About
Biography
Kenan Doğulu was born on May 31, 1974, in Istanbul, Turkey, into a musically inclined family. His father, Yurdaer Doğulu, was a musician, and his older brother, Ozan Doğulu, is a well-known music producer. Kenan showed an early interest in music, starting piano lessons at the age of five. He later learned to play the flute and guitar, and also studied drama and rhythm instruments. He completed his high school education at Kültür College and pursued studies in communications at Hesser College in the United States. He furthered his musical education at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles and at Istanbul Bilgi University.
In 1993, Kenan released his debut album, “Yaparım Bilirsin,” which gained significant attention in Turkey. He followed up with several successful albums, including “Sımsıkı Sıkı Sıkı” in 1994 and “Kenan Doğulu 3” in 1996. His music, a blend of pop and dance rhythms, resonated with a wide audience.
In 1999, he released “Ben Senin Herşeyinim” (“I’m Your Everything”), which included popular tracks like “Yosun” and “Tutamıyorum Zamanı.” Two years later, in 2001, he unveiled “Ex Aşkım” (“My Ex-Lover”), featuring songs such as “Gelinim” and the title track “Ex Aşkım.” Continuing his musical journey, Doğulu released “Demedi Deme” (“Don’t Tell Me I Didn’t Tell You”) in 2003, an album that achieved diamond certification and sold over 300,000 copies in Turkey. This album included hits like “Aklım Karıştı” and “Kurşun Adres Sormaz ki.” In 2006, he presented “Festival,” a platinum-selling album that featured the hit single “Çakkıdı,” a collaboration with renowned Turkish singer Sezen Aksu.
In 2007, Kenan represented Turkey at the Eurovision Song Contest in Helsinki with the song “Shake It Up Şekerim.” His energetic performance earned him fourth place with 163 points.
In 2009, he released the album “Patron,” which included songs like “Rütbeni Bileceksin” and “Şans Meleğim.” Three years later, in 2012, he released “Aşka Türlü Şeyler” (“Various Kinds of Love”), featuring tracks such as “Bal Gibi” and “Yosun.” In 2016, Doğulu explored jazz influences with the album “İhtimaller” (“Possibilities”), showcasing his versatility as an artist. His most recent studio album, “Vay Be” (“Wow”), was released in 2018, including songs like “Issız Ada” and the title track “Vay Be.”
In his personal life, Kenan began dating actress Beren Saat in February 2012. The couple became engaged on February 23, 2014, in Istanbul and married on July 29, 2014, in a private ceremony in Los Angeles.
After releasing his album “Vay Be” in 2018, Kenan Doğulu continued to enrich the Turkish pop music scene with a series of singles and extended plays (EPs). In 2020, he released the single “Rakkas,” followed by “Bumaya” in 2021. The year 2022 saw multiple releases, including “Yaramızda Kalsın,” “Yeşilmişik (Yeni Türkü Zamansız),” and “Sonsuza Dek – Forevermore (23 Nisan).” In 2023, Doğulu continued his musical output with singles such as “Rüya,” “İkinci Yüzyıl,” and “Seninle Başım Dertte (Selami Şahin Şarkıları 1).” He maintained this momentum into 2024, releasing “Kahve” along with its various mixes, and “Aşk Oyunu.” Most recently, in February 2025, he released the EP “Afro Remixes Vol.1,” showcasing his versatility by exploring Afrobeat influences.
In addition to his studio work, Doğulu remained active on stage. In 2019, he performed at various venues across Turkey, including the Volkswagen Arena in Istanbul and the İzmir Kültürpark Açıkhava Tiyatrosu. His live performances continued into the following years, with concerts scheduled in 2024 at locations such as Tersane İstanbul and the Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open-Air Theatre in Istanbul.
