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🇹🇷 Özkan Uğur passed away

Today the sad news came to us that Özkan Uğur passed away. Uğur represented Turkey in the Eurovision Song Contest twice: in 1985 and 1988, both times as a member of the group MFÖ. Özkan Uğur was 69 years old. Early years Born on February 16, 1954, in Ankara, Turkey, Özkan Uğur is a renowned Turkish musician, singer, and songwriter. His career is spanning several decades Uğur’s passion for music blossomed at a young age. Growing up in a musically inclined family, he was exposed to various genres, from traditional Turkish folk music to Western rock and pop. This diverse musical upbringing played a crucial role in shaping Uğur’s artistic identity, allowing him to effortlessly blend different styles and create a unique sound of his own. Mazhar-Fuat-Özkan In the late 1970s, Uğur’s career took off when he became the lead vocalist and bassist for the influential Turkish rock band MFÖ (Mazhar-Fuat-Özkan). Alongside his bandmates Mazhar Alanson and Fuat Güner, Uğur contributed to the band’s success with his powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence. MFÖ’s innovative approach to rock music, infused with elements of Turkish folk and pop, resonated with audiences and propelled them to national stardom. MFÖ and Eurovision Uğur’s collaboration with MFÖ resulted in numerous hit songs, including “Ele Güne Karşı Yapayalnız,” “Peki Peki Anladık,” and “Mazeretim Var Asabiyim Ben.” Their distinctive sound and energetic performances earned them a dedicated fan base, and they continue to be revered as pioneers of the Turkish rock scene. In 1985, MFÖ represented Turkey in the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time. Their song “Didai didai dai (aşık oldum)” reached a 14th place. Three years later, the band was in Eurovision again with the song “Sufi”, being 15th in the ranking. Solo career Despite his success with MFÖ, Uğur embarked on a solo career in the 1980s, eager to explore his creative boundaries beyond the confines of a band. His solo albums showcased his versatility as an artist, as he experimented with various musical genres, including pop, jazz, and even classical music.  Collaborations Throughout his career, Uğur has collaborated with numerous prominent musicians and songwriters, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile artist. He has worked with notable Turkish composers such as Fikret Kızılok, Timur Selçuk, and Sezen Aksu, contributing his unique vocal talents to their compositions. Uğur’s collaborations have resulted in timeless classics, including “Küçük Bir Aşk Masalı,” “Benimle Oynar Mısın,” and “Öpüşmek İstiyorum.” Film and television Aside from his musical endeavors, Uğur has also ventured into acting, showcasing his versatility as a performer. He has appeared in several films and television series, earning critical acclaim for his on-screen presence and natural acting ability. Awards Özkan Uğur’s contributions to Turkish music have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. He has received prestigious honors, including the Golden Butterfly Award for Best Male Performer and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Kral TV Music Awards.

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UEFA 2020: DAY 10

And again, we will have two matches in the European Soccer Championship. The first match will be between Italy and Wales. For this one we are going to look at male duos. In 1987, Umberto Tozzi and Raff, both big stars in Italy and abroad already, represented their country. They sang “Gente di mare”, which became third. It became a Eurovision classic. The United Kingdom was represented by Joe and Jake in the 2016 contest. Joe Woolford, the half of the duo, was a Welshman. With “You’re not alone” they became 24th. For the match between Switzerland and Turkey we add only one song: “Ne partez pas sans moi”. You are right, the singer Celine Dion is neither Swiss nor Turkish: she is a Canadian. But the song is composed by Atilla Şereftuğ, who is Turkish. The lyrics are from Nella Martinetti. And yes, she is Swiss!

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Turkey: TRT director talks with EBU

İbrahim Eren, director of the Turkish broadcaster TRT, talks with the EBU about Eurovision. Mr. Eren confirms this news in the Turkish newspaper Miliyet. Turkey wanted to withdraw already after the contest of 2011, when they did not reach the final. They only participated in 2012 because the contest was held in Azerbaijan, a country Turkey has strong bounds with. The reason of their withdrawal was the expert jury. The former jury system, with 100% televoting, was quite positive for Turkey. As many people with Turkish roots automatically voted for Turkey every year, the country got the 12 points from several Western European countries year by year. The new 50/50 system made an end to it. In 2015, Turkey added another reason when Austrian Conchita Wurst won the contest. ““As a public broadcaster, we also cannot broadcast live at 9 p.m. — when children are still awake — someone like the bearded Austrian who wore a skirt, do not believe in genders and says that he is both a man and a woman.”, mister İbrahim Eren stated back then. But now that does not seem to count anymore. Mr. Eren stated that the 2021 contest was a wonderful show. He is now in talk with mr. Marcus Österdahl, the new executive producer of the contest. Whether it’s going to lead to a renewed Turkish participation or not, is of course not known yet. But we keep you updated. Can Bonomo, the last Turkish representant so far in 2012.

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UEFA 2020: Day 6

Again, three matches in UEFA 2020. To start with Finland against Russia. Where have we seen this battle before? Well, remember the 2006 contest. Lordi from Finland won with a landslide. Their song “Hard rock hallelujah” broke all the records. It was hard for Dima Bilan from Russia to get there with his song “I never ever let you go”. But you don’t have to feel sorry for him: two years later Dima got the prize! Turkey and Wales meet today as well. In 2004, the contest was held in Turkey. For the host country the group Athena participated with the song “For real”. One of the other contestants that year was Welshman James Fox. He represented the United Kingdom with the song “Hold onto our love”. Italy will meet Switzerland in the arena today. In both countries, Italian is one of the main languages. So that might be an easy connection. But in fact, we found another one. Both countries once sent a song in a minority language. In 1991, host country Italy sent Peppino di Capri who sang “Comme e’ ddoce o’ mare”, sung in the Neapolitan language. Switzerland, also host country but in 1989, decided to sing a song in Romansh: “Viver senza tei”, song by the group Furbaz.

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UEFA Euro 2020 started!

With a year of delay, Euro 2020, the European soccer chiampionship, has started. The fun thing for a Eurovision fan is that a lot of matches remind us of Eurovision Songs, because it’s with (partly) the same countries. Yesterday, Italy won the match from Turkey. Many people on the internet mentioned Måneskin (of course) and Sertab (of course). But the match reminded us of another performance. You see Italian host Toto Cutugno (1991) learning Turkish. The Turkish contestants are Can Uğurluer, İzel Çeliköz & Reyhan Karaca singing “Iki dakika”. That is a hard one to pronounce for Toto. Today, Wales meets Switzerland. Wales is a part of the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest. But did you know that a Welsh woman almost won Eurovision? She became 2nd in 1970 and her name was Mary Hopkin. Also for Switzerland we chose someone who became 2nd: Daniela Simons in 1986. Both ladies have in common that in their years, one contestant could impossibly be defeated. In 1970 it was Dana and in 1986 Sandra Kim. Denmark meets Finland this year. Opposites attract, that’s what people say. We have a Eurovision winner from both countries. A ballad, sung by two man in their 40s from Denmark: “Fly on the wings of love” by the Olson Brothers. And a rock song from Finland, sung by Lordi, dressed as monsters: “Hard rock hallelujah”. And last but not least, Belgium meets Russia. They did so too in 2003. Turkey (as mentioned), Belgium and Russia struggled for the first place. Belgium became 2nd with Urban Trad, with a song in a non-existing language. Russia became third with the famous duo t.A.T.u. and their “Ne ver’ ne boysia”. Who is going to win? We put our money on Måneskin. Or were you talking about soccer?

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Hadise

About Quick Facts NameHadise Açıkgöz Born22 October 1985 Nationality🇧🇪 Belgian🇹🇷 Turkish National SelectionInternal selection 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongDüm Tek Tek (2009) Biography Early Life and Background Hadise Açıkgöz, known as Hadise, was born on October 22, 1985, in Mol, Belgium, to parents who have Circassian roots from Sivas, Turkey.  Starting Her Career In 2003, at 18, Hadise participated in Idool 2003, the Belgian version of Idol. Although she did not make the top ten, she received an album offer six months later, marking the start of her music career. First Album: Sweat (2004-2008) Hadise signed with 2 Brains Records and worked with producer Yves Gaillard on her first single, “Sweat,” released on November 1, 2004. The song reached number 19 on Belgium’s Ultratop charts. Her second single, “Stir Me Up,” released in May 2005, gained her recognition in Turkey. Her third single, “Milk Chocolate Girl,” released in October 2005, reached number 13 on the Ultratop chart. In November 2005, Hadise released her first album, “Sweat,” including hits like “Ain’t No Love Lost” and “Bad Boy.” These songs helped her become a rising star in Belgium and Turkey. Second Album: Hadise (2008) In September 2007, Hadise released “A Good Kiss,” the first single from her second album. The music video was filmed in Istanbul. The second single, “My Body,” was released in February 2008. That same year, she collaborated with Turkish singer Serdar Ortaç on the song “Düşman.” In June 2008, Hadise released her second album, “Hadise,. The album included a Turkish version of “A Good Kiss” called “Deli Oğlan,”. It became a hit in Turkey, boosting her popularity. Eurovision and New Albums (2009-2010) In October 2008, it was confirmed Hadise would represent Turkey at the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest. She performed “Düm Tek Tek,” co-written with Sinan Akçıl and Stefaan Fernande, on December 31, 2008, on TRT. She finished fourth in the contest held in Moscow on May 16, 2009, receiving 177 points. In May 2009, Hadise released her third album “Fast Life” outside Turkey, topping the Indonesian music charts and reaching number 16 in Belgium. The title track “Fast Life” won the Best Song from Turkey award at the Balkan Music Awards. In June 2009, Hadise released her fourth album, “Kahraman,” produced by Sinan Akçıl. The album featured the hit single “Evlenmeliyiz.” Aşk Kaç Beden Giyer? and More (2011-2013) Hadise’s fifth album, “Aşk Kaç Beden Giyer?,” was released in April 2011. The album sold 35,000 copies in Turkey that year and featured hits like “Superman,” which reached number 5 on the Turkish charts. The second and third singles, “Aşk Kaç Beden Giyer?” and “Mesajımı Almıştır O,” also received music videos. In June 2012, she released the single “Biz Burdayız,” and in 2013, the single “Visal.” Recent Work (2014-Present) Her sixth album, “Tavsiye,” was released in August 2014 by Pasaj Music, selling 16,000 copies in Turkey. The album featured hits like “Nerdesin Aşkım?,” “Prenses,” and “Yaz Günü,” with “Nerdesin Aşkım?” reaching number one in Turkey. Hadise released her seventh album, “Şampiyon,” in June 2017. The title track was the lead single and entered the charts at number two. The second single, “Sıfır Tolerans,” topped the Turkish charts but faced controversy for being too erotic. Hadise criticized this decision as sexist. In 2019, Hadise became the face of Fanta’s advertising campaign in Turkey and released the single “Geliyorum Yanına” in August. The music video premiered at her concert on August 10. In September 2020, she released the single “Küçük Bir Yol”. In February 2021, she released her second EP, “Aşka Kapandım.” The lead single was “Olsun,”. In June 2021, she released the single “Hay Hay,”. In September 2021, Hadise became the digital face of Pubg Mobile, releasing the single “Coş Dalgalan.” On July 1, 2022, Hadise released “İmdat,” a duet with rapper Murda. The music video was filmed in the Netherlands and Spain. In response to the February 6, 2023, earthquake in Turkey, Hadise participated in a charity single, “People Help the People,” with over thirty Flemish artists. Hadise released the single “Feryat” on April 14, 2023, and collaborated again with Murda on the single “Sen Dönene Kadar,” released in May 2023. The music video was filmed at Soestdijk Palace in Baarn, Netherlands. On September 29, 2023, Hadise released the single “Sevmiyo,” with a music video directed by Utku Kemal. Other Work and Personal Life Hadise is fluent in Turkish, Dutch, French, German, and English. She was a judge on “O Ses Türkiye” from 2011 to 2020 and since 2021, has been a judge on “O Ses Türkiye Rap.” In October 2021, she launched her fashion brand, Kert. In 2022, UNICEF Turkey appointed her as a “Child Rights Advocate.” Hadise married businessman Mehmet Dinçerler on April 30, 2022, but announced their divorce on September 15, 2022. The couple divorced amicably on September 30, 2022. Entries Düm Tek Tek Country🇹🇷 Turkey Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsHadise AçıkgözStefaan FernandeSinan Akçıl MusicSinan Akçıl BackingsEva Jane Smeenk-WillemsOlga PotapovaSvetlana NikitaevaUğur YıldırımSteve Kashala Results Semi Points: 172Position: 2Running order: 9 Results Finals Points: 177Position: 4Running order: 18 https://youtu.be/_uYGPl8galc?si=J7d6gdfqsYY3oJst

