Manga

Often likened to Linkin Park with a Turkish twist, the comparison holds only in a stylistic sense, as the Ankara quintet merges alternative metal and rap with electronic elements alongside Anatolian folk motifs. This fusion of global rock influences and regional traditions propelled maNga to major status within Turkey’s rock circuit, while their late-2000s European breakthrough culminated in a 2009 win at the MTV Europe Music Awards.

Formed in Ankara during 2001, the group adopted its name from Japanese manga, a shared passion among the members that also shaped their artwork. Early performances consisted mainly of covers in local venues until guitarist Yagmur Sarigül began composing original material. Their breakthrough arrived via the Sing Your Song contest, where a second-place finish drew the notice of Hadi Elazzi, head of the GRGDN label, who secured them a contract with Sony Music.

The resulting self-titled debut appeared in 2004 and included guest contributions from fellow Turkish alt-rock outfits Kargo and Vega. Certified gold after surpassing 100,000 sales domestically, the record earned the band numerous honors and prominent festival bookings. Two years later the album resurfaced as Manga+, augmented by fresh tracks, one of which—“Dursun Zaman,” a collaboration with folk-pop vocalist Göksel—appeared on the soundtrack of the hit film Sinav, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme.

Also in 2006 the track “Bir Kadin Çizeceksin” featured in the FIFA 06 video game, and the band made its debut at Hungary’s Sziget festival. The following period remained relatively quiet aside from a brief controversy when, booked to open for Tarkan in London, the group declined to perform over unresolved technical difficulties. Their return to prominence came in 2009 with the release of the second album Sehr-i Hüzün, followed by the Best European Act trophy at the MTV Europe Music Awards—the second consecutive Turkish recipient after Emre Aydin.