Murat Kekilli

Murat Kekilli — Biography

Murat Kekilli was born on 18 April 1968 in Adana, where he completed his primary, middle and high school education. Because his family struggled financially, he worked in watermelon fields during school holidays, and his interest in music began with the piano after visiting Adana's Gençlik Sarayı youth centre. He did his military service in 1989 and 1991, after which he pursued music more seriously; in 1992-93 he passed the entrance exam for the Adana State Conservatory but left after about a year. He moved to Istanbul in 1994, working first with the group Kilikyalılar and then Yolcular, releasing the album "Eşek Gözlüm".

After signing with Boğaziçi Müzik, he released Bu Akşam Ölürüm in 1999, an album that caused a stir and drew public controversy. He went on to release Yedialtı (2002), Avara (2004), Bir Ahir Zaman (2006), Kalbimdeki Darp (2010) and Gümüş Teller (2013), and has continued releasing singles regularly since 2015. In 2019 he played the character Seyfi in the series Dengi Dengine, and he won Best Rock Vocal at the 6th Kral TV Video Music Awards. He continues to perform live; in 2025-2026 he played at the celebration for Kütahyaspor's league promotion, toured cities across Turkey and Cyprus, and drew attention for his public statements in support of Palestine.