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maNga

About Quick Facts MembersCem BahtiyarEfe YılmazFerman AkgülÖzgür Can ÖneyYağmur Sarıgül Founded2001 Nationality🇹🇷 Turkey National SelectionInternal selection 2010 In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongWe Could Be The Same (2010) Biography maNga, an Ankara-based Turkish rock band, delves into Alternative Rock, Nu-Metal, and Rapcore, boasting six studio albums to date. Their story unfolds from late 2001, beginning with Yağmur Sarıgül “Yamyam” (Guitar) merging rock with electronics, alongside Orçun Şekerusta (Bass Guitar), Özgür Can Öney (Drums), Efe Yılmaz (Turntable), and Ferman Akgül (Vocals), embracing Nu-Metal and Hardcore. This blend was spurred by Yamyam’s expulsion from a bar band and fueled by a desire to innovate within rock’s realms. Their ambition took them to the “Sing Your Song” contest in September 2001, marking the start of their album journey, which was further shaped by Orçun’s departure and Cem Bahtiyar’s entry. This pivotal moment led to the birth of maNga, inspired by Japanese comics, uniting diverse musical tastes and narratives. Their initial success was clinched with a second-place win at the “Sing Your Song” contest with “Kal Yanımda,” propelling them to produce hits like “Bitti Rüya,” “Libido,” and “Yalan.” Their endeavors were amplified by Haluk Kurosman’s support, driving them to share their music across Turkey. December 5, 2004, marked their debut album’s release, “maNga,” featuring collaborations with notable artists and achieving over 180,000 sales, earning a Gold Disc. The album’s tracks, including “Bir Kadın Çizeceksin,” found a place in EA Sports’ FIFA 2006 soundtrack, showcasing their growing influence. In June 2006, “maNga” was re-released as “maNga+” with new tracks and a DVD, reflecting the band’s evolving identity post-tours. This was followed by “Şehr-i Hüzün” in 2009, a testament to their refined sound and broader musical scope, resonating with fans and critics alike. A significant highlight was their Eurovision 2010 representation for Turkey with “We Could Be The Same,” achieving second place and marking a historic moment in their career. 2012 saw “E-akustik,” blending electric and acoustic sounds, featuring duets that underscored maNga’s versatility. This album underscored their adaptability and innovative spirit. In 2013, amidst their evolving journey, maNga announced the departure of DJ Efe Yılmaz, continuing as a quartet with unwavering commitment to their music and performances. Transitioning into a Rock-Nu Metal style, “Işıkları Söndürseler Bile” was unveiled in 2014, continuing their tradition of thematic and musical evolution. This period also saw their contribution to the soundtrack of “Hadi İnşallah,” reinterpreting Nilüfer’s “Yeniden Sev.” Post-2014, maNga embarked on cover projects and announced their studio return in 2018 under Demir Demirkan’s production, releasing “maNga X.” This era included summer tours, a 2019 maxi-single “Süper Güçlerimiz Var,” and teased an upcoming German single amidst plans for a new album in 2020, leading to the single “Zor” during COVID-19 quarantine days. The band’s shift towards progressive metal materialized with “Antroposen 001” in 2021, followed by “Antroposen 002” in 2023, marking their first entirely metal and experimental album. Entries We Could Be The Same Country🇹🇷 Turkey Year2010 LanguageEnglish LyricsEvren ÖzdemirCem BahtiyarEfe YılmazFerman AkgülÖzgür Can ÖneyYağmur SarıgülFiona Movery Akıncı MusicCem BahtiyarEfe YılmazFerman AkgülÖzgür Can ÖneyYağmur Sarıgül BackingsNathalie Marrable Results Semi Points: 118Position: 1Running order: 17 Results Finals Points: 170Position: 2Running order: 14 https://youtu.be/HB_GnnhNz-8?si=KmDEflRzgEj_K1Nr

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Can Bonomo

About Quick Facts NameCan Bonomo Born16 May 1987 Nationality🇹🇷 Turkish National SelectionInternal selection 2012 In Eurovision2012 Baku SongLove Me Back (2012) Biography Can Bonomo (b. 16 May 1987, İzmir) is a Turkish singer-songwriter and actor. Bonomo, a child of a Sephardic Jewish family, began his journey into music at the age of eight by playing the guitar. He continued his musical endeavors throughout middle and high school and pursued them further in İstanbul. He studied at the İstanbul Bilgi University in the Cinema and Television department. He applied for a position at Radyo Klas and Number 1 FM, where he had originally gone for a sound production internship, and was accepted. He began his program named “Can Bonomo Show”. He later moved to Radio N101 and continued his program there. He started hosting the program “Rock’n Dark Express” after receiving an offer from MTV Türkiye. A short film he made for a university assignment called “Hoppala” gained popularity after he uploaded it to Facebook. Seray Sever, who was working on a TV series project, invited Bonomo for a discussion after watching this film. Accepting the lead role offer presented to him, Bonomo started acting in the series titled “+18”. He sent a demo recording to album producer Can Saban. After two years of collaboration, his first album named “Meczup” was released in January 2011. It was announced on 9 January 2012 that he would represent Turkey at the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest, which took place in Baku, Azerbaijan on 22, 24, and 26 May 2012. On 22 February 2012, he introduced the song “Love Me Back”, for which he wrote both the lyrics and music, in the program “Türkiye’nin Şarkısı”. On 24 May 2012, he qualified for the finals by ranking in the top ten during the second semi-final. He finished the contest in seventh place on the final night, earning 112 points.In December 2012, Bonomo released his second album “Aşktan ve Gariplikten”. Except for the song “Ali Baba” which was released as a single, all songs in the album were his own compositions. In December 2014, he released his third album, “Bulunmam Gerek”, produced again by Can Saban. Can Bonomo’s fourth album, “Kainat Sustu”, was released in March 2017. Besides his musical career, he ventured into poetry. His first poetry book, edited by Küçük İskender, was released in 2013 and was titled “Delirmek Belirmektir”. This was followed by his second book “Şu Sevdalar Tevatürü” in 2016. He continued his writing career with the book “Parya Koma” released in 2018. In 2016, he began hosting a radio program called “O Tarz Mı?” with İsmail Türküsev and Can Temiz. Can Sungur and Bengi Apak later joined the team. Can Bonomo married actress Öykü Karayel in 2018. The couple welcomed their son, Roman, in 2021. Entries Love Me Back Country🇹🇷 Turkey Year2012 LanguageEnglish LyricsCan Bonomo MusicCan Bonomo Backings.DancersArif DurgeçBurak YalçıntaşKerem GüzelOzan KarabağSerdar Karaman Results Semi Points: 80Position: 5Running order: 13 Results Finals Points: 112Position: 7Running order: 18 https://youtu.be/3Qa7_y21oOY?si=tft0dm59x4J89Uuu

