The Voice of the People Through the Power of Music

Hello, I am Davut Güloğlu. Throughout my artistic career approaching 30 years, I have not viewed music merely as a means of entertainment; I have embraced it as a bridge of hearts between myself and my people. By carrying the cultural values of my homeland in my songs, I have always made it my priority to be the interpreter of my people's feelings. There is a truth I believe in: art will never perish as long as it interprets the emotions of the people. For this reason, I strive to be the voice of society by sharing in both its joy and its sorrow through my music.

I believe that art has a great unifying and healing power. If we were able to bring even a little joy to our country with my song "Nurcanım" after the major earthquake we experienced in 1999, I consider myself fortunate. Today, in the face of the economic hardships that have persisted for the last few years, I aimed to boost the morale of our people once again with my work "Hayat Devam Ediyor" (Life Goes On). Music is the most sincere way to share both pain and joy; when the right notes touch hearts, we can heal our wounds together. I have always drawn attention to the power of art to unite people in shared emotions. With this belief, I strive to build bridges of friendship between cultures by carrying my music beyond borders. In my projects spanning from Uzbekistan to Greece, it is a source of pride for me to convey messages of peace and brotherhood with the timbre of our kemençe.

As a child of the Black Sea, I blend Black Sea music with global sounds in a style I call ethnic pop. By adding our authentic instruments like the kemençe to the infrastructure of my music, I both keep my own culture alive and introduce it to the world. In fact, early in my career, I started by having the kemençe played over Michael Jackson's backing tracks. Today, hearing my works like “Katula Katula” and “Nurcanım” being played in different geographies from the streets of Manhattan to Germany and Greece demonstrates the power of our culture to the whole world. Unfortunately, we have seen that many values, from arabesque music to Black Sea melodies, were looked down upon for years. However, no music that touches the heart of the people can be destroyed. As a folk bard, I defend the values of the people with my songs and work to ensure these values find the worth they deserve both here and in the world.

Throughout my artistic life, I have always proudly carried the title of being “one of the people.” Because I am the people—I am a child of Rize, of Türkiye, from which I came. I never viewed myself as superior to anyone; I have always been among the people, shoulder to shoulder with them. I specifically stayed away from the fake glitter brought by popular culture, as I believe there is corruption there. Today, whatever Davut is among his 13 siblings, Davut Güloğlu on stage is the same. I produce without breaking away from my society, without forgetting my essence, and I walk this path together with my people.

An artist should be an example to society not only with their works but also with their lifestyle and stance. We all know that our values like the masters Ferdi Tayfur or Müslüm Gürses established a throne in the hearts of the people with both their art and their morality and spirituality. They showed us that art leaves a lasting impact when combined with social responsibility. I also take care to stay true to moral values in my own life and to be a good role model for young generations. Because if an artist lives disconnected from their society and loses the quality of being an example, the effect of art on society also weakens.

I tell my young brothers and sisters at every opportunity: In art and in life, morality and spirituality come first. A youth that knows its own culture and core values and protects them will be successful in music and in every field. A true artist is one who aspires not only to applause but also to responsibility towards their society. While performing my art for 30 years, I saw serving society as my biggest priority; if I have been able to touch people with my music, I am happy. My goal from now on is to proceed on the same line and leave a rich legacy in terms of art and morality to young generations.

Let us not forget, to show loyalty, one must act today, not wait for tomorrow. If we protect our values and each other, both art and society will reach better tomorrows. As an artist, I will continue with the same love to be the voice of my people, to touch hearts with my songs, and to multiply goodness. Because life goes on and we walk towards the future with the hope we keep alive in our songs.