MFÖ have been around since the 1980s, recording some of Turkey’s biggest and most original music, including Ali Desidero and Sarı Laleler, their songs covered by countless Turkish artists. They tour regularly, but they have never quite reached our shores – until now.
Finally their British fans will have the chance to see them up close when they take to the stage at Indigo2 in Greenwich on Sunday 18 March.
The band is comprised of Mazhar Alanson, Fuat Güner and Özkan Uğur. The three musicians are rightly considered music royalty, having been a core part of Turkey’s music scene since the heady sixties when Anatolian rock ruled the roost.
One of Fuat Güner’s many claims to fame is for being in the original line-up of Kurtalan Ekspres – Barış Manço’s legendary band. Bassist Özkan Uğur carved out his name performing with multiple Turkish rock and folk legends, including Barış Manço, Erkin Koray and Edip Akbayram, while Mazhar Alanson is MFÖ’s prolific songwriter, penning virtually all of the band’s songs, as well as the soundtracks for several major films.
While they had collaborated together numerous times since the sixties, it wasn’t until 1980 that they came together as a trio to form MFÖ. Their debut album Ele Güne Karşı Yapayalnız, released four years, became an instant classic. Since then they have produced eleven studio albums and two ‘best of’ compilations, their music appealing to the masses through catchy lyrics, and a perfect synthesis between rock and pop.
New generations of Turks have continued to discover their music, which has been covered by the likes of Sertab Erener, Sezen Aksu, Feridun Düzağaç, Gülben Ergen, and Gripin, ensuring MFÖ’s contemporary relevance and popularity.
Internationally, MFÖ represented Turkey at two Eurovision Song Contests. The first was in 1985 with Didai Didai Dai, which came 14th, and three years later they returned with the track Sufi, coming 15th.
If you haven’t bought your ticket yet, do! This is sure to be one of the most memorable events of the year for British Turks.
Concert Details
Title: MFÖ
Date: Sunday 18 March 2018
Times: Doors open at 7 pm
Venue: The O2, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX
Admission: ticket prices vary, from £29.15 to £71.85 incl. booking fee. Buy online here.
