Cigdem Aslan

Just occasionally, a new artist emerges to throw old music styles into an intriguing contemporary perspective.

Turkish-Kurdish vocalist Çigdem Aslan has been described by The Guardian as ‘one of the best British-based discoveries of the year… [whose] success is down to her reworking old songs with a blend of delicate soulful vocals, subtle theatrics and a stage persona that could switch from stately to slinky and flirtatious.’

With her band, she sings Rebetiko - the bravely outspoken Greek urban folk blending Byzantine, Turkish and Balkan influences – bringing to life the smoky bars and cafes of 1920s Athens and Smyrna.