Sultana

• Active: '90s, 2000s
• Genres: Rap
• Instrument: Vocals
• Representative Albums: "Söhret Yolu

Biography

Turkish pop singer Sultana made some waves in summer 2000 when her single "Kusu Kalkmaz" was banned by the country's Supreme Board of Radio and Television (RTUK) for being too sexually explicit. (The song's title translates loosely as "Can't Get It Up," so you can see the RTUK's point.) Naturally, the controversy only boosted demand for Sultana's sultry blend of brassy hip-hop flow with traditional Turkish rhythms and downtempo electronica. The vocalist -- who rapped in both Turkish and English -- went on to perform with notable free funk pioneers Jamaaladeen Tacuma and Burhan Oçal, as well as participate in tours of both Europe and America supporting her full-length Doublemoon debut, Çerkez Kizi. Momentum continued to build, and Çerkez Kizi eventually saw widespread release in both the U.K. and America. In 2003, Sultana worked with Delerium, contributing vocals to that group's Chimera LP. ~ Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide

Söhret Yolu Buy this CD

Çerkez Kizi Buy this CD

Çerkez Kizi Buy this CD