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Yüksek Sadakat

About Quick Facts NameKenan VuralSerkan ÖzgenKutlu ÖzmakinacıUğur OnatkutAlpay Şalt Founded1997 Nationality🇹🇷 Turkish National SelectionInternal selection 2011 In Eurovision2011 Düsseldorf SongLive It Up (2011) Biography Yüksek Sadakat, founded in 2004, is a Turkish rock band initially formed by bass guitarist Kutlu Özmakinacı in Istanbul in 1997. Kutlu Özmakinacı, born in 1966 in İzmir, started his law education at Istanbul University in the 1980s. During his university years, he began playing the electric guitar and started his first musical endeavors with amateur university bands. After graduating, Özmakinacı played in various bars in Istanbul from 1986 to 1988. In 1988, he took a break from music to start a career in journalism with Sokak magazine in 1989. During his journalism career, Özmakinacı met members of the disbanded Turkish rock band Aqua. In 1991, he restarted his music career with these members, marking his first significant foray into the music industry. In 1997, after leaving Aqua members in 1995 and spending two years searching for a new group, Özmakinacı formed the band Filinta. This band is considered an early version of Yüksek Sadakat. However, the songs from this period are largely inaccessible, with some later released under Yüksek Sadakat. Following the disbandment of Filinta, Özmakinacı continued his pursuit of music. He began songwriting with Mutlu Çağlayan and reconnected with former Filinta members Uğur Onakut and Deniz Alemdar in 2003. Serkan Özgen, a veteran of the 1990s band Bulutsuzluk Özlemi, joined the group in 2003. In 2004, Özmakinacı officially formed Yüksek Sadakat. The band’s name translates to “High Fidelity.” The band’s debut album, “Yüksek Sadakat,” was released in January 2005. It featured Sufi-inspired lyrics and themes of love and spirituality. The band received significant attention for their music videos and won the 33rd Golden Butterfly Award for “Best Newcomer” alongside Grup Seksendört. After the success of their first album, the band faced member changes. Vocalist Cemil Demirbakan and drummer Deniz Alemdar left and were replaced by Kenan Vural and Alpay Şalt. Their second album, “Katil & Maktûl,” released in March 2008, continued to explore themes of love and Sufism. Yüksek Sadakat represented Turkey at the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Live It Up.” They did not advance to the finals, marking a significant moment in the band’s history. The “Renk Körü” album, released during this period, marked a significant evolution in the band’s style, featuring themes and sounds distinct from their previous albums. More lineup changes occurred in 2013, with the departure of Kenan Vural and Alpay Şalt. They were replaced by Selçuk Sami Cingi and former drummer Deniz Alemdar. The album “IV” represented another evolution in their music style, with a distinctly different sound from their previous albums. The band planned a new album in 2020, delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The album “Rengarenk” was announced for release on September 24, 2021. Throughout their career, Yüksek Sadakat has been known for their frequent changes in vocalists and drummers, and their music has evolved significantly over the years, reflecting changes in lineup and artistic direction. Entries Live It Up Country🇹🇷 Turkey Year2011 LanguageEnglish LyricsErgün Arsal MusicKutlu Özmakinacı DancersLeilani Franco Results Semi Points: 47Position: 13Running order: 5 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/-6Ew5qYzo9k?si=oX4M2hpTXr6FhhlM

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Serhat

© EBU/Thomas Hanses About Quick Facts NameAhmet Serhat Hacıpaşalıoğlu Born24 October 1964 Nationality🇹🇷 Turkish National SelectionInternal selection 2019Internal selection 2016 In Eurovision2019 Tel Aviv2016 Stockholm SongSay na na na (2019)I didn’t know (2016) Biography Serhat is a Turkish singer, songwriter, composer, producer and television presenter. He was born in Istanbul. He originally studied dentistry, but his career in showbusiness started when he established a production company in 1994. He produced the show Riziko!, a Turkish version of the American show Jeopardy!. He hosted the show himself and received several awards for it. While keeping on hosting shows, Serhat began a career in music as well in 1997. That was the year he released his debut single “Rüya”. He sang a duet with Viktor Lazlo in 2005, “Total disguise”, and with Tamara Gverdtstiteli in 2008. It took him until 2014 to release a new single, “Je m’adore”. Serhat’s working field had now changed to France and Germany. The song topped several dance charts in Germany, France, the UK and Switzerland. In 2016, Serhat represented San Marino in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “I didn’t know”. Although he did not reach the final, a disco version of the song reached the US dance charts. In 2018, Serhat re-released “Total disguise”, but now in duet with Helena Paparizou. In 2019, Serhat represented San Marino again with the song “Say na na na”. The song became the best scoring song for San Marino so far. In October 2020, the Spanish version of the song, “Di Na Na Na”, with Spanish lyrics by Adolfo Caiman, was released in a music video. In 2023, Serhat co-wrote the song “Unsaid” together with Jens Geerts. It was released on single by Belgian singer Els Deschepper. Entries Say Na Na Na Country🇸🇲 San Marino Year2019 LanguageEnglishTurkish LyricsSerhat HacıpaşalıoğluMary Susan Applegate MusicSerhat Hacıpaşalıoğlu BackingsGiulia WahnChantal HartmannInès Schubert DancersJohan D. SeilSebastián Millepied Results Semi Points: 150Position: 8Running order: 17 Results Finals Points: 77Position: 19Running order: 7 https://youtu.be/d_iEis_ZRoQ I didn’t know Country🇸🇲 San Marino Year2016 LanguageEnglish LyricsNektarios Tyrakis MusicOlcayto Ahmet Tuğsuz BackingsCaroline HauwelEllia PalazziEmilie WeberJessica FagniotOphelie Crispin Results Semi Points: 12Position: 68Running order: 8 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/HzPkDb2FSeg

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🇹🇷 Özkan Uğur passed away

Today the sad news came to us that Özkan Uğur passed away. Uğur represented Turkey in the Eurovision Song Contest twice: in 1985 and 1988, both times as a member of the group MFÖ. Özkan Uğur was 69 years old. Early years Born on February 16, 1954, in Ankara, Turkey, Özkan Uğur is a renowned Turkish musician, singer, and songwriter. His career is spanning several decades Uğur’s passion for music blossomed at a young age. Growing up in a musically inclined family, he was exposed to various genres, from traditional Turkish folk music to Western rock and pop. This diverse musical upbringing played a crucial role in shaping Uğur’s artistic identity, allowing him to effortlessly blend different styles and create a unique sound of his own. Mazhar-Fuat-Özkan In the late 1970s, Uğur’s career took off when he became the lead vocalist and bassist for the influential Turkish rock band MFÖ (Mazhar-Fuat-Özkan). Alongside his bandmates Mazhar Alanson and Fuat Güner, Uğur contributed to the band’s success with his powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence. MFÖ’s innovative approach to rock music, infused with elements of Turkish folk and pop, resonated with audiences and propelled them to national stardom. MFÖ and Eurovision Uğur’s collaboration with MFÖ resulted in numerous hit songs, including “Ele Güne Karşı Yapayalnız,” “Peki Peki Anladık,” and “Mazeretim Var Asabiyim Ben.” Their distinctive sound and energetic performances earned them a dedicated fan base, and they continue to be revered as pioneers of the Turkish rock scene. In 1985, MFÖ represented Turkey in the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time. Their song “Didai didai dai (aşık oldum)” reached a 14th place. Three years later, the band was in Eurovision again with the song “Sufi”, being 15th in the ranking. Solo career Despite his success with MFÖ, Uğur embarked on a solo career in the 1980s, eager to explore his creative boundaries beyond the confines of a band. His solo albums showcased his versatility as an artist, as he experimented with various musical genres, including pop, jazz, and even classical music.  Collaborations Throughout his career, Uğur has collaborated with numerous prominent musicians and songwriters, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile artist. He has worked with notable Turkish composers such as Fikret Kızılok, Timur Selçuk, and Sezen Aksu, contributing his unique vocal talents to their compositions. Uğur’s collaborations have resulted in timeless classics, including “Küçük Bir Aşk Masalı,” “Benimle Oynar Mısın,” and “Öpüşmek İstiyorum.” Film and television Aside from his musical endeavors, Uğur has also ventured into acting, showcasing his versatility as a performer. He has appeared in several films and television series, earning critical acclaim for his on-screen presence and natural acting ability. Awards Özkan Uğur’s contributions to Turkish music have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. He has received prestigious honors, including the Golden Butterfly Award for Best Male Performer and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Kral TV Music Awards.

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UEFA 2020: DAY 10

And again, we will have two matches in the European Soccer Championship. The first match will be between Italy and Wales. For this one we are going to look at male duos. In 1987, Umberto Tozzi and Raff, both big stars in Italy and abroad already, represented their country. They sang “Gente di mare”, which became third. It became a Eurovision classic. The United Kingdom was represented by Joe and Jake in the 2016 contest. Joe Woolford, the half of the duo, was a Welshman. With “You’re not alone” they became 24th. For the match between Switzerland and Turkey we add only one song: “Ne partez pas sans moi”. You are right, the singer Celine Dion is neither Swiss nor Turkish: she is a Canadian. But the song is composed by Atilla Şereftuğ, who is Turkish. The lyrics are from Nella Martinetti. And yes, she is Swiss!

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Turkey: TRT director talks with EBU

İbrahim Eren, director of the Turkish broadcaster TRT, talks with the EBU about Eurovision. Mr. Eren confirms this news in the Turkish newspaper Miliyet. Turkey wanted to withdraw already after the contest of 2011, when they did not reach the final. They only participated in 2012 because the contest was held in Azerbaijan, a country Turkey has strong bounds with. The reason of their withdrawal was the expert jury. The former jury system, with 100% televoting, was quite positive for Turkey. As many people with Turkish roots automatically voted for Turkey every year, the country got the 12 points from several Western European countries year by year. The new 50/50 system made an end to it. In 2015, Turkey added another reason when Austrian Conchita Wurst won the contest. ““As a public broadcaster, we also cannot broadcast live at 9 p.m. — when children are still awake — someone like the bearded Austrian who wore a skirt, do not believe in genders and says that he is both a man and a woman.”, mister İbrahim Eren stated back then. But now that does not seem to count anymore. Mr. Eren stated that the 2021 contest was a wonderful show. He is now in talk with mr. Marcus Österdahl, the new executive producer of the contest. Whether it’s going to lead to a renewed Turkish participation or not, is of course not known yet. But we keep you updated. Can Bonomo, the last Turkish representant so far in 2012.

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UEFA 2020: Day 6

Again, three matches in UEFA 2020. To start with Finland against Russia. Where have we seen this battle before? Well, remember the 2006 contest. Lordi from Finland won with a landslide. Their song “Hard rock hallelujah” broke all the records. It was hard for Dima Bilan from Russia to get there with his song “I never ever let you go”. But you don’t have to feel sorry for him: two years later Dima got the prize! Turkey and Wales meet today as well. In 2004, the contest was held in Turkey. For the host country the group Athena participated with the song “For real”. One of the other contestants that year was Welshman James Fox. He represented the United Kingdom with the song “Hold onto our love”. Italy will meet Switzerland in the arena today. In both countries, Italian is one of the main languages. So that might be an easy connection. But in fact, we found another one. Both countries once sent a song in a minority language. In 1991, host country Italy sent Peppino di Capri who sang “Comme e’ ddoce o’ mare”, sung in the Neapolitan language. Switzerland, also host country but in 1989, decided to sing a song in Romansh: “Viver senza tei”, song by the group Furbaz.

