Olcay Bayir at ‘Listen to the World’

Olcay is an exciting, boundary-crossing, UK based Kurdish-Anatolian singer, songwriter who delivers dynamic arrangements rooted in her Anatolian heritage mixed with a cosmopolitan London vibe.

Named as “one of the finest, most intriguing singers on the British world music scene” by the Guardian, Olcay brings a fresh, upbeat sound that has won high praise in many countries. She has been featured live on Cerys Mathews’ BBC 6 Music show as well as at this year’s Womad festival.

Olcay has been the recipient of a number of funding awards; in 2021 HelpMusiciansUK, in 2020 Arts Council England, and in 2017 Women Make Music, awarded by the Performing Rights Society for Music Foundation UK.

You can listen and learn more about Olcay by clicking on this link to her website.

Reviews 

“Acknowledging and interpreting your past and your culture is noble, but adding something essential to it with new work is even more impressive… ” Rootstime (BE)

“A heart-stoppingly beautiful and emotive voice” Rock n’ Reel (UK)

“Nothing short of stunning” Wisconsin Public Radio (USA)

About Listen to the World

‘Listen to the World’ is a place of live music where the traditions and talents of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers find a home among local artists.  Come and join us, as either a listener or performer, everyone is welcome.

A playlist of shorts and other recordings from the Listen to the World programme can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@StEthelburgasLondon

A showreel of previous events in 2021 is here: Listen to the World Open Mic – Showreel 2021 – YouTube

Co-ordinator: For all questions about Listen to the World or to be added to the mailing list, please contact Jo Winsloe Slater at  jo.winsloe@stethelburgas.org.