İbrahim Ferman Akgül (born 25 December 1979) is a Turkish singer, songwriter, TV host and actor. He is the lead singer of Turkish rock band ''

maNga are comics or graphic novels originating from Japan. Most manga conform to a style developed in Japan in the late 19th century, and the form has a long history in earlier Japanese art. The term is used in Japan to refer to both comics ...

.'' In 2015 he opened the independent record labe
06 Records
and released his first solo single " İstemem Söz Sevmeni" in early 2016.

Early years

Born on the 25 December 1979 in Ankara. His grandfather, Aziz Üstün is an ozan who worked together with

Aşık Veysel Aşık is Turkish for Ashik, a traditional musician and troubadour Aşık is a Turkish name. Notable people with the name include: Given name * Aşık Çelebi (1520–1572), Ottoman biographer, poet, and translator * Âşık İbretî (1920–1976 ...

. Akgül's interest for making music started in high school. He quickly discovered he had a talent for composing. In 1998, he started studying architecture at

Gazi University Gazi University () is a Public university, public research university located primarily in Ankara, Turkey. It was founded in 1926 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk originally as the Gazi Education Institute (Turkish language, Turkish: ''Gazi Eğitim Ens ...

. He was drawn towards the Ankara underground music scene and started connecting with different rock bands. He had a vision to create a new type of rock band and set out to find his band members. He was inspired by the 90's nu metal bands and wanted to play the turn table. However a twist of faith made him temporary fill the role as the lead singer and Akgül decided singing was the best way to express himself. In 2001, he ended his search for a band when he became a member of maNga. "I studied architecture, and the discipline of “looking for beauty” which my professors taught me, has inevitably affected my music." said Akgül. Upon graduation Ferman started working as an architect. He got an honorable mention award for a project he worked on together with the respected Turkish architect Yavuz Selim Sepin, while he was recording maNga's first album. In 2009 Akgül completed his master in cinematography from

Marmara University Marmara University (Turkish language, Turkish: ''Marmara Üniversitesi'') is a Public university, public research university in Istanbul, Turkey. The university, named after the Sea of Marmara, was founded as a university in 1982. However, its ...

. He later used his skills to direct several of music videos for maNga and other bands.

Career

Inside Turkey

Prior to the release of their first album the band moved to Istanbul in a bid to start their professional music career. The first album, released as ''

'' in December 2004 is one of the most successful and most sold album in Turkish rock history. The band received a Golden Record and a host of other awards following the release. Between the years of 2005-2009 the band toured Turkey and Europe extensively. In 2006, their song "Bir Kadın Çizeceksin" was used as the FIFA06 soundtrack. The second album ''

Şehr-i Hüzün ''Şehr-i Hüzün'' (English: ''City of Sorrows'') is the second album by Turkish rock band Manga. It was released by Sony BMG in April 2009. The second video clip of the album was for the track "Leave Me With Me" on 27 July 2009. The third vid ...

'' followed in 2009 and became an even bigger success. In 2012 the ''

E-akustik ''e-akustik'' is the third album by Turkish rock group maNga. It was released by Pasaj/GRGDN GRGDN is a Turkish music production and artist management company and record label based in Istanbul. The name of the company originates from the Turki ...

'' album was released to rave reviews. The eclectic acoustic project broadened maNga's fan base and established their name as a strong force in the European music community. Radio and television stations rallied to have the band perform live acoustic sets. In 2014 maNga released their fourth album '' Işıkları Söndürseler Bile'' and once again topped the charts. In 2015 maNga made the soundtrack for and appeared in the movie ''Hadi İnşallah''. The song became a major hit.

International experience

In 2009 Akgül and the other members of maNga had their sights set on international success. In 2009, they received the Best European Act award at the

MTV Europe Music Awards The MTV Europe Music Awards (originally named MTV European Music Awards, commonly abbreviated as MTV EMA) are awards presented by Paramount International Networks to honour artists and music in pop culture. It was originally conceived as an al ...

and the same year, they released the ''Şehr-i Hüzün'' album. Their big international break came in 2010, when they came second in the

Eurovision Song Contest The Eurovision Song Contest (), often known simply as Eurovision, is an international Music competition, song competition organised annually by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) among its members since 1956. Each participating broadcaster ...

with the song " We Could Be the Same". The exposure made them known around Europe and in 2011, "Fly to Stay Alive" written and composed by Akgül, was released. The single topped the charts in several European countries including #1 on the MTV Adria Rock Chart. The single has since been used as commercial music for TV, featuring athletes from teams such as LA Lakers and

Manchester United Manchester United Football Club, commonly referred to as Man United (often stylised as Man Utd) or simply United, is a professional association football, football club based in Old Trafford (area), Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, Engl ...

. maNga has performed as opening act for

Korn Korn (stylized as KoЯn) is an American nu metal band from Bakersfield, California, originally formed in 1993 by James Shaffer, James "Munky" Shaffer, Reginald Arvizu, Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu and David Silveria, who were members of the band ...