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UEFA Euro 2020 started!

With a year of delay, Euro 2020, the European soccer chiampionship, has started. The fun thing for a Eurovision fan is that a lot of matches remind us of Eurovision Songs, because it’s with (partly) the same countries. Yesterday, Italy won the match from Turkey. Many people on the internet mentioned Måneskin (of course) and Sertab (of course). But the match reminded us of another performance. You see Italian host Toto Cutugno (1991) learning Turkish. The Turkish contestants are Can Uğurluer, İzel Çeliköz & Reyhan Karaca singing “Iki dakika”. That is a hard one to pronounce for Toto. Today, Wales meets Switzerland. Wales is a part of the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest. But did you know that a Welsh woman almost won Eurovision? She became 2nd in 1970 and her name was Mary Hopkin. Also for Switzerland we chose someone who became 2nd: Daniela Simons in 1986. Both ladies have in common that in their years, one contestant could impossibly be defeated. In 1970 it was Dana and in 1986 Sandra Kim. Denmark meets Finland this year. Opposites attract, that’s what people say. We have a Eurovision winner from both countries. A ballad, sung by two man in their 40s from Denmark: “Fly on the wings of love” by the Olson Brothers. And a rock song from Finland, sung by Lordi, dressed as monsters: “Hard rock hallelujah”. And last but not least, Belgium meets Russia. They did so too in 2003. Turkey (as mentioned), Belgium and Russia struggled for the first place. Belgium became 2nd with Urban Trad, with a song in a non-existing language. Russia became third with the famous duo t.A.T.u. and their “Ne ver’ ne boysia”. Who is going to win? We put our money on Måneskin. Or were you talking about soccer?

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Hadise

About Quick Facts NameHadise Açıkgöz Born22 October 1985 Nationality🇧🇪 Belgian🇹🇷 Turkish National SelectionInternal selection 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongDüm Tek Tek (2009) Biography Early Life and Background Hadise Açıkgöz, known as Hadise, was born on October 22, 1985, in Mol, Belgium, to parents who have Circassian roots from Sivas, Turkey.  Starting Her Career In 2003, at 18, Hadise participated in Idool 2003, the Belgian version of Idol. Although she did not make the top ten, she received an album offer six months later, marking the start of her music career. First Album: Sweat (2004-2008) Hadise signed with 2 Brains Records and worked with producer Yves Gaillard on her first single, “Sweat,” released on November 1, 2004. The song reached number 19 on Belgium’s Ultratop charts. Her second single, “Stir Me Up,” released in May 2005, gained her recognition in Turkey. Her third single, “Milk Chocolate Girl,” released in October 2005, reached number 13 on the Ultratop chart. In November 2005, Hadise released her first album, “Sweat,” including hits like “Ain’t No Love Lost” and “Bad Boy.” These songs helped her become a rising star in Belgium and Turkey. Second Album: Hadise (2008) In September 2007, Hadise released “A Good Kiss,” the first single from her second album. The music video was filmed in Istanbul. The second single, “My Body,” was released in February 2008. That same year, she collaborated with Turkish singer Serdar Ortaç on the song “Düşman.” In June 2008, Hadise released her second album, “Hadise,. The album included a Turkish version of “A Good Kiss” called “Deli Oğlan,”. It became a hit in Turkey, boosting her popularity. Eurovision and New Albums (2009-2010) In October 2008, it was confirmed Hadise would represent Turkey at the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest. She performed “Düm Tek Tek,” co-written with Sinan Akçıl and Stefaan Fernande, on December 31, 2008, on TRT. She finished fourth in the contest held in Moscow on May 16, 2009, receiving 177 points. In May 2009, Hadise released her third album “Fast Life” outside Turkey, topping the Indonesian music charts and reaching number 16 in Belgium. The title track “Fast Life” won the Best Song from Turkey award at the Balkan Music Awards. In June 2009, Hadise released her fourth album, “Kahraman,” produced by Sinan Akçıl. The album featured the hit single “Evlenmeliyiz.” Aşk Kaç Beden Giyer? and More (2011-2013) Hadise’s fifth album, “Aşk Kaç Beden Giyer?,” was released in April 2011. The album sold 35,000 copies in Turkey that year and featured hits like “Superman,” which reached number 5 on the Turkish charts. The second and third singles, “Aşk Kaç Beden Giyer?” and “Mesajımı Almıştır O,” also received music videos. In June 2012, she released the single “Biz Burdayız,” and in 2013, the single “Visal.” Recent Work (2014-Present) Her sixth album, “Tavsiye,” was released in August 2014 by Pasaj Music, selling 16,000 copies in Turkey. The album featured hits like “Nerdesin Aşkım?,” “Prenses,” and “Yaz Günü,” with “Nerdesin Aşkım?” reaching number one in Turkey. Hadise released her seventh album, “Şampiyon,” in June 2017. The title track was the lead single and entered the charts at number two. The second single, “Sıfır Tolerans,” topped the Turkish charts but faced controversy for being too erotic. Hadise criticized this decision as sexist. In 2019, Hadise became the face of Fanta’s advertising campaign in Turkey and released the single “Geliyorum Yanına” in August. The music video premiered at her concert on August 10. In September 2020, she released the single “Küçük Bir Yol”. In February 2021, she released her second EP, “Aşka Kapandım.” The lead single was “Olsun,”. In June 2021, she released the single “Hay Hay,”. In September 2021, Hadise became the digital face of Pubg Mobile, releasing the single “Coş Dalgalan.” On July 1, 2022, Hadise released “İmdat,” a duet with rapper Murda. The music video was filmed in the Netherlands and Spain. In response to the February 6, 2023, earthquake in Turkey, Hadise participated in a charity single, “People Help the People,” with over thirty Flemish artists. Hadise released the single “Feryat” on April 14, 2023, and collaborated again with Murda on the single “Sen Dönene Kadar,” released in May 2023. The music video was filmed at Soestdijk Palace in Baarn, Netherlands. On September 29, 2023, Hadise released the single “Sevmiyo,” with a music video directed by Utku Kemal. Other Work and Personal Life Hadise is fluent in Turkish, Dutch, French, German, and English. She was a judge on “O Ses Türkiye” from 2011 to 2020 and since 2021, has been a judge on “O Ses Türkiye Rap.” In October 2021, she launched her fashion brand, Kert. In 2022, UNICEF Turkey appointed her as a “Child Rights Advocate.” Hadise married businessman Mehmet Dinçerler on April 30, 2022, but announced their divorce on September 15, 2022. The couple divorced amicably on September 30, 2022. Entries Düm Tek Tek Country🇹🇷 Turkey Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsHadise AçıkgözStefaan FernandeSinan Akçıl MusicSinan Akçıl BackingsEva Jane Smeenk-WillemsOlga PotapovaSvetlana NikitaevaUğur YıldırımSteve Kashala Results Semi Points: 172Position: 2Running order: 9 Results Finals Points: 177Position: 4Running order: 18 https://youtu.be/_uYGPl8galc?si=J7d6gdfqsYY3oJst

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maNga

About Quick Facts MembersCem BahtiyarEfe YılmazFerman AkgülÖzgür Can ÖneyYağmur Sarıgül Founded2001 Nationality🇹🇷 Turkey National SelectionInternal selection 2010 In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongWe Could Be The Same (2010) Biography maNga, an Ankara-based Turkish rock band, delves into Alternative Rock, Nu-Metal, and Rapcore, boasting six studio albums to date. Their story unfolds from late 2001, beginning with Yağmur Sarıgül “Yamyam” (Guitar) merging rock with electronics, alongside Orçun Şekerusta (Bass Guitar), Özgür Can Öney (Drums), Efe Yılmaz (Turntable), and Ferman Akgül (Vocals), embracing Nu-Metal and Hardcore. This blend was spurred by Yamyam’s expulsion from a bar band and fueled by a desire to innovate within rock’s realms. Their ambition took them to the “Sing Your Song” contest in September 2001, marking the start of their album journey, which was further shaped by Orçun’s departure and Cem Bahtiyar’s entry. This pivotal moment led to the birth of maNga, inspired by Japanese comics, uniting diverse musical tastes and narratives. Their initial success was clinched with a second-place win at the “Sing Your Song” contest with “Kal Yanımda,” propelling them to produce hits like “Bitti Rüya,” “Libido,” and “Yalan.” Their endeavors were amplified by Haluk Kurosman’s support, driving them to share their music across Turkey. December 5, 2004, marked their debut album’s release, “maNga,” featuring collaborations with notable artists and achieving over 180,000 sales, earning a Gold Disc. The album’s tracks, including “Bir Kadın Çizeceksin,” found a place in EA Sports’ FIFA 2006 soundtrack, showcasing their growing influence. In June 2006, “maNga” was re-released as “maNga+” with new tracks and a DVD, reflecting the band’s evolving identity post-tours. This was followed by “Şehr-i Hüzün” in 2009, a testament to their refined sound and broader musical scope, resonating with fans and critics alike. A significant highlight was their Eurovision 2010 representation for Turkey with “We Could Be The Same,” achieving second place and marking a historic moment in their career. 2012 saw “E-akustik,” blending electric and acoustic sounds, featuring duets that underscored maNga’s versatility. This album underscored their adaptability and innovative spirit. In 2013, amidst their evolving journey, maNga announced the departure of DJ Efe Yılmaz, continuing as a quartet with unwavering commitment to their music and performances. Transitioning into a Rock-Nu Metal style, “Işıkları Söndürseler Bile” was unveiled in 2014, continuing their tradition of thematic and musical evolution. This period also saw their contribution to the soundtrack of “Hadi İnşallah,” reinterpreting Nilüfer’s “Yeniden Sev.” Post-2014, maNga embarked on cover projects and announced their studio return in 2018 under Demir Demirkan’s production, releasing “maNga X.” This era included summer tours, a 2019 maxi-single “Süper Güçlerimiz Var,” and teased an upcoming German single amidst plans for a new album in 2020, leading to the single “Zor” during COVID-19 quarantine days. The band’s shift towards progressive metal materialized with “Antroposen 001” in 2021, followed by “Antroposen 002” in 2023, marking their first entirely metal and experimental album. Entries We Could Be The Same Country🇹🇷 Turkey Year2010 LanguageEnglish LyricsEvren ÖzdemirCem BahtiyarEfe YılmazFerman AkgülÖzgür Can ÖneyYağmur SarıgülFiona Movery Akıncı MusicCem BahtiyarEfe YılmazFerman AkgülÖzgür Can ÖneyYağmur Sarıgül BackingsNathalie Marrable Results Semi Points: 118Position: 1Running order: 17 Results Finals Points: 170Position: 2Running order: 14 https://youtu.be/HB_GnnhNz-8?si=KmDEflRzgEj_K1Nr

