The Manchester Turkish and Kurdish Folk Band began performing together in 2001, exploring Anatolian folk music along with original songs.

The plan was to develop a fusion of musical styles to attract more diverse UK audiences to the type of music generally classified as 'world music'.

The band played a monthly residency in the Iguana Bar in Manchester for about 10 years and also appeared at several UK festivals including Musicport, Leamington Peace Festival and Manchester International Festival. They had UK mini-tours in 2009 and 2010. In 2010, they were the subject of a TV documentary shown on national Turkish TV station TRT and the singer later appeared on several other Turkish channels. Despite their many years of live performance, the band recorded just two albums, only one of which went on general release. One of their best known songs was an eastern-style cover of Dolly Parton’s Jolene!

This act can be hired as a solo, duo or trio.

• Other World Music in Greater Manchester