Biography
Who is Sezen Aksu?
Early life and background
Fatma Sezen Yıldırım was born on July 13, 1954, in Sarayköy, Denizli, Turkey. Her mother, Şehriban Hanım, worked as a science teacher, while her father, Sami Yıldırım, was a mathematics teacher. The family moved to Bergama when she was three years old, where she spent her formative years. Her parents hoped she would pursue a stable career in medicine or engineering, so they discouraged her interest in music. Despite this, she often practiced singing on the family balcony when her parents were away.
After graduating from high school, she briefly attended a local agricultural institute. However, she eventually decided to leave her studies behind to focus entirely on her musical aspirations. This decision set her on a path that would transform the world of Turkish music.
Rise to fame and musical career
Sezen released her debut single, Haydi Şansım/Gel Bana, in 1975 under the name Sezen Seley. She gained widespread attention in 1976 when her single Olmaz Olsun/Vurdumduymaz reached the number one spot on Turkish charts. That same year, she received the title of Promising Female Artist of the Year. Her first full album, Allahaısmarladık, followed in 1977. Along with her friend Ajda Pekkan, she is credited with establishing the roots of Turkish pop music during the 1970s.
Throughout the 1980s, she collaborated extensively with producer Onno Tunç. Together, they released successful albums such as Sen Ağlama, Git, and Sezen Aksu Söylüyor. Her musical work matured significantly in the 1990s with the release of her best-selling album, Gülümse. This era also marked her start as a producer for other artists, including Aşkın Nur Yengi, Sertab Erener, and Levent Yüksel. Her experimental album Işık Doğudan Yükselir, released in 1995, brought her significant recognition beyond Turkey, particularly across Europe.
Personal life and advocacy
Sezen has been married and divorced four times. She kept the last name of her second husband, Ali Engin Aksu, who is a geology doctor currently living in Canada. She has a son, Mithat Can, with Sinan Özer. Her son is a musician and serves as the lead vocalist for the band Pist'on.
Beyond her music, she has been an active voice regarding various social causes. She has publicly supported women's rights, minority rights, educational reform, and environmental issues. She has also voiced opinions on constitutional reform in Turkey. In 2022, she faced criticism from political and religious figures regarding the lyrics of her song Ne Şahane Bir Şey Yaşamak. She responded to the controversy with a public statement on social media, emphasizing her commitment to the country.
Birthday and age
Sezen Aksu was born on July 13, 1954, which makes Sezen 72 years old today. That birthday falls under the Cancer sign. Sezen shares the date with 49 other famous people.
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