Sertab Erener
Early Life
Sertab Erener was born on December 4, 1964, in Istanbul, Turkey. She was raised in a family with a deep appreciation for music, which greatly influenced her early interest in the field. She began her music education at the age of 9, studying classical music at the Istanbul University State Conservatory.
Career
Erener started her professional music career in 1987, when she met Levent Yüksel, a Turkish pop singer. They collaborated on several projects, which helped Erener gain recognition in the Turkish music industry. In 1992, she released her first album, Sakin Ol! (Calm Down!), which was a commercial success and established her as a prominent figure in the Turkish pop scene.
Erener's international breakthrough came in 2003 when she represented Turkey in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Every Way That I Can". She won the contest, marking Turkey's first and only win to date. This victory significantly boosted Erener's popularity and recognition outside of Turkey.
Throughout her career, Erener has released several successful albums, including Lal (Ruby), Sertab Gibi (Like Sertab), and RengaRenk (Colorful). She has also collaborated with various international artists and has performed in numerous concerts worldwide.
Musical Style and Influence
Erener's music is primarily pop, but she often incorporates elements of Turkish folk music and classical music into her songs. Her unique blend of these genres has been praised for its originality and has helped to distinguish her sound from other pop artists.
Erener has cited several musicians as influences on her music, including Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, and Barbra Streisand. She has also been influenced by Turkish musicians such as Sezen Aksu and Barış Manço.
Personal Life
Erener is known for her private nature and rarely discusses her personal life in public. She has been in a long-term relationship with composer Levent Yüksel since the early 1990s. The couple has no children.
Legacy and Impact
Erener's victory in the Eurovision Song Contest has had a significant impact on the Turkish music industry. It has helped to increase the international visibility of Turkish music and has inspired a new generation of Turkish musicians to pursue careers in pop music.
Erener is also recognized for her contributions to Turkish pop music. Her innovative blend of pop, folk, and classical music has influenced many Turkish musicians and has helped to shape the sound of Turkish pop music.