Sultana

Born and raised in Turkey where she is the leading hiphop artist, Sultana brings a new flavor and dimension to music by lacing hiphop beats with ethnic influences and a hypnotizing sound. Sometimes humorous, sometimes political, passionate and sensitive, Sultana holds her mirror to social issues, women's issues and her life as a young artist living both in Turkey and the US. Musical influences vary from old and new school hiphop to a wide variety of both Eastern and Western music. Her debut album Cerkez Kizi, was released in June 2000 by Doublemoon Records, and Sultana became an overnight success when her video clip for "Kusu Kalkmaz" was censored because of its controversial content. Ever since, she continues to gain popularity throughout Europe. Sultana performed throughout the Midwest in eight different cities during the 2001 Mideastwest Fest. Sultana was invited to perform with Jamaaladeen Tacuma and Burhan Ocal at the International Parliament Jazz Festival in Izmir, Turkey, in 1998 and featured in the recording of their album Groove alla Turca. She toured with Groove alla Turca in France, Switzerland and Turkey. Sultana joined Groove alla Turca on stage in the main event of the Montreal Jazz Festival, summer 2001. Her songs have appeared on compilations and a new album is in the works for 2003.