modern Anatolian pop, which she calls «Mediterranean Arabesque», combines guitars, organs and synths with bittersweet lyrics about womanhood, equality and resilience. Her song «Bedelini Ödedim» became a feminist anthem in Turkey.
With jazzhane
- 24.05.2025 Psychedelic Music Explosion, Moods Zurich
About
Singer, songwriter, and composer Melike Şahin is Istanbul's latest shining gem. Known to be the modern «Turkish Diva», Melike is an unconventional modern pop icon.
Aficionados of psychedelia will remember her voice from the legendary Turkish psychedelic band BaBa Zula, and indeed Melike's music draws from her earlier artistic journey. Signature and euphoric guitar riffs, organs, and synthesizers seamlessly blend with her modern interpretation of Anatolian pop, a style she calls «Mediterranean Arabesque».
Her bittersweet and poignant lyrics are a continuation of the cultural heritage of the Mediterranean. A passionate storyteller, Melike powerfully sings about womanhood, equality, and resilience. In «Bedelini Ödedim» («I paid the price») she sings «I deserve every inch of this proud smile» and «No way I'd break down, see I got back on my feet again». Her songs have become feminist anthems at women's rallies in Turkey.
Having collaborated with award-winning musicians around the globe, Melike will release her second studio album Akkor in late 2024 and perform in Switzerland for the first time in May 2025!