When an entire nation starts referring to an artist simply using his or her’s first name, it goes without saying that the artist in question has become an integral part of that country’s heritage.

Selda Bağcan or Selda, who will visit London on the 18th of February to play at KOKO, is indeed inherent to the Turkish tradition, though her relevance goes far beyond merely music and cultural borders. Selda strikes political and social nerves constantly using her music and voice to speak out for people dealing with consequences in the first person.

If today, after a career spanning over 40 years, her name is still revered and influential for musicians all over the world and from the most disparate of scenes (from Dr Dre to 2ManyDJs passing through St. Vincent & tUnE-yArDs) that’s because she has succeeded in finding the perfect formula to spread and valorise the inventive Anatolian sound of the 1970s.

Her upcoming London show (organised by Most Production UK and supported by Israeli rock band Boom Pam) will present on stage something more than possibly the most influential Turkish folk and psychedelia musician, but a proper cultural and social icon standing for an entire country.

Podcast: Rhythm Passport Presents… #21

Rhythm Passport holders, welcome on board! We are ready to take off on our monthly two-hour musical journey around the world, zigzagging between continents, regions, and countries in no particular order. The first warm breezes of summer are finally in the air, and today we’re going fully tropical with plenty…

Artists: Andi Otto , Blanc Manioc , Bokanté , Bombino , Boom Pam , Captain Planet , Conjunto Media Luna , D. Pallavi , Felipe Orjuela , Fuensanta , Guiss Guiss Bou Bess , Hippo Sound System , Humazapas , IDLIBRA , Inna de Yard , Jembaa Groove , Laliboi , Les Sympathics de Porto Novo , Loboko , Mamer , Max le Daron , Mokoomba , Mulato Bantú , Mungo's Hi Fi , Noga Ritter , Nortec Collective , ONIPA , Petite Noir , Pigeon , Shorey , Tabaco