Hilal Kaya (DK/TR)

Danish-Turkish vocalist and songwriter Hilal Kaya brings together traditional Anatolian sounds with folk-psych, ethno jazz and roots, creating a distinctive musical universe that crosses cultures and generations. With a voice that carries strength, vulnerability and intensity, Anatolian musical tradition meets a contemporary Scandinavian expression.

Hilal Kaya first made her mark on the Danish music scene through her collaborations with Kalaha and Aarhus Jazz Orchestra. Since then, she has established herself as a compelling solo artist. Her single “Sultan” was nominated for Danish Roots Track of the Year at DMA Roots 2025, and that same year Hilal Kaya was nominated for Danish New Roots Artist of the Year.

On August 28, 2026, her debut album Sümbül was released via the German label CPL Music / Nordic Notes. Moving between Anatolian folk music, psychedelic rock, jazz and contemporary roots, the album has received international attention since its release. Music from the album is receiving radio airplay in Denmark, Turkey, Germany and Poland, as well as in a number of other countries around the world. In September 2026, Sümbül also reached #10 on the Transglobal World Music Chart and #5 on the European chart.

Hilal Kaya has performed at prominent venues and festivals including VEGA, SPOT Festival, Copenhagen Jazz Festival, Vinterjazz, P8 Jazz Sessions Live, Folk & Fæstival, MIX Festival Istanbul, Kulturnatten, Aarhus Festuge and MoorJazz Festival. Following the release of Sümbül, she embarked on a release tour in September 2026, performing in Aarhus, Copenhagen, Odense and Herning. Her concert at VEGA received a ★★★★★ review from GAFFA.

Live, the music unfolds in an intense and dynamic universe of Anatolian melodies, psychedelic guitars, improvisation and powerful rhythms, carried by Hilal Kaya’s distinctive voice.

Line-up:

Hilal Kaya (voc, agtr), Søren Bigum (gtr), Henrik Poulsen (bas), Søren Poulsen (tr), Ruhi Erdoğan (trp)