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Roma people, with an estimated population ranging between 500,000 and 2.5 million, are an integral part of Turkey’s cultural and social fabric. Throughout history, the Roma community has faced numerous challenges, but they have also contributed immensely to the country's cultural richness. Their presence has deeply influenced various aspects of Turkish society, especially in music, dance, and the arts. In particular, Roma musicians have played a vital role in shaping the country's mass culture, adding layers of vibrancy, rhythm, and distinctiveness. Through music, Roma have not only enriched entertainment in Turkey but also brought joy, expression, and a unique aesthetic to the hearts of millions. Among these influential figures are renowned artists like Kibariye, Hüsnü Şenlendirici, Tarık Mengüç, and Kobra Murat, whose talent and passion have captivated audiences and cemented their place in Turkish pop culture. These celebrated Roma artists serve as a testament to the immense impact the Roma community has had on cultural evolution of Turkey.

Roma Contributions to Turkish Music

Roma people are widely recognized for their natural talent in the arts. One of the few positive labels society often attributes to them is their extraordinary artistic ability. Roma are commonly seen in the entertainment industry, where their innate skills in music, dance, and performing arts stand out. Many Roma in Turkey continue the long-standing tradition of "çalgıcılık" (musicianship), often mastering multiple instruments effortlessly without formal musical training. Their contributions add vibrancy and richness to music in Turkey across various genres. While Roma perform in many musical styles, they are most strongly associated with Roma music and arabesque. Roma music, known for its energetic and uplifting nature, is a staple at weddings and celebrations across Turkey. Beyond lively performances, Roma also bring their unique style and emotion to slower, melancholic arabesque songs. Many Roma artists have become beloved and well-known figures in music in Turkey, leaving a lasting impact on the country's cultural scene.

Kibariye: A Unique Voice in Turkish Music

Born as Bahriye Tokmak on August 10, 1960, in Manisa, Kibariye is a renowned Turkish Arabesque-pop singer of Roma descent. She is one of the few mainstream artists who openly embraces and celebrates her Roma identity. While many artists in the industry choose to keep their backgrounds in the shadows, Kibariye has always been unapologetically herself, known for her sincerity and warmth.

A beloved and respected figure in music in Turkey for decades, Kibariye’s distinctively husky and deep-toned voice makes her a perfect fit for the melancholic nature of arabesque songs. In addition to her strong roots in Roma and arabesque music, she constantly evolves with the times, fearlessly covering popular and even rock songs. These reinterpretations are widely praised and cherished by her fans, proving her ability to adapt while staying true to her unique musical essence.

One of her most remarkable recent projects was her duet and concert with world-renowned Spanish artist Concha Buika. This collaboration not only attracted significant attention but also demonstrated the universal appeal of her music. Kibariye, often perceived as an artist with a limited formal education, has gone far beyond that label, proving that her talent transcends borders and genres.

Hüsnü Şenlendirici: The Clarinet Virtuoso

Born in 1976 in İzmir, Hüsnü Şenlendirici comes from a renowned Roma musical family. His grandfathers and father were musicians, and he began playing the clarinet at age five. Though he studied at Istanbul Technical University’s Turkish Music State Conservatory, he left after four years to focus on his career.

Şenlendirici gained recognition performing with percussionist Okay Temiz’s “Magnetic Band” and jazz-fusion group “Embrio,” later joining his father’s ensemble, Laço. He has collaborated with leading Turkish and international artists across multiple genres, blending traditional Roma sounds with jazz, pop, and classical music.

In 2003, his concert with Greek clarinetist Vassilis Saleas marked a key moment in his career. Through his work with Laço Tayfa and his ensemble, “Hüsnü Şenlendirici ve Saz Arkadaşları,” he continues to bring Turkish and Roma music to global audiences.

Tarık Mengüç: A Proud Roma and Musical Icon

Born in 1972 in Istanbul’s Kuştepe district, Tarık Mengüç comes from a Roma musical family. While working various jobs, he pursued music education in his spare time. He gained national fame in 2004 with his hit song Şakşuka, becoming one of Turkey’s most recognized Roma artists. Unlike many mainstream artists, Mengüç proudly embraces his Roma identity and incorporates it into his work.

Beyond music, he has appeared in television shows, films, and commercials. After a concert in Australia, he became the face of an Australian brand, followed by endorsement deals with Nesine.com and Vodafone. His acting career began in 2006 with a guest role in Cennet Mahallesi, later playing Roman Bekir’in Yaşar Ne Yaşar Ne Yaşamaz and appearing in İkizler Firarda (2012).

Mengüç made history at the 2013 Rock'n Coke festival, becoming the first artist to perform 9/8 rhythm Roma music on a rock festival stage. He was also featured in the festival’s promotional campaign by the C-Section agency.

His son, Baran Mengüç (b. 2003), has followed in his footsteps with a more contemporary style. He gained attention for his duet with Turkish pop star Edis on the song Ayyaş and is regarded as a rising talent with strong songwriting skills and exceptional hip-hop dance abilities.

Kobra Murat: From Tailor to Roma Music Icon

Murat Divandiler, widely known as Kobra Murat, is a celebrated Roma musician and tailor from Istanbul’s Balat district. Initially working as a tailor, he gained fame for designing costumes for celebrities and later crafting his own extravagant stage outfits. Proud of his Roma heritage, he continues to live in his neighborhood, embracing his identity with confidence.

Kobra Murat is renowned for his flamboyant, colorful, and dazzling style, both in fashion and music. His lavish home, adorned with gold-plated decorations and his name prominently displayed outside, has become almost as famous as he is. The opulent interiors, filled with golden ornaments, reflect his signature extravagant aesthetic.

A major figure in Roma music, he has also become a beloved personality in Turkish pop culture. In recent years, he has captivated mainstream audiences, particularly after Turkish pop star Zeynep Bastık invited him to her birthday party, organizing a Roma-themed celebration. This event, along with his appearances in YouTube videos featuring celebrities and influencers, has further cemented his status as a cultural icon.

Conclusion

Despite the challenges Roma people have faced throughout history, their resilience and contributions to Turkish culture remain undeniable. Through music, dance, and entertainment, Roma have left a profound mark on the Roma and Turkish nation's artistic identity, blending deep-rooted traditions with contemporary influences. From Kibariye’s emotional arabesque renditions to Hüsnü Şenlendirici’s masterful clarinet performances, Tarık Mengüç’s energetic stage presence, and Kobra Murat’s flamboyant charisma, Roma artists continue to captivate and inspire audiences across generations. Their impact goes beyond entertainment; it is a celebration of diversity, creativity, and the unbreakable spirit of a community that has enriched Turkey’s cultural heritage in countless ways. Thanks to these important figures, the Roma minority has great representation in the media and introduces Roma music and art.