S Aksu
Sezen Aksu, born Fatma Sezen Yıldırım on July 13, 1954, in Sarayköy, Denizli, Turkey, is a renowned Turkish singer, songwriter, and producer, often hailed as the "Queen of Turkish Pop." Her career, which began in the mid-1970s, has been instrumental in shaping Turkish pop music. Despite her parents' initial discouragement, Aksu pursued her passion for music, leaving Ege University to focus on her singing career. She released her first single in 1975 and gained widespread recognition with her 1976 hit "Olmaz Olsun/Vurdumduymaz."
Aksu's influence extends beyond her own music; she has been a mentor to many other artists and collaborated with international musicians like Tarkan and Goran Bregović. Her work has not only dominated Turkish charts but also reached audiences across the Balkans and Greece. Known for her activism, Aksu has supported various social causes, including women's rights and educational reform.
Throughout her career, Aksu has sold over 40 million albums worldwide and was named one of the "50 Great Voices" by NPR in 2010. She has been married four times and has a son, Mithat Can Özer, who is also a musician. Despite her personal challenges, Sezen Aksu remains a pivotal figure in Turkish music, continuing to perform and release music that resonates with audiences globally.