Baba Zula @ Sofia Film Fest
Author: Diana Stoykova
The closing ceremony, including Baba Zula's live act, will take place in Hall 1 of the National Palace of Culture, before the first screening of Wim Wenders' new movie "Palermo Shooting".
Baba Zula will also play later that night in Party centre 4 KM.
The Turkish musicians, who describe their music as a mixture between psychedelic music and oriental sounds and therefore call it "psychebelly" were guests to Sofia in 2005 for the first time. Psychebelly Dance Musicis also the name of their third studio record, released in May 2003, which was mixed and mastered by the British musician and producer Mad Professor, who previously worked with Massive Attack, The Orb and Lee Perry.
Back in 2005, they came to perform in support of Fatih Akin's premiere "Crossing the Bridge: Sound of Istanbul", which presents modern Turkish music and its various faces, including Baba Zula themselves. They were also the live act of last year's closing ceremony.
Baba Zula were founded in Istanbul in 1996, featuring founding members Levent Akman (percussion, rhythm machines, toys), Murat Ertel (saz and other strings, vocals), as well as darbuka player Coюar Kamзэ who replaced original member Emre Onel in 2005.
What is most specific about them is the unique live show experience they provide their fans with. Their ritual-like performances are a mixture of disciplines of art, often featuring belly dancers of various nationalities and backgrounds, elaborate costