Singer

London-based British-Kurdish singer-songwriter Olcay Bayir blends original compositions with tunes rooted in the rich musical heritage of Anatolia, reflecting her complex cultural background. Infusing traditional Anatolian sounds with modern elements and drawing from her Kurdish-Alevi soul, Olcay's music resonates with themes of survival, exile, love, and longing. Her debut album, Neva – Harmony (Riverboat, World Music Network, 2014), features songs in multiple languages spoken across the Anatolian region. Her second album, Rüya – Dream (ARC Music, 2019), showcased her original compositions for the first time. Both albums were well-received by industry press. Olcay was nominated for Best Newcomer at the Songlines Music Awards in 2015 for Neva – Harmony. Her latest album, Tu Guli, reached #3 on the World Music Charts Europe. She was also honored with the PRS Foundation's Women Make Music award.

Olcay Bayir

Colchester Arts Centre

Join us for an evening of exciting music and solidarity for the female voice. Our lineup this year features eight amazing singers from various parts of the world: Olcay Bayir (Kurdish from Turkey based in London), Basma Jabr (Syrian, based in Vienna), Taraneh Mousavi (Iranian, based in Vancouver), , Ayda Rastgoo (Iranian, based in Hamburg), Roxana Sarrafi (Iranian, based in Washington DC), Hangama Soroor and Sara Soroor (Afghan, based in Toronto), and Saba Zameni (Iranian, based in Toronto). 

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Olcay Bayir

Events

Past events

Jan 16, 2025

Olcay Bayir · Colchester Arts Centre

Sep 8, 2024

Diaspora Arts Connection Presents: Let Her Sing 2024: A Celebration of Female Voices · Colburn School

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