Sales exceeding 40 million albums worldwide have cemented Sezen Aksu as a primary figure in Turkish music. Since her 1975 debut, she has functioned as a singer, songwriter, and producer, shaping the regional soundscape while influencing global pop music through extensive collaborations and the mentorship of multiple high-profile vocalists within the Turkish industry.
Early Development and Breakthrough
Born in 1954 in Sarayköy, Aksu spent her youth in Bergama. Despite parental pressure to pursue medicine or engineering, she prioritized music after briefly attending a local agricultural institute. Her early career began under the name Sezen Seley with the 1975 single Haydi Şansım/Gel Bana. Professional success followed in 1976 when her single Olmaz Olsun/Vurdumduymaz reached the top of the Turkish charts, earning her the Promising Female Artist of the Year award. Her debut album, Allahaısmarladık, arrived in 1977.
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Aksu established a productive partnership with producer Onno Tunç during the 1980s. Together, they produced albums including Sen Ağlama, Git, and Sezen Aksu Söylüyor. During this period, Aksu began developing talent in others, producing debut works for artists such as Aşkın Nur Yengi. Her influence expanded through the 1990s as she co-produced her best-selling album Gülümse, which featured the track Hadi Bakalım, a hit that gained traction across European markets.
Experimental Shifts and Global Reach
Following her split with Tunç, Aksu released the experimental album Işık Doğudan Yükselir in 1995, blending Western classical elements with regional traditions. This pivot helped her secure an international audience. Subsequent work included collaborations with Goran Bregović on the 1997 album Düğün ve Cenaze. Her commitment to diverse projects continued with the 2005 release of Kardelen, which donated all proceeds to charity, and her 2006 publication of Eksik Şiir, a collection of 197 poems.
Advocacy and Public Engagement
Aksu has actively supported various public causes, ranging from environmental protection and educational reform to constitutional and women’s rights. Her career has also included a notable presence in film, such as her 2005 appearance in Fatih Akın’s documentary Crossing the Bridge: The Sound of Istanbul.
Fast facts
- Born: 1954, Sarayköy
- Total album sales: Over 40 million
- Debut year: 1975
- Citizenship: Turkey
- Notable book: Eksik Şiir (2006)
- Documentary appearance: Crossing the Bridge: The Sound of Istanbul
- Collaborator: Goran Bregović
- Professional debut name: Sezen Seley
Questions readers ask
What is the origin of the name Sezen Aksu?
She retained the surname Aksu from her second marriage to geologist Ali Engin Aksu.
Who are some notable artists she has mentored?
She has collaborated with and produced for artists including Sertab Erener, Aşkın Nur Yengi, Levent Yüksel, and Yıldız Tilbe.
Achievements
- Instruments: voice
- Genres: pop music
