About
Biography
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Tuğba Önal was born in Istanbul in 1974 and developed an early passion for music. She studied at the prestigious Mimar Sinan University State Conservatory, specializing in wind instruments (French horn). After graduation, Önal began her career singing jingles. She lend her voice to over a hundred advertising campaigns on Turkish television. This work made her voice familiar to the public and honed her vocal skills. In the 1990s, she also sang backup for several prominent Turkish pop artists. Notably, Önal spent four years as a backing vocalist for the famed Turkish pop diva Sezen Aksu.
Eurovision Journey
Önal’s first attempt to step into the spotlight came through Turkey’s Eurovision Song Contest selections. In 1997, she competed in the national final with the song “Sevda Bu Dostum,” finishing among the top entries but not winning the ticket to Eurovision. Undeterred, she tried again two years later. In 1999, Tuğba Önal won the Turkish national final with the pop song “Dön Artık”, earning the right to represent Turkey on the international stage. That May, she performed at the Eurovision Song Contest 1999 in Jerusalem. Accompanied by a five-member ensemble called Grup Mistik (three backing singers and two musicians), Önal delivered an energetic show. Her entry “Dön Artık” scored 21 points in the final, placing Turkey 16th out of 23 countries. While not a podium finish, the contest gave Önal broad international exposure and a cherished place in Turkey’s Eurovision history.
Debut Album and Rise to Fame
Buoyed by her Eurovision experience, Tuğba Önal released her debut album Onun Adı Aşk in 1999. The album, whose title means “Its Name Is Love,” was a pop record featuring eight songs. They showcased Önal’s strong vocals and emotive style. It included the Eurovision song “Dön Artık” and other tracks that received radio airplay. The same year, Önal’s newfound fame led to many television appearances and concert performances in Turkey. In 2002, she also collaborated with veteran singer Erol Evgin on a single titled “Söyle Canım”, blending her voice with one of Turkey’s pop legends. This period established Önal as a recognized pop singer in the Turkish music scene, known for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence.
Setback and Change of Direction
In August 2000, at the height of her rising career, Tuğba Önal faced a major setback. She suffered severe injuries in a serious car accident near Karacabey, Bursa. The accident required a long recovery period and forced Önal to pause her solo career. After regaining her health, she made a strategic shift in her professional path. Rather than immediately returning to the forefront as a solo star, Önal chose to continue her musical journey more behind the scenes. She focused on studio work and supporting roles, once again lending her voice as a background singer for other artists. Her decision to step back from the limelight was a turning point. It allowed Önal to remain active in the music industry while working at a pace that suited her recovery and personal comfort.
Continuing Career and Collaborations
Through the 2000s and beyond, Tuğba Önal remained a sought-after vocalist in Turkey. In 2010, she teamed up with fellow singer Sibel Gürsoy to release a collaborative album called “Sarısiyah”, which blended their voices in a collection of songs. The project highlighted Önal’s versatility and her willingness to explore new artistic directions. Throughout the mid-2010s, she was often seen on stage not as the frontwoman but as a vital supporting vocalist.
Notably, between 2014 and 2018, Önal served as a backing vocalist for pop superstar Sıla Gençoğlu during concerts and recordings. Her rich harmonies added depth to Sıla’s live performances and albums, showing that Önal’s talent could shine even when she wasn’t the lead. In 2018, Tuğba Önal made a brief return to the recording spotlight by featuring on a jazz-influenced track titled “Yeniden Doğuş” (“Rebirth”) alongside composer Nevzat Yılmaz. This conceptual piece demonstrated her adaptability to different musical genres and proved that she still enjoys creative collaborations decades into her career.
Voice Acting and Media Work
Beyond her on-stage singing career, Tuğba Önal has also made a name for herself in acting, particularly voice acting. Thanks to her vocal training and clear diction, she became the official Turkish singing voice for several beloved Disney characters in the 1990s. International audiences may be surprised to learn that Önal is the Turkish voice behind Nala in The Lion King (1994) and the title character in Pocahontas (1995) for the Turkish-dubbed versions. She additionally lent her voice to the heroine Fa Mulan in Disney’s Mulan (1998) and to one of the Muses (the character Calliope) in Disney’s Hercules (1997).
Önal’s work in dubbing and soundtracks extended to Turkish cinema as well. She contributed to the music department of popular Turkish films such as Amerikalı (1993) and the comedy A.R.O.G (2008). On television, she has occasionally appeared in music programs and specials, often reminiscing about Eurovision or supporting other artists. Her multi-faceted talents in singing, voice acting, and performance have made Tuğba Önal a well-rounded media personality.
Current Activities
Today, Tuğba Önal continues to be active in music, though mostly behind the scenes. She often performs at live events as a support vocalist and occasionally appears in tribute concerts or television interviews about the 1990s music era. Her enduring presence in the industry, coupled with her past achievements, has solidified Önal’s status as a respected figure in Turkish entertainment.
