Few names resonate as powerfully as Oğuz Berkay Fidan in Turkish pop music’s vibrant, pulsating world.
From his meteoric rise on ‘The Voice Turkey’ to his establishment as a music icon, his journey is a testament to talent, perseverance, and an unyielding passion for music.
Fidan’s story is transformed from that of a hopeful contestant on a televised singing competition to a beloved figure in the music industry.
“When I first started practising on instruments in my home town of Kesan, Edirne, Turkey, I never anticipated I would be one of the most famous faces on a reality music show in Turkey,” he says.
“I was dedicated to music and learning music a young age and it had a big impact on my desire to take it to the next level. I would practice for hours every day so I could achieve my dream.
“Every day I am thankful for the opportunity of doing what I love and giving joy to so many people through music.”
Fidan first became interested in music as a boy: “I was really young, around four years old, when I started messing around with toy pianos and guitars. My hometown was small and quiet, perfect for practising music at home.
“I spent much time getting better at the guitar and piano. When I hit 16, I decided to take a big leap and audition for “The Voice Turkey.”
“Until then, I was just an amateur, playing and singing at home. But I went for it, and during my performance of a Turkish song, two judges turned their chairs for me. That moment marked the beginning of my professional music journey.”
That fateful audition in 2012 as a contestant on “The Voice Turkey.” sealed Fidan’s place in the public consciousness.
His soulful take on a classic Turkish ballad, “Giden Gunlerim Oldu” blew away both the judges and the audience. With his rich, emotional voice and killer stage presence, Fidan quickly became a fan favorite. Week after week, he nailed performances that showed off his amazing vocals and his versatility as an artist.
Winning “The Voice Turkey” was a turning point for Fidan: “The whole thing felt unreal,” he says. “Standing on that stage and hearing my name called as the winner—it was the payoff for years of hard work and dedication.”
Fidan won the show hands down, achieving a 600,000 vote lead over his rival. His victory opened up a wealth of opportunities, paving the way for his journey into the Turkish music scene.
However, post “The Voice,” he faced the daunting task of transitioning from reality TV fame to a sustainable music career.
Reality show winners worldwide struggle to maintain their relevance and he was no different.
However, Fidan approached this challenge with the same determination that had propelled him to victory.
His debut single, “Olmuyor,” was a commercial success, showcasing his ability to blend contemporary pop with traditional Turkish sounds. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and catchy melody resonated with a broad audience, earning him a solid fan base.
“Olmuyor” was more than just a song; it was Fidan’s declaration of his artistic identity.
Almost everyone knows Olmuyor, and it reached the top spots in the charts. It’s my first professional song, and people still ask me to sing it.
“Even though it’s been 10 years, I still love the song because it marked the beginning of my career.
“But I will be honest, I have a love-and-hate relationship with the song,” he says. It was wonderful because I am known for it, and I love it as a song. But I also want people to love the new music I do as much as that, if not more so.”
After that, Fidan dropped his debut album, “Olmuyor,” which put him on the map in the music industry. The album was a mix of pop and, showing off his wide-ranging musical tastes. Songs like “Beni Ellerden Sayma” and “Sadece Ol Duslerimde” showcased his versatility and proved he could handle different genres effortlessly.
One of Fidan’s most remarkable qualities is his ability to evolve as an artist. He refuses to be boxed into a single genre or style, constantly experimenting with new sounds and ideas.
He reveals: “I am very serious about my work and experimenting with different genres. For example, my girlfriend might say I am deeply focused on music production, even when friends are over.
“I can get lost in creating new music and ideas, sometimes to the point of ignoring everything else. My orchestra and musicians would likely describe me as dedicated and passionate about my work. I want to always bring the best to anything I write and perform.”
While Fidan’s studio recordings have garnered critical acclaim, it is his live performances that truly set him apart.
His concerts are an experience—an immersive blend of music, emotion, and energy. Whether performing in an intimate venue or on a grand stage, Fidan’s ability to connect with his audience is unparalleled.
“Performing live is where I feel most alive,” Fidan says.
“It’s about sharing a moment with the audience, creating something unique and unforgettable every time.”
Fidan has worked with some high profile creatives, including his judge in the voice, Murat Boz. They dueted on “Olmuyor” on the second album. He also worked on his second album with the well-known music arranger Ozan Colakoglu.
Fidan’s influence extends beyond the confines of music. He is seen as a role model, particularly for young aspiring musicians who look up to his journey from a reality show contestant to a respected artist.
“I love nothing more than to educate the next generation in a love of music,” he says. “Through the years I have worked one on one with over 50 people encouraging them to harness the full potential of their talent.”
His story is one of inspiration, demonstrating that dreams can indeed become reality with talent, hard work, and perseverance.
Turkish pop singer Murat Boz has worked alongside Fidan when they both starred on the Voice Turkey. He acted as the singer’s juror.
After choosing songs together every week for 6 months and working on them at a high tempo, their duet won the championship on the final night.
And as a juror, he gave Fidan experience and support in his vocal work: “We have a good chemistry, thus, success became inevitable,” he reveals.
“ When I first heard Oğuz’s voice, I think it was in the song’s first 5-6 seconds, I pushed the button and wanted to work with him. When I met him later, I saw his willingness and eagerness.
“Of course, as I was on his jury, this was a great relief. His voice was incredible. Oğuz has a voice with a unique characteristic. As well as this, I can say that he was always respectful and listened to advice regarding business ethics. He worked incredibly hard and showed his desire to win.”
As Fidan continues to evolve and innovate, this Turkish music icon’s future looks incredibly bright.
He is constantly working on new projects, exploring different musical landscapes, and pushing the boundaries of his artistry.
“I wake up with new ideas for music, melodies, or lyrics in my mind every day,” says Fidan. “The excitement of bringing these ideas to life and creating something new drives me.”
In an industry where staying relevant can be as challenging as breaking in, Fidan has managed to maintain his place, grow, and thrive.
His journey from ‘The Voice Turkey’ champion to a music icon is a testament to his talent, resilience, and unwavering passion for music.
As he continues to master his craft and inspire others, Fidan’s star will undoubtedly continue to shine brightly in the Turkish music scene and beyond.