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Can Bonomo

About Quick Facts NameCan Bonomo Born16 May 1987 Nationality🇹🇷 Turkish National SelectionInternal selection 2012 In Eurovision2012 Baku SongLove Me Back (2012) Biography Can Bonomo (b. 16 May 1987, İzmir) is a Turkish singer-songwriter and actor. Bonomo, a child of a Sephardic Jewish family, began his journey into music at the age of eight by playing the guitar. He continued his musical endeavors throughout middle and high school and pursued them further in İstanbul. He studied at the İstanbul Bilgi University in the Cinema and Television department. He applied for a position at Radyo Klas and Number 1 FM, where he had originally gone for a sound production internship, and was accepted. He began his program named “Can Bonomo Show”. He later moved to Radio N101 and continued his program there. He started hosting the program “Rock’n Dark Express” after receiving an offer from MTV Türkiye. A short film he made for a university assignment called “Hoppala” gained popularity after he uploaded it to Facebook. Seray Sever, who was working on a TV series project, invited Bonomo for a discussion after watching this film. Accepting the lead role offer presented to him, Bonomo started acting in the series titled “+18”. He sent a demo recording to album producer Can Saban. After two years of collaboration, his first album named “Meczup” was released in January 2011. It was announced on 9 January 2012 that he would represent Turkey at the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest, which took place in Baku, Azerbaijan on 22, 24, and 26 May 2012. On 22 February 2012, he introduced the song “Love Me Back”, for which he wrote both the lyrics and music, in the program “Türkiye’nin Şarkısı”. On 24 May 2012, he qualified for the finals by ranking in the top ten during the second semi-final. He finished the contest in seventh place on the final night, earning 112 points.In December 2012, Bonomo released his second album “Aşktan ve Gariplikten”. Except for the song “Ali Baba” which was released as a single, all songs in the album were his own compositions. In December 2014, he released his third album, “Bulunmam Gerek”, produced again by Can Saban. Can Bonomo’s fourth album, “Kainat Sustu”, was released in March 2017. Besides his musical career, he ventured into poetry. His first poetry book, edited by Küçük İskender, was released in 2013 and was titled “Delirmek Belirmektir”. This was followed by his second book “Şu Sevdalar Tevatürü” in 2016. He continued his writing career with the book “Parya Koma” released in 2018. In 2016, he began hosting a radio program called “O Tarz Mı?” with İsmail Türküsev and Can Temiz. Can Sungur and Bengi Apak later joined the team. Can Bonomo married actress Öykü Karayel in 2018. The couple welcomed their son, Roman, in 2021. Entries Love Me Back Country🇹🇷 Turkey Year2012 LanguageEnglish LyricsCan Bonomo MusicCan Bonomo Backings.DancersArif DurgeçBurak YalçıntaşKerem GüzelOzan KarabağSerdar Karaman Results Semi Points: 80Position: 5Running order: 13 Results Finals Points: 112Position: 7Running order: 18 https://youtu.be/3Qa7_y21oOY?si=tft0dm59x4J89Uuu

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Yüksek Sadakat

About Quick Facts NameKenan VuralSerkan ÖzgenKutlu ÖzmakinacıUğur OnatkutAlpay Şalt Founded1997 Nationality🇹🇷 Turkish National SelectionInternal selection 2011 In Eurovision2011 Düsseldorf SongLive It Up (2011) Biography Yüksek Sadakat, founded in 2004, is a Turkish rock band initially formed by bass guitarist Kutlu Özmakinacı in Istanbul in 1997. Kutlu Özmakinacı, born in 1966 in İzmir, started his law education at Istanbul University in the 1980s. During his university years, he began playing the electric guitar and started his first musical endeavors with amateur university bands. After graduating, Özmakinacı played in various bars in Istanbul from 1986 to 1988. In 1988, he took a break from music to start a career in journalism with Sokak magazine in 1989. During his journalism career, Özmakinacı met members of the disbanded Turkish rock band Aqua. In 1991, he restarted his music career with these members, marking his first significant foray into the music industry. In 1997, after leaving Aqua members in 1995 and spending two years searching for a new group, Özmakinacı formed the band Filinta. This band is considered an early version of Yüksek Sadakat. However, the songs from this period are largely inaccessible, with some later released under Yüksek Sadakat. Following the disbandment of Filinta, Özmakinacı continued his pursuit of music. He began songwriting with Mutlu Çağlayan and reconnected with former Filinta members Uğur Onakut and Deniz Alemdar in 2003. Serkan Özgen, a veteran of the 1990s band Bulutsuzluk Özlemi, joined the group in 2003. In 2004, Özmakinacı officially formed Yüksek Sadakat. The band’s name translates to “High Fidelity.” The band’s debut album, “Yüksek Sadakat,” was released in January 2005. It featured Sufi-inspired lyrics and themes of love and spirituality. The band received significant attention for their music videos and won the 33rd Golden Butterfly Award for “Best Newcomer” alongside Grup Seksendört. After the success of their first album, the band faced member changes. Vocalist Cemil Demirbakan and drummer Deniz Alemdar left and were replaced by Kenan Vural and Alpay Şalt. Their second album, “Katil & Maktûl,” released in March 2008, continued to explore themes of love and Sufism. Yüksek Sadakat represented Turkey at the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Live It Up.” They did not advance to the finals, marking a significant moment in the band’s history. The “Renk Körü” album, released during this period, marked a significant evolution in the band’s style, featuring themes and sounds distinct from their previous albums. More lineup changes occurred in 2013, with the departure of Kenan Vural and Alpay Şalt. They were replaced by Selçuk Sami Cingi and former drummer Deniz Alemdar. The album “IV” represented another evolution in their music style, with a distinctly different sound from their previous albums. The band planned a new album in 2020, delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The album “Rengarenk” was announced for release on September 24, 2021. Throughout their career, Yüksek Sadakat has been known for their frequent changes in vocalists and drummers, and their music has evolved significantly over the years, reflecting changes in lineup and artistic direction. Entries Live It Up Country🇹🇷 Turkey Year2011 LanguageEnglish LyricsErgün Arsal MusicKutlu Özmakinacı DancersLeilani Franco Results Semi Points: 47Position: 13Running order: 5 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/-6Ew5qYzo9k?si=oX4M2hpTXr6FhhlM

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Serhat

© EBU/Thomas Hanses About Quick Facts NameAhmet Serhat Hacıpaşalıoğlu Born24 October 1964 Nationality🇹🇷 Turkish National SelectionInternal selection 2019Internal selection 2016 In Eurovision2019 Tel Aviv2016 Stockholm SongSay na na na (2019)I didn’t know (2016) Biography Serhat is a Turkish singer, songwriter, composer, producer and television presenter. He was born in Istanbul. He originally studied dentistry, but his career in showbusiness started when he established a production company in 1994. He produced the show Riziko!, a Turkish version of the American show Jeopardy!. He hosted the show himself and received several awards for it. While keeping on hosting shows, Serhat began a career in music as well in 1997. That was the year he released his debut single “Rüya”. He sang a duet with Viktor Lazlo in 2005, “Total disguise”, and with Tamara Gverdtstiteli in 2008. It took him until 2014 to release a new single, “Je m’adore”. Serhat’s working field had now changed to France and Germany. The song topped several dance charts in Germany, France, the UK and Switzerland. In 2016, Serhat represented San Marino in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “I didn’t know”. Although he did not reach the final, a disco version of the song reached the US dance charts. In 2018, Serhat re-released “Total disguise”, but now in duet with Helena Paparizou. In 2019, Serhat represented San Marino again with the song “Say na na na”. The song became the best scoring song for San Marino so far. In October 2020, the Spanish version of the song, “Di Na Na Na”, with Spanish lyrics by Adolfo Caiman, was released in a music video. In 2023, Serhat co-wrote the song “Unsaid” together with Jens Geerts. It was released on single by Belgian singer Els Deschepper. Entries Say Na Na Na Country🇸🇲 San Marino Year2019 LanguageEnglishTurkish LyricsSerhat HacıpaşalıoğluMary Susan Applegate MusicSerhat Hacıpaşalıoğlu BackingsGiulia WahnChantal HartmannInès Schubert DancersJohan D. SeilSebastián Millepied Results Semi Points: 150Position: 8Running order: 17 Results Finals Points: 77Position: 19Running order: 7 https://youtu.be/d_iEis_ZRoQ I didn’t know Country🇸🇲 San Marino Year2016 LanguageEnglish LyricsNektarios Tyrakis MusicOlcayto Ahmet Tuğsuz BackingsCaroline HauwelEllia PalazziEmilie WeberJessica FagniotOphelie Crispin Results Semi Points: 12Position: 68Running order: 8 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/HzPkDb2FSeg

