London-based British-Kurdish singer-songwriter Olcay Bayir’s music is a blend of her original compositions and tunes rooted in Anatolian music heritage, reflecting her complex history. Infusing Anatolian sounds with modern elements and her Kurdish-Alevi soul, Olcay’s music resonates with themes of survival, exile, love, and longing.
She went on to study operatic singing at a London University but realised that classical music was not her path. Instead, she brought the power of a trained voice to the music of her homeland in her first album ‘Neva – Harmony’ (Riverboat, World Music Network, 2014), sung in multiple languages spoken within the Anatolian Geography. Her second album ‘Rüya – Dream’ ( ARC Music, 2019 ) featured her own songs for the first time. Both albums were well received in industry press.
Olcay was nominated for Best Newcomer at the Songlines Music Awards 2015 for her debut album ‘Neva| Harmony’. Her second album, ‘Ruya|Dream’ made it to the Top 50 World Music Charts Europe. She was also honoured with a PRSF Women Make Music award.
Olcay has appeared at venues such as: The Stables Milton Keynes, MAC Birmingham, Colchester Arts Centre and Womad. She has also performed a live session on Cerys Matthew’s 6 Music programme
‘One of the finest, most intriguing singers on the British world music scene…exquisite and uplifting’ – The Guardian
– “a heart-stoppingly beautiful and emotive voice” ☆☆☆☆ RnR Magazine UK