Linkin Park Linkin Park is an American Rock music, rock band formed in Agoura Hills, California, in 1996. The band's current lineup consists of vocalist/rhythm guitarist/keyboardist Mike Shinoda, lead guitarist Brad Delson, DJ/turntablist Joe Hahn, bass ...

Nine Inch Nails Nine Inch Nails, commonly abbreviated as NIN (stylized as NIИ), is an American industrial rock band formed in Cleveland, Ohio in 1988. Its members are the singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Trent Reznor and his frequent col ...

The Cure The Cure are an English Rock music, rock band formed in Crawley in 1976 by Robert Smith (musician), Robert Smith (vocals, guitar) and Lol Tolhurst (drums). The band's current line-up comprises Smith, Perry Bamonte (guitar and keyboards), Reev ...

The Offspring The Offspring is an American Rock music, rock band formed in Garden Grove, California, in 1984. Originally formed under the name Manic Subsidal, the band currently consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Dexter Holland, Bryan "Dexter" Holland, ...

Limp Bizkit Limp Bizkit is an American nu metal band from Jacksonville, Florida. Its lineup consists of lead vocalist Fred Durst, drummer John Otto (drummer), John Otto, guitarist Wes Borland, turntablist DJ Lethal and bassist Sam Rivers (bassist), Sam ...

, and Skin. They have headlined countless festivals and shows ( Rock'n Coke, Fanta, Vitebsk Slavianski Bazaar Belarus, Sziget Hungary, The Balkan Concerts Bosnia & Herzegovina, Balkan Music Awards Bulgaria, Belgrade Festival Serbia) and toured extensively through Europe. Across the pond they performed at

New York City New York, often called New York City (NYC), is the most populous city in the United States, located at the southern tip of New York State on one of the world's largest natural harbors. The city comprises five boroughs, each coextensive w ...

’s “Istanbul Live”

Central Park Central Park is an urban park between the Upper West Side and Upper East Side neighborhoods of Manhattan in New York City, and the first landscaped park in the United States. It is the List of parks in New York City, sixth-largest park in the ...

and London's

O2 Academy Islington The O2 Academy Islington, formerly known as the Carling Academy Islington, is an indoor music venue situated in the N1 Shopping Centre accessible via Upper Street and Liverpool Road, in the London Borough of Islington. It is run by the Academy ...

Solo projects

Akgül has engaged in several successful collaborations with other Turkish artists such as Göksel and

Ozan Çolakoğlu Ozan Çolakoğlu (, born 1 April 1972) is a Turkish composer, songwriter and music producer; famous for his work with various Turkish pop singers and his multiple film scores. He co-founded the production company ''Sarı Ev'' (Yellow House), but ...

. He has released two electronic music singles with Turkish DJ Birol "Beegee" Giray and subsequently toured Turkey's club scene. Akgül directed the music videos of noteworthy Turkish musicians such as Sagopa Kajmer, and Cartel. maNga's music video of their song "Yalan", directed by Akgül in 2007 received the Best Music Video Award by Radio Boğaziçi. Akgül has directed and hosted three seasons of the music program ''Kulaktan Kulağa'' on Turkish state TV,

TRT Müzik TRT Müzik is a Turkish television channel owned and operated by TRT. It broadcasts music programmes featuring music news magazines and talk show A talk show is a television programming, radio programming or podcast genre structured around th ...

. The program is shot on location in different cities in Turkey and in the studio. The concept of the program is to explore the local music culture and pair local musicians with contemporary Turkish stars. A fourth season will be produced. In 2008, Akgül created a music column for '' Billboard Türkiye'' and continued to write for the magazine for 2 years. After the magazine stopped being published in Turkey, he continued as a columnist for '' 46 Magazine''. Akgül is a regular arts and music columnist for Turkish newspaper '' Vatan''. Akgül is an eager short story writer and is working on publishing a collection of short stories. In the beginning of 2016 Akgül released his first solo single " İstemem Söz Sevmeni" under his own labe
06 Records
in cooperation wit
EMI - Universal Music Turkey
Akgül starred in the Turkish production of ''The Little Prince'' at the Zorlu Performance Centre. He played one of the lead roles, the Pilot.

Discography

Studio albums (with maNga)

* 2004: ''

'' * 2006: '' maNga+'' * 2009: ''

'' * 2010: ''We Could Be the Same'' ( EP) * 2012: ''

e-akustik ''e-akustik'' is the third album by Turkish rock group maNga. It was released by Pasaj/GRGDN GRGDN is a Turkish music production and artist management company and record label based in Istanbul. The name of the company originates from the Turki ...

