MERAL POLAT (The Netherlands)

Friday, 30. October 2026 / 21:00 – 22:15
Blårock

Psychedelic roots and radical spirit

Genres: Anatolian psych / Kurdish folkrock

Meral Polat has emerged as one of the most compelling voices exploring the meeting point between Kurdish musical traditions, contemporary psychedelia and global groove-based music. Through deeply personal songwriting and powerful live performances, she creates music that is politically aware, emotionally resonant and rhythmically infectious.

Following her acclaimed debut album Ez Ki Me (“Who am I?”), which explored her Alevi Kurdish roots through poetry, memory and identity, Polat expanded her sonic universe even further with MEYDAN. Inspired by the Kurdish women’s movement slogan “Jin, Jiyan, Azadi” — Woman, Life, Freedom — the album centers female strength, liberation and self-determination.

Together with her band, Polat blends influences from Anatolian psychedelic rock, Kurdish dengbej traditions, Afrobeat, blues and expansive contemporary production into rich, layered compositions full of movement and emotional intensity. Her music moves effortlessly between intimacy and collective release: hypnotic grooves, soaring vocals and moments of deep reflection coexist within the same songs.

Collaborations with musicians connected to Istanbul’s psychedelic scene, alongside international guest artists from West Africa and Latin America, further underline the openness and border-crossing spirit of her music.

At Tromsø World 2026, Meral Polat brings a concert shaped by rhythm, storytelling and resistance, music that feels grounded in heritage while reaching boldly toward the future.

This concert is supported by UPBEAT Platform