Olcay Bayir
Olcay Bayir is a London-based singer, songwriter, and composer of Kurdish origin from Turkey. Bayir’s music is a mixture of her original compositions and songs based on Anatolian folk music tradition with a dynamic, contemporary twist.
Early life and education
Born in the southeast of Turkey, Olcay Bayir demonstrated a passion for music from an early age, singing and writing songs. In 1998, she migrated to London with her family.Career
Bayir's debut album, "Neva – Harmony", features songs sung in various languages spoken in the region of Anatolia, including Turkish, Kurdish, Armenian, Greek, and Ladino. She was nominated for best newcomer in the Songlines Music Awards 2015 for her debut album Neva.Her second album, "Ruya – Dream", was well-received and featured her own songs. Robin Denselow of The Guardian described Bayir as “one of the finest, most intriguing singers on the British world music scene.”
In addition to these full-length albums, Bayir released a four-track EP, "Icerde | Inside," in 2021 which was funded by Help Musicians UK. The album was recorded by working remotely with musicians around the world.
Bayir is also the lyricist and composer of "Yar Dedi- Beloved It Said."
Honors
- Arts Council England – Project Grants
- Help Musicians Do It Differently Fund
- Centre for Turkey Studies – Cultural Personality of the Year
Discography