'' * 2014: '' Işıkları Söndürseler Bile''

Studio albums (solo)

* 2017: '' Yürüyorum İçimde''

Singles

* 2016: ''İstemem Söz Sevmeni'' * 2016: ''Dırdır'' (feat. Pascal Nouma) * 2018: ''Efsaneyiz'' (feat. Fatma Turgut) * 2020: ''100 kere 23 Nisan'' (with İskender Paydaş and Nilüfer Children's Choir)

Awards

Akgül and maNga have won over 200 world recognized awards in over 25 countries. * 2002 - “Sing Your Song”: Runner-Up Prize (Kal Yanımda) * 2005 - Golden Butterfly Awards: The Best New Band (Bir Kadın Çizeceksin) * 2006 – “Bir Kadın Çizeceksin” was included in the soundtrack of FIFA * 2006 - MÜ-YAP Music Industry Awards: Golden Record Award * 2006 - Our Future Magazine: Best Band * 2006 - Jetix TV Awards: Best Band * 2006 - Beyaz Show Oscars: Best Performance * 2006 - Kemal Sunal Culture and Art Awards: Best New Band (Bir Kadın Çizeceksin) * 2006 - Popsay Awards: Best Rock and Alternative Band * 2006 - Popsay Awards: Best Music Video (Bir Kadın Çizeceksin) * 2007 - Radio Boğaziçi: Best Animation Music Video (Yalan) * 2007 - Kanaltürk Award Ceremony: Best Band * 2007 - Kanaltürk Award Ceremony: Best Music Video (Bir Kadın Çizeceksin) * 2007 - Yıldız Technical University: Best Band Award * 2009 - Yıldız Technical University: Best Band Award * 2009 – Best Band in Balkan Music Awards * 2009 - MTV Europe The Best Band of The Year * 2009 - 13. İstanbul FM Golden Awards: Best Band * 2009 - Pal FM Best Awards: Best live Performance * 2009 - Pal FM Best Awards: Best Song (Dünyanın Sonuna Doğmuşum) * 2009 - 17. İTÜ EMOS Success Awards: Most Successful Band of the Year * 2010 - 16. Kral Music Awards: Best Band * 2010 - 55. Eurovision Song Contest: Runner-up Prize (We Could Be The Same) * 2011 - Balkan Music Awards: Best Band of Balkans * 2012 - Balkan Music Awards: Best Band of Balkans * 2012 - Radio Klas Music Awards: Best Band * 2012 - Blue Jean Awards: Band of the Year * 2012 - Blue Jean Awards: Album of the Year (E-Akustik) * 2012 - Golden Spider Media Awards: Best Website (www.manga.web.tr) * 2015 – Turkey Youth Awards: Best Band * 2015 - Magazinci.com 15th Year Internet Media Bests of the Year: Best Band of the Year * 2015 - Radio Boğaziçi: Best Band * 2015 - Radio Ege: Best Band * 2015 - Gazi University: Best Band * 2015 - Istanbul Technical University: Best Band

Co-written songs

* Rezalet Çıkarasım Var ** ''Music'':

Yağmur Sarıgül Yağmur Sarıgül (; born 26 August 1979) is a Turkish songwriter and the electric guitarist of the Rock (music), rock band ''maNga (band), maNga''. He writes both lyrics and music. Yağmur "Yamyam" Sarıgül was born in Antalya, Turkey on 26 Au ...

** ''Lyrics'': with

* Hayat Bu İşte ** ''Music'': with

Haluk Kurosman Haluk Kurosman (born 1 March 1975, Istanbul) is a Turkish music producer and co-founder (together with Hadi Elazzi) of GRGDN, a music production – management company and record label; producing, mixing and mastering the albums of successfu ...

** ''Lyrics'':

* Hani Biz (Feat.

Yıldız Tilbe Yıldız Tilbe (born 16 July 1966) is a Turkish singer of Kurdish descent and one of the best-selling musical artists in Turkey, known especially for her eastern-infused ballads. Life and career Yıldız Tilbe was born in the Gültepe district ...

) ** ''Music'': with

* Beni Benimle Bırak ** ''Music'': with

** ''Lyrics'': with

, Cem Bahtiyar * We Could Be The Same ** ''Music'': with

** ''Lyrics'': with Evren Özdemir,

, Fiona Movery Akıncı * Bir Kadın Çizeceksin * Ben Bir Palyaçoyum ** ''Music'': with

** ''Lyrics'': with

* Bitti Rüya ** ''Music'': with

** ''Lyrics'': with

, Özgür Can Öney,

* Dursun Zaman ** ''Music'': with

** "Lyrics": with

* Fly To Stay Alive ** ''Music'': with

** ''Lyrics'': Rigael Damar Drake * İtildik ** ''Music'': with

** ''Lyrics'':

* Cevapsız Sorular ** ''Music'': with

** ''Lyrics'': with

* Kapkaç ** ''Lyrics'': with

* Sakın Bana Söyleme ** ''Lyrics'': with

References

External links

maNga official site
(TR-EN)
Ferman Akgül official site
(TR-EN)
06 Records official site
(TR-EN) {{DEFAULTSORT:Akgul, Ferman 21st-century Turkish singers 1979 births Living people Musicians from Ankara Turkish rock guitarists Turkish rock musicians 21st-century Turkish songwriters Nu metal singers 21st-century Turkish guitarists