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🇹🇷 Özkan Uğur passed away

Today the sad news came to us that Özkan Uğur passed away. Uğur represented Turkey in the Eurovision Song Contest twice: in 1985 and 1988, both times as a member of the group MFÖ. Özkan Uğur was 69 years old. Early years Born on February 16, 1954, in Ankara, Turkey, Özkan Uğur is a renowned Turkish musician, singer, and songwriter. His career is spanning several decades Uğur’s passion for music blossomed at a young age. Growing up in a musically inclined family, he was exposed to various genres, from traditional Turkish folk music to Western rock and pop. This diverse musical upbringing played a crucial role in shaping Uğur’s artistic identity, allowing him to effortlessly blend different styles and create a unique sound of his own. Mazhar-Fuat-Özkan In the late 1970s, Uğur’s career took off when he became the lead vocalist and bassist for the influential Turkish rock band MFÖ (Mazhar-Fuat-Özkan). Alongside his bandmates Mazhar Alanson and Fuat Güner, Uğur contributed to the band’s success with his powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence. MFÖ’s innovative approach to rock music, infused with elements of Turkish folk and pop, resonated with audiences and propelled them to national stardom. MFÖ and Eurovision Uğur’s collaboration with MFÖ resulted in numerous hit songs, including “Ele Güne Karşı Yapayalnız,” “Peki Peki Anladık,” and “Mazeretim Var Asabiyim Ben.” Their distinctive sound and energetic performances earned them a dedicated fan base, and they continue to be revered as pioneers of the Turkish rock scene. In 1985, MFÖ represented Turkey in the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time. Their song “Didai didai dai (aşık oldum)” reached a 14th place. Three years later, the band was in Eurovision again with the song “Sufi”, being 15th in the ranking. Solo career Despite his success with MFÖ, Uğur embarked on a solo career in the 1980s, eager to explore his creative boundaries beyond the confines of a band. His solo albums showcased his versatility as an artist, as he experimented with various musical genres, including pop, jazz, and even classical music.  Collaborations Throughout his career, Uğur has collaborated with numerous prominent musicians and songwriters, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile artist. He has worked with notable Turkish composers such as Fikret Kızılok, Timur Selçuk, and Sezen Aksu, contributing his unique vocal talents to their compositions. Uğur’s collaborations have resulted in timeless classics, including “Küçük Bir Aşk Masalı,” “Benimle Oynar Mısın,” and “Öpüşmek İstiyorum.” Film and television Aside from his musical endeavors, Uğur has also ventured into acting, showcasing his versatility as a performer. He has appeared in several films and television series, earning critical acclaim for his on-screen presence and natural acting ability. Awards Özkan Uğur’s contributions to Turkish music have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. He has received prestigious honors, including the Golden Butterfly Award for Best Male Performer and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Kral TV Music Awards.

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UEFA 2020: DAY 10

And again, we will have two matches in the European Soccer Championship. The first match will be between Italy and Wales. For this one we are going to look at male duos. In 1987, Umberto Tozzi and Raff, both big stars in Italy and abroad already, represented their country. They sang “Gente di mare”, which became third. It became a Eurovision classic. The United Kingdom was represented by Joe and Jake in the 2016 contest. Joe Woolford, the half of the duo, was a Welshman. With “You’re not alone” they became 24th. For the match between Switzerland and Turkey we add only one song: “Ne partez pas sans moi”. You are right, the singer Celine Dion is neither Swiss nor Turkish: she is a Canadian. But the song is composed by Atilla Şereftuğ, who is Turkish. The lyrics are from Nella Martinetti. And yes, she is Swiss!

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Turkey: TRT director talks with EBU

İbrahim Eren, director of the Turkish broadcaster TRT, talks with the EBU about Eurovision. Mr. Eren confirms this news in the Turkish newspaper Miliyet. Turkey wanted to withdraw already after the contest of 2011, when they did not reach the final. They only participated in 2012 because the contest was held in Azerbaijan, a country Turkey has strong bounds with. The reason of their withdrawal was the expert jury. The former jury system, with 100% televoting, was quite positive for Turkey. As many people with Turkish roots automatically voted for Turkey every year, the country got the 12 points from several Western European countries year by year. The new 50/50 system made an end to it. In 2015, Turkey added another reason when Austrian Conchita Wurst won the contest. ““As a public broadcaster, we also cannot broadcast live at 9 p.m. — when children are still awake — someone like the bearded Austrian who wore a skirt, do not believe in genders and says that he is both a man and a woman.”, mister İbrahim Eren stated back then. But now that does not seem to count anymore. Mr. Eren stated that the 2021 contest was a wonderful show. He is now in talk with mr. Marcus Österdahl, the new executive producer of the contest. Whether it’s going to lead to a renewed Turkish participation or not, is of course not known yet. But we keep you updated. Can Bonomo, the last Turkish representant so far in 2012.

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UEFA 2020: Day 6

Again, three matches in UEFA 2020. To start with Finland against Russia. Where have we seen this battle before? Well, remember the 2006 contest. Lordi from Finland won with a landslide. Their song “Hard rock hallelujah” broke all the records. It was hard for Dima Bilan from Russia to get there with his song “I never ever let you go”. But you don’t have to feel sorry for him: two years later Dima got the prize! Turkey and Wales meet today as well. In 2004, the contest was held in Turkey. For the host country the group Athena participated with the song “For real”. One of the other contestants that year was Welshman James Fox. He represented the United Kingdom with the song “Hold onto our love”. Italy will meet Switzerland in the arena today. In both countries, Italian is one of the main languages. So that might be an easy connection. But in fact, we found another one. Both countries once sent a song in a minority language. In 1991, host country Italy sent Peppino di Capri who sang “Comme e’ ddoce o’ mare”, sung in the Neapolitan language. Switzerland, also host country but in 1989, decided to sing a song in Romansh: “Viver senza tei”, song by the group Furbaz.

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UEFA Euro 2020 started!

With a year of delay, Euro 2020, the European soccer chiampionship, has started. The fun thing for a Eurovision fan is that a lot of matches remind us of Eurovision Songs, because it’s with (partly) the same countries. Yesterday, Italy won the match from Turkey. Many people on the internet mentioned Måneskin (of course) and Sertab (of course). But the match reminded us of another performance. You see Italian host Toto Cutugno (1991) learning Turkish. The Turkish contestants are Can Uğurluer, İzel Çeliköz & Reyhan Karaca singing “Iki dakika”. That is a hard one to pronounce for Toto. Today, Wales meets Switzerland. Wales is a part of the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest. But did you know that a Welsh woman almost won Eurovision? She became 2nd in 1970 and her name was Mary Hopkin. Also for Switzerland we chose someone who became 2nd: Daniela Simons in 1986. Both ladies have in common that in their years, one contestant could impossibly be defeated. In 1970 it was Dana and in 1986 Sandra Kim. Denmark meets Finland this year. Opposites attract, that’s what people say. We have a Eurovision winner from both countries. A ballad, sung by two man in their 40s from Denmark: “Fly on the wings of love” by the Olson Brothers. And a rock song from Finland, sung by Lordi, dressed as monsters: “Hard rock hallelujah”. And last but not least, Belgium meets Russia. They did so too in 2003. Turkey (as mentioned), Belgium and Russia struggled for the first place. Belgium became 2nd with Urban Trad, with a song in a non-existing language. Russia became third with the famous duo t.A.T.u. and their “Ne ver’ ne boysia”. Who is going to win? We put our money on Måneskin. Or were you talking about soccer?

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Hadise

About Quick Facts NameHadise Açıkgöz Born22 October 1985 Nationality🇧🇪 Belgian🇹🇷 Turkish National SelectionInternal selection 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongDüm Tek Tek (2009) Biography Early Life and Background Hadise Açıkgöz, known as Hadise, was born on October 22, 1985, in Mol, Belgium, to parents who have Circassian roots from Sivas, Turkey.  Starting Her Career In 2003, at 18, Hadise participated in Idool 2003, the Belgian version of Idol. Although she did not make the top ten, she received an album offer six months later, marking the start of her music career. First Album: Sweat (2004-2008) Hadise signed with 2 Brains Records and worked with producer Yves Gaillard on her first single, “Sweat,” released on November 1, 2004. The song reached number 19 on Belgium’s Ultratop charts. Her second single, “Stir Me Up,” released in May 2005, gained her recognition in Turkey. Her third single, “Milk Chocolate Girl,” released in October 2005, reached number 13 on the Ultratop chart. In November 2005, Hadise released her first album, “Sweat,” including hits like “Ain’t No Love Lost” and “Bad Boy.” These songs helped her become a rising star in Belgium and Turkey. Second Album: Hadise (2008) In September 2007, Hadise released “A Good Kiss,” the first single from her second album. The music video was filmed in Istanbul. The second single, “My Body,” was released in February 2008. That same year, she collaborated with Turkish singer Serdar Ortaç on the song “Düşman.” In June 2008, Hadise released her second album, “Hadise,. The album included a Turkish version of “A Good Kiss” called “Deli Oğlan,”. It became a hit in Turkey, boosting her popularity. Eurovision and New Albums (2009-2010) In October 2008, it was confirmed Hadise would represent Turkey at the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest. She performed “Düm Tek Tek,” co-written with Sinan Akçıl and Stefaan Fernande, on December 31, 2008, on TRT. She finished fourth in the contest held in Moscow on May 16, 2009, receiving 177 points. In May 2009, Hadise released her third album “Fast Life” outside Turkey, topping the Indonesian music charts and reaching number 16 in Belgium. The title track “Fast Life” won the Best Song from Turkey award at the Balkan Music Awards. In June 2009, Hadise released her fourth album, “Kahraman,” produced by Sinan Akçıl. The album featured the hit single “Evlenmeliyiz.” Aşk Kaç Beden Giyer? and More (2011-2013) Hadise’s fifth album, “Aşk Kaç Beden Giyer?,” was released in April 2011. The album sold 35,000 copies in Turkey that year and featured hits like “Superman,” which reached number 5 on the Turkish charts. The second and third singles, “Aşk Kaç Beden Giyer?” and “Mesajımı Almıştır O,” also received music videos. In June 2012, she released the single “Biz Burdayız,” and in 2013, the single “Visal.” Recent Work (2014-Present) Her sixth album, “Tavsiye,” was released in August 2014 by Pasaj Music, selling 16,000 copies in Turkey. The album featured hits like “Nerdesin Aşkım?,” “Prenses,” and “Yaz Günü,” with “Nerdesin Aşkım?” reaching number one in Turkey. Hadise released her seventh album, “Şampiyon,” in June 2017. The title track was the lead single and entered the charts at number two. The second single, “Sıfır Tolerans,” topped the Turkish charts but faced controversy for being too erotic. Hadise criticized this decision as sexist. In 2019, Hadise became the face of Fanta’s advertising campaign in Turkey and released the single “Geliyorum Yanına” in August. The music video premiered at her concert on August 10. In September 2020, she released the single “Küçük Bir Yol”. In February 2021, she released her second EP, “Aşka Kapandım.” The lead single was “Olsun,”. In June 2021, she released the single “Hay Hay,”. In September 2021, Hadise became the digital face of Pubg Mobile, releasing the single “Coş Dalgalan.” On July 1, 2022, Hadise released “İmdat,” a duet with rapper Murda. The music video was filmed in the Netherlands and Spain. In response to the February 6, 2023, earthquake in Turkey, Hadise participated in a charity single, “People Help the People,” with over thirty Flemish artists. Hadise released the single “Feryat” on April 14, 2023, and collaborated again with Murda on the single “Sen Dönene Kadar,” released in May 2023. The music video was filmed at Soestdijk Palace in Baarn, Netherlands. On September 29, 2023, Hadise released the single “Sevmiyo,” with a music video directed by Utku Kemal. Other Work and Personal Life Hadise is fluent in Turkish, Dutch, French, German, and English. She was a judge on “O Ses Türkiye” from 2011 to 2020 and since 2021, has been a judge on “O Ses Türkiye Rap.” In October 2021, she launched her fashion brand, Kert. In 2022, UNICEF Turkey appointed her as a “Child Rights Advocate.” Hadise married businessman Mehmet Dinçerler on April 30, 2022, but announced their divorce on September 15, 2022. The couple divorced amicably on September 30, 2022. Entries Düm Tek Tek Country🇹🇷 Turkey Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsHadise AçıkgözStefaan FernandeSinan Akçıl MusicSinan Akçıl BackingsEva Jane Smeenk-WillemsOlga PotapovaSvetlana NikitaevaUğur YıldırımSteve Kashala Results Semi Points: 172Position: 2Running order: 9 Results Finals Points: 177Position: 4Running order: 18 https://youtu.be/_uYGPl8galc?si=J7d6gdfqsYY3oJst

