You can strip them of their cables, pedals and stage costumes, but you can’t extinguish their innate psychedelic flame. As a matter of fact, despite part of their equipment never reaching London, after being lost at the airport, Baba Zula set Chelsea’s Under the Bridge on fire during their latest appearance in the British capital.
The influential Turkish band visited the UK less than two years ago, but on this occasion, they had in store a special gift for their audience. Their new album/greatest hits XX, and throughout their performance, they used it to take the audience along, on a journey through their career.
Baba Zula are known to soak their shows in piping hot solutions of social and political issues and also on this occasion, they didn’t delude their fans. Airport security was the touch-paper they used to ruminate on the world’s state of affairs, from pervasive Governmental control and restrictions, passing through Turkey’s dictatorship in disguise and ending with Trump. Even if Murat Ertel and Periklis Tsoukalas didn’t spare any bullet, they constantly hit their targets.
The same happened with their set: song after song dragged the large crowd into their music realm. Enhanced by Melike Şahin’s charming voice and stage presence, Baba Zula’s tantalising sound embraced the entire venue. The musicians are indeed masters in blending together their Turkish roots with electric and electronic arrangements, creating a well-renowned brew of psychedelic, dub and up-tempo interpretations of Anatolian folk.
Their musical philosophy glaringly manifested itself during the rendition of “Özgür Ruh” and “Itaat Etme”. It wasn’t just about the vintage Oriental atmospheres crafted by the harmonies and mellow tempos; it was also because of the strongly independent attitude of the artists on stage and their anti-establishment, cultural approach.
More than a band, Baba Zula are a bold music statement and once on stage, their fire-eating artistic nature emerges in all its rhythmic and melodic drive.
Although we hardly venture into the movie and documentary realm, we love to make some excursions when we can and spread the word about stimulating releases. Constantly Flying, a new film dedicated to Baba Zula, one of the most significant Anatolian rock bands, is indeed a refreshing and intriguing work…
Artists: Adriana Cordeiro , Baba Zula
Oh October, three hours of Nightshop global sounds with nine albums of the month. Starting with three songs of the day by Ghorwane (Mozambique), Raul Monsalve y los Forajidos (Venezuela) and Vidock (France). Our albums of the month start with traditional spiritual gnawa music by Maalem Mahmoud Gania (Hive Mind…
Artists: Ammar 808 , Baba Zula , Ghorwane , Gordon Koang , Kaito Winse , Maalem Mahmoud Gania , Raúl Monsalve y los Forajido , Vidock
Boomtown Fair is a lot of fun. It is an immersive and well-detailed festival that puts a great deal of effort into making Boomtown feel like a real town. This year, Boomtown placed participants at the final chapter of a political framework, questioning where the wealth and power between Boomtown…
Artists: Baba Zula , Die Antwoord , Fantastic Negrito , Ghetts , Goldie , Kuenta I Tambu , Molotov Jukebox , Rob B , Slamboree , Tantz , The Mouse Outfit![Album review: BaBa ZuLa – XX [Glitterbeat Records, 27th January 2017]](https://www.rhythmpassport.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/a3197917423_16-620x620.jpg)
What could possibly be better for a psychedelic cult band than a psychedelic cover. Colours and shapes are combined, forming a gateway to a unique, one-off experience. In the best tradition of its ritual-like performances (belly dancers, elaborate costumes, poetry, theatre, and live drawing), the cover for BaBa ZuLa’ XX…
Artists: Baba Zula
When it comes to world music labels, you usually think about regional realities with a local or niche following. That’s not the case of Glitterbeat Records. The German project’s growth is in front of everyone’s eyes. From Mali and Tamikrest, back in 2012, they’ve widened their vision to South America…
Artists: Baba Zula , Bargou 08 , Dirtmusic , Sonido Gallo Negro , Tamikrest
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