Sezen Aksu is a renowned Turkish pop music singer, songwriter, and producer who has achieved international recognition, having sold over 40 million albums worldwide. Her nicknames, the "Queen of Turkish Pop" and Minik Serçe ("Little Sparrow"),reflect her immense influence on Turkish pop and world music.
Throughout her illustrious career, Aksu has collaborated with numerous prominent musicians, including Sertab Erener, Sebnem Ferah, Askin Nur Yengi, Hande Yener, and Levent Yüksel. Her work with Tarkan resulted in continental hits like "Simarik" and "Sikidim", while her collaboration with Goran Bregovic expanded her global audience.
Born in Sarayköy, Denizli, Turkey, Aksu's family relocated to Bergama when she was just three years old. She spent her childhood and early youth in Bergama, where her parents initially discouraged her from pursuing a singing career, urging her to focus on a steady profession like medicine or engineering. However, Aksu would often sneak away to sing on the family's balcony when her parents were away.
After completing high school, Aksu enrolled in the local agricultural institute but eventually left to concentrate on her music. Alongside her close friend Ajda Pekkan, Aksu is credited with laying the foundations of Turkish pop music in the 1970s. Her sound has also resonated across the Balkans and Greece.
Aksu has been an advocate for various causes, including constitutional reform, minority rights, women's rights, environmental protection, and educational reform in Turkey. She is also a devoted mother to her son, Mithat Can, who is the lead vocalist of the band Pist'on.
In the 1980s, Aksu was in a romantic and professional relationship with producer Onno Tunç, with whom she co-produced several groundbreaking works in Turkish pop music. Her music matured in the 1990s, culminating in the best-selling album "Gülümse", which she co-produced with Tunç. The album's hit single "Hadi Bakalim" was a success in Turkey and Europe, and was later rediscovered by singer Loona as "Rhythm of the Night".
Aksu has also produced albums for other artists, including Askin Nur Yengi, Sertab Erener, and Levent Yüksel. In 2005, she was featured in Fatih Akin's documentary film "Crossing the Bridge: The Sound of Istanbul", performing the song "Istanbul Hatirasi". Recently, she has re-released her classic songs digitally remastered and with new sleeves.
In 2008, Aksu released her album "Deniz Yildizi" through Starfish Records, followed by her latest album "Yürüyorum Düs Bahçelerinde" in 2009. The album features new original songs as well as some older compositions, including "Çakkidi", "Kibir", and "Yok Ki".