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maNga

About Quick Facts MembersCem BahtiyarEfe YılmazFerman AkgülÖzgür Can ÖneyYağmur Sarıgül Founded2001 Nationality🇹🇷 Turkey National SelectionInternal selection 2010 In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongWe Could Be The Same (2010) Biography maNga, an Ankara-based Turkish rock band, delves into Alternative Rock, Nu-Metal, and Rapcore, boasting six studio albums to date. Their story unfolds from late 2001, beginning with Yağmur Sarıgül “Yamyam” (Guitar) merging rock with electronics, alongside Orçun Şekerusta (Bass Guitar), Özgür Can Öney (Drums), Efe Yılmaz (Turntable), and Ferman Akgül (Vocals), embracing Nu-Metal and Hardcore. This blend was spurred by Yamyam’s expulsion from a bar band and fueled by a desire to innovate within rock’s realms. Their ambition took them to the “Sing Your Song” contest in September 2001, marking the start of their album journey, which was further shaped by Orçun’s departure and Cem Bahtiyar’s entry. This pivotal moment led to the birth of maNga, inspired by Japanese comics, uniting diverse musical tastes and narratives. Their initial success was clinched with a second-place win at the “Sing Your Song” contest with “Kal Yanımda,” propelling them to produce hits like “Bitti Rüya,” “Libido,” and “Yalan.” Their endeavors were amplified by Haluk Kurosman’s support, driving them to share their music across Turkey. December 5, 2004, marked their debut album’s release, “maNga,” featuring collaborations with notable artists and achieving over 180,000 sales, earning a Gold Disc. The album’s tracks, including “Bir Kadın Çizeceksin,” found a place in EA Sports’ FIFA 2006 soundtrack, showcasing their growing influence. In June 2006, “maNga” was re-released as “maNga+” with new tracks and a DVD, reflecting the band’s evolving identity post-tours. This was followed by “Şehr-i Hüzün” in 2009, a testament to their refined sound and broader musical scope, resonating with fans and critics alike. A significant highlight was their Eurovision 2010 representation for Turkey with “We Could Be The Same,” achieving second place and marking a historic moment in their career. 2012 saw “E-akustik,” blending electric and acoustic sounds, featuring duets that underscored maNga’s versatility. This album underscored their adaptability and innovative spirit. In 2013, amidst their evolving journey, maNga announced the departure of DJ Efe Yılmaz, continuing as a quartet with unwavering commitment to their music and performances. Transitioning into a Rock-Nu Metal style, “Işıkları Söndürseler Bile” was unveiled in 2014, continuing their tradition of thematic and musical evolution. This period also saw their contribution to the soundtrack of “Hadi İnşallah,” reinterpreting Nilüfer’s “Yeniden Sev.” Post-2014, maNga embarked on cover projects and announced their studio return in 2018 under Demir Demirkan’s production, releasing “maNga X.” This era included summer tours, a 2019 maxi-single “Süper Güçlerimiz Var,” and teased an upcoming German single amidst plans for a new album in 2020, leading to the single “Zor” during COVID-19 quarantine days. The band’s shift towards progressive metal materialized with “Antroposen 001” in 2021, followed by “Antroposen 002” in 2023, marking their first entirely metal and experimental album. Entries We Could Be The Same Country🇹🇷 Turkey Year2010 LanguageEnglish LyricsEvren ÖzdemirCem BahtiyarEfe YılmazFerman AkgülÖzgür Can ÖneyYağmur SarıgülFiona Movery Akıncı MusicCem BahtiyarEfe YılmazFerman AkgülÖzgür Can ÖneyYağmur Sarıgül BackingsNathalie Marrable Results Semi Points: 118Position: 1Running order: 17 Results Finals Points: 170Position: 2Running order: 14 https://youtu.be/HB_GnnhNz-8?si=KmDEflRzgEj_K1Nr

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Can Bonomo

About Quick Facts NameCan Bonomo Born16 May 1987 Nationality🇹🇷 Turkish National SelectionInternal selection 2012 In Eurovision2012 Baku SongLove Me Back (2012) Biography Can Bonomo (b. 16 May 1987, İzmir) is a Turkish singer-songwriter and actor. Bonomo, a child of a Sephardic Jewish family, began his journey into music at the age of eight by playing the guitar. He continued his musical endeavors throughout middle and high school and pursued them further in İstanbul. He studied at the İstanbul Bilgi University in the Cinema and Television department. He applied for a position at Radyo Klas and Number 1 FM, where he had originally gone for a sound production internship, and was accepted. He began his program named “Can Bonomo Show”. He later moved to Radio N101 and continued his program there. He started hosting the program “Rock’n Dark Express” after receiving an offer from MTV Türkiye. A short film he made for a university assignment called “Hoppala” gained popularity after he uploaded it to Facebook. Seray Sever, who was working on a TV series project, invited Bonomo for a discussion after watching this film. Accepting the lead role offer presented to him, Bonomo started acting in the series titled “+18”. He sent a demo recording to album producer Can Saban. After two years of collaboration, his first album named “Meczup” was released in January 2011. It was announced on 9 January 2012 that he would represent Turkey at the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest, which took place in Baku, Azerbaijan on 22, 24, and 26 May 2012. On 22 February 2012, he introduced the song “Love Me Back”, for which he wrote both the lyrics and music, in the program “Türkiye’nin Şarkısı”. On 24 May 2012, he qualified for the finals by ranking in the top ten during the second semi-final. He finished the contest in seventh place on the final night, earning 112 points.In December 2012, Bonomo released his second album “Aşktan ve Gariplikten”. Except for the song “Ali Baba” which was released as a single, all songs in the album were his own compositions. In December 2014, he released his third album, “Bulunmam Gerek”, produced again by Can Saban. Can Bonomo’s fourth album, “Kainat Sustu”, was released in March 2017. Besides his musical career, he ventured into poetry. His first poetry book, edited by Küçük İskender, was released in 2013 and was titled “Delirmek Belirmektir”. This was followed by his second book “Şu Sevdalar Tevatürü” in 2016. He continued his writing career with the book “Parya Koma” released in 2018. In 2016, he began hosting a radio program called “O Tarz Mı?” with İsmail Türküsev and Can Temiz. Can Sungur and Bengi Apak later joined the team. Can Bonomo married actress Öykü Karayel in 2018. The couple welcomed their son, Roman, in 2021. Entries Love Me Back Country🇹🇷 Turkey Year2012 LanguageEnglish LyricsCan Bonomo MusicCan Bonomo Backings.DancersArif DurgeçBurak YalçıntaşKerem GüzelOzan KarabağSerdar Karaman Results Semi Points: 80Position: 5Running order: 13 Results Finals Points: 112Position: 7Running order: 18 https://youtu.be/3Qa7_y21oOY?si=tft0dm59x4J89Uuu

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Yüksek Sadakat

About Quick Facts NameKenan VuralSerkan ÖzgenKutlu ÖzmakinacıUğur OnatkutAlpay Şalt Founded1997 Nationality🇹🇷 Turkish National SelectionInternal selection 2011 In Eurovision2011 Düsseldorf SongLive It Up (2011) Biography Yüksek Sadakat, founded in 2004, is a Turkish rock band initially formed by bass guitarist Kutlu Özmakinacı in Istanbul in 1997. Kutlu Özmakinacı, born in 1966 in İzmir, started his law education at Istanbul University in the 1980s. During his university years, he began playing the electric guitar and started his first musical endeavors with amateur university bands. After graduating, Özmakinacı played in various bars in Istanbul from 1986 to 1988. In 1988, he took a break from music to start a career in journalism with Sokak magazine in 1989. During his journalism career, Özmakinacı met members of the disbanded Turkish rock band Aqua. In 1991, he restarted his music career with these members, marking his first significant foray into the music industry. In 1997, after leaving Aqua members in 1995 and spending two years searching for a new group, Özmakinacı formed the band Filinta. This band is considered an early version of Yüksek Sadakat. However, the songs from this period are largely inaccessible, with some later released under Yüksek Sadakat. Following the disbandment of Filinta, Özmakinacı continued his pursuit of music. He began songwriting with Mutlu Çağlayan and reconnected with former Filinta members Uğur Onakut and Deniz Alemdar in 2003. Serkan Özgen, a veteran of the 1990s band Bulutsuzluk Özlemi, joined the group in 2003. In 2004, Özmakinacı officially formed Yüksek Sadakat. The band’s name translates to “High Fidelity.” The band’s debut album, “Yüksek Sadakat,” was released in January 2005. It featured Sufi-inspired lyrics and themes of love and spirituality. The band received significant attention for their music videos and won the 33rd Golden Butterfly Award for “Best Newcomer” alongside Grup Seksendört. After the success of their first album, the band faced member changes. Vocalist Cemil Demirbakan and drummer Deniz Alemdar left and were replaced by Kenan Vural and Alpay Şalt. Their second album, “Katil & Maktûl,” released in March 2008, continued to explore themes of love and Sufism. Yüksek Sadakat represented Turkey at the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Live It Up.” They did not advance to the finals, marking a significant moment in the band’s history. The “Renk Körü” album, released during this period, marked a significant evolution in the band’s style, featuring themes and sounds distinct from their previous albums. More lineup changes occurred in 2013, with the departure of Kenan Vural and Alpay Şalt. They were replaced by Selçuk Sami Cingi and former drummer Deniz Alemdar. The album “IV” represented another evolution in their music style, with a distinctly different sound from their previous albums. The band planned a new album in 2020, delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The album “Rengarenk” was announced for release on September 24, 2021. Throughout their career, Yüksek Sadakat has been known for their frequent changes in vocalists and drummers, and their music has evolved significantly over the years, reflecting changes in lineup and artistic direction. Entries Live It Up Country🇹🇷 Turkey Year2011 LanguageEnglish LyricsErgün Arsal MusicKutlu Özmakinacı DancersLeilani Franco Results Semi Points: 47Position: 13Running order: 5 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/-6Ew5qYzo9k?si=oX4M2hpTXr6FhhlM

