Ferhat Tunç - KOBANI

A strong inspiration for freedom seekers in and around Turkey

Ferhat Tunç is a singer with a deep concern for all the people living in and around Turkey. In this project he shows his solidarity with Kurds, Alevis, Yazidies and Armenians, by writing and performing songs about their stories, their suffering and pain, their hopes and the richness they bring to Anatolia and Mesopotamia and to all of the landscapes within Turkey and the surrounding countries. The title of the album, “Kobani” has a message about how important it is to defend the precious and often threatened liberty, traditions and culture in the whole area. In one of the tracks the famous Sami artist Mari Boine sings a duet with Ferhat Tunc. Her contribution has a symbolic meaning, because she represents a minority in the Scandinavian countries with a history similar to the Kurds in Anatolia.  Ferhat Tunç has also himself experienced what freedom fighters in the area have faced. He is paying the price of opposing by standing strong with his music and the stories he keeps alive. Fed with the sounds of history, poetry and music, “Kobani” carries the cries of the lost ones to the sky. With Ferhat Tunç’s voice, singing in Turkish, Kurdish and Armenian languages and with contributions from some worldwide-recognised Norwegian and Turkish musicians, we are proud to release this unique album. Among the people participating in Ferhat Tunc’s new album are Osman Ismen who has arranged all the songs, assisted by Norwegian guitarist Knut Reiersrud, Alp Dogan Tureci and Rune Arnesen who play drums and percussion, Øyvind Kristiansen on piano, Eyup Hamish on ney and Ertan Tekin on duduk. A string ensemble from Istanbul and a youth choir from Oslo also play important roles on the CD.