BaBa Zula (TR) — 30th Anniversary Tour

The undisputed masters of 21st century Turkish psych, BaBa Zula, return to ALICE and celebrate their 30th anniversary. Expect audiovisual party fireworks from start to finish as they take the stage with infectious, Anatolian grooves and an eccentric live show.

When BaBa Zula introduced their band to Istanbul's rock scene for the first time in 1996, they immediately challenged all previous notions of what Turkish music might sound like. By mixing oriental instruments such as electric saz, darbuka and percussion-spoons with modern electronic timbres, the band created their very own sound, which they have since called “Istanbul psychedelic”. The refreshing take on Turkish psych has also been expressed over the years during their almost ritualistic live shows, where the band has experimented and challenged the concert format with theatre, poetry readings, belly dancers, costumes and live drawing!

Now, 30 years later, Baba Zula is just as refreshing as when they started. With a heavy dose of improvisation, no concert is the same — and that is precisely why audiences return again and again. Over the years, the band has had guest appearances from Alexander Hacke (Einstüerzende Neubauten), Jaki Liebezeit (Can) and Turkish diva and opera singer Semiha Berksoy, among others, and collaborated with ALICE-topical Mad Professor. BaBa Zula also has a great number of releases on Glitterbeat Records, with the latest, İstanbul Sok( 2024), among others, being highlighted by BBC 6's Gilles Peterson as “An extraordinary album.” BaBa ZuLa has played unforgettable concerts at Roskilde Festival, Global and ALICE, and we can't wait until they return in November.

Said about BaBa Zula

“Baba Zula shows their love of Turkish music, from folk to wedding music, embracing it all with enthusiasm and carrying the listener with them.” — Songlines

“Overflows with Turkish psychedelia's murky, hypnotic allure.” Bandcamp Daily