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Serhat

© EBU/Thomas Hanses About Quick Facts NameAhmet Serhat Hacıpaşalıoğlu Born24 October 1964 Nationality🇹🇷 Turkish National SelectionInternal selection 2019Internal selection 2016 In Eurovision2019 Tel Aviv2016 Stockholm SongSay na na na (2019)I didn’t know (2016) Biography Serhat is a Turkish singer, songwriter, composer, producer and television presenter. He was born in Istanbul. He originally studied dentistry, but his career in showbusiness started when he established a production company in 1994. He produced the show Riziko!, a Turkish version of the American show Jeopardy!. He hosted the show himself and received several awards for it. While keeping on hosting shows, Serhat began a career in music as well in 1997. That was the year he released his debut single “Rüya”. He sang a duet with Viktor Lazlo in 2005, “Total disguise”, and with Tamara Gverdtstiteli in 2008. It took him until 2014 to release a new single, “Je m’adore”. Serhat’s working field had now changed to France and Germany. The song topped several dance charts in Germany, France, the UK and Switzerland. In 2016, Serhat represented San Marino in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “I didn’t know”. Although he did not reach the final, a disco version of the song reached the US dance charts. In 2018, Serhat re-released “Total disguise”, but now in duet with Helena Paparizou. In 2019, Serhat represented San Marino again with the song “Say na na na”. The song became the best scoring song for San Marino so far. In October 2020, the Spanish version of the song, “Di Na Na Na”, with Spanish lyrics by Adolfo Caiman, was released in a music video. In 2023, Serhat co-wrote the song “Unsaid” together with Jens Geerts. It was released on single by Belgian singer Els Deschepper. Entries Say Na Na Na Country🇸🇲 San Marino Year2019 LanguageEnglishTurkish LyricsSerhat HacıpaşalıoğluMary Susan Applegate MusicSerhat Hacıpaşalıoğlu BackingsGiulia WahnChantal HartmannInès Schubert DancersJohan D. SeilSebastián Millepied Results Semi Points: 150Position: 8Running order: 17 Results Finals Points: 77Position: 19Running order: 7 https://youtu.be/d_iEis_ZRoQ I didn’t know Country🇸🇲 San Marino Year2016 LanguageEnglish LyricsNektarios Tyrakis MusicOlcayto Ahmet Tuğsuz BackingsCaroline HauwelEllia PalazziEmilie WeberJessica FagniotOphelie Crispin Results Semi Points: 12Position: 68Running order: 8 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/HzPkDb2FSeg

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🇹🇷 Özkan Uğur passed away

Today the sad news came to us that Özkan Uğur passed away. Uğur represented Turkey in the Eurovision Song Contest twice: in 1985 and 1988, both times as a member of the group MFÖ. Özkan Uğur was 69 years old. Early years Born on February 16, 1954, in Ankara, Turkey, Özkan Uğur is a renowned Turkish musician, singer, and songwriter. His career is spanning several decades Uğur’s passion for music blossomed at a young age. Growing up in a musically inclined family, he was exposed to various genres, from traditional Turkish folk music to Western rock and pop. This diverse musical

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UEFA 2020: DAY 10

And again, we will have two matches in the European Soccer Championship. The first match will be between Italy and Wales. For this one we are going to look at male duos. In 1987, Umberto Tozzi and Raff, both big stars in Italy and abroad already, represented their country. They sang “Gente di mare”, which became third. It became a Eurovision classic. The United Kingdom was represented by Joe and Jake in the 2016 contest. Joe Woolford, the half of the duo, was a Welshman. With “You’re not alone” they became 24th. For the match between Switzerland and Turkey we add

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Turkey: TRT director talks with EBU

İbrahim Eren, director of the Turkish broadcaster TRT, talks with the EBU about Eurovision. Mr. Eren confirms this news in the Turkish newspaper Miliyet. Turkey wanted to withdraw already after the contest of 2011, when they did not reach the final. They only participated in 2012 because the contest was held in Azerbaijan, a country Turkey has strong bounds with. The reason of their withdrawal was the expert jury. The former jury system, with 100% televoting, was quite positive for Turkey. As many people with Turkish roots automatically voted for Turkey every year, the country got the 12 points from several

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UEFA 2020: Day 6

Again, three matches in UEFA 2020. To start with Finland against Russia. Where have we seen this battle before? Well, remember the 2006 contest. Lordi from Finland won with a landslide. Their song “Hard rock hallelujah” broke all the records. It was hard for Dima Bilan from Russia to get there with his song “I never ever let you go”. But you don’t have to feel sorry for him: two years later Dima got the prize! Turkey and Wales meet today as well. In 2004, the contest was held in Turkey. For the host country the group Athena participated with the

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UEFA Euro 2020 started!

With a year of delay, Euro 2020, the European soccer chiampionship, has started. The fun thing for a Eurovision fan is that a lot of matches remind us of Eurovision Songs, because it’s with (partly) the same countries. Yesterday, Italy won the match from Turkey. Many people on the internet mentioned Måneskin (of course) and Sertab (of course). But the match reminded us of another performance. You see Italian host Toto Cutugno (1991) learning Turkish. The Turkish contestants are Can Uğurluer, İzel Çeliköz & Reyhan Karaca singing “Iki dakika”. That is a hard one to pronounce for Toto. Today, Wales meets

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Hadise

About Quick Facts NameHadise Açıkgöz Born22 October 1985 Nationality🇧🇪 Belgian🇹🇷 Turkish National SelectionInternal selection 2009 In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongDüm Tek Tek (2009) Biography Early Life and Background Hadise Açıkgöz, known as Hadise, was born on October 22, 1985, in Mol, Belgium, to parents who have Circassian roots from Sivas, Turkey.  Starting Her Career In 2003, at 18, Hadise participated in Idool 2003, the Belgian version of Idol. Although she did not make the top ten, she received an album offer six months later, marking the start of her music career. First Album: Sweat (2004-2008) Hadise signed with 2 Brains Records and

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maNga

About Quick Facts MembersCem BahtiyarEfe YılmazFerman AkgülÖzgür Can ÖneyYağmur Sarıgül Founded2001 Nationality🇹🇷 Turkey National SelectionInternal selection 2010 In Eurovision2010 Oslo SongWe Could Be The Same (2010) Biography maNga, an Ankara-based Turkish rock band, delves into Alternative Rock, Nu-Metal, and Rapcore, boasting six studio albums to date. Their story unfolds from late 2001, beginning with Yağmur Sarıgül “Yamyam” (Guitar) merging rock with electronics, alongside Orçun Şekerusta (Bass Guitar), Özgür Can Öney (Drums), Efe Yılmaz (Turntable), and Ferman Akgül (Vocals), embracing Nu-Metal and Hardcore. This blend was spurred by Yamyam’s expulsion from a bar band and fueled by a desire to innovate within

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Can Bonomo

About Quick Facts NameCan Bonomo Born16 May 1987 Nationality🇹🇷 Turkish National SelectionInternal selection 2012 In Eurovision2012 Baku SongLove Me Back (2012) Biography Can Bonomo (b. 16 May 1987, İzmir) is a Turkish singer-songwriter and actor. Bonomo, a child of a Sephardic Jewish family, began his journey into music at the age of eight by playing the guitar. He continued his musical endeavors throughout middle and high school and pursued them further in İstanbul. He studied at the İstanbul Bilgi University in the Cinema and Television department. He applied for a position at Radyo Klas and Number 1 FM, where he had

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Yüksek Sadakat

About Quick Facts NameKenan VuralSerkan ÖzgenKutlu ÖzmakinacıUğur OnatkutAlpay Şalt Founded1997 Nationality🇹🇷 Turkish National SelectionInternal selection 2011 In Eurovision2011 Düsseldorf SongLive It Up (2011) Biography Yüksek Sadakat, founded in 2004, is a Turkish rock band initially formed by bass guitarist Kutlu Özmakinacı in Istanbul in 1997. Kutlu Özmakinacı, born in 1966 in İzmir, started his law education at Istanbul University in the 1980s. During his university years, he began playing the electric guitar and started his first musical endeavors with amateur university bands. After graduating, Özmakinacı played in various bars in Istanbul from 1986 to 1988. In 1988, he took a break

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Serhat

© EBU/Thomas Hanses About Quick Facts NameAhmet Serhat Hacıpaşalıoğlu Born24 October 1964 Nationality🇹🇷 Turkish National SelectionInternal selection 2019Internal selection 2016 In Eurovision2019 Tel Aviv2016 Stockholm SongSay na na na (2019)I didn’t know (2016) Biography Serhat is a Turkish singer, songwriter, composer, producer and television presenter. He was born in Istanbul. He originally studied dentistry, but his career in showbusiness started when he established a production company in 1994. He produced the show Riziko!, a Turkish version of the American show Jeopardy!. He hosted the show himself and received several awards for it. While keeping on hosting shows, Serhat began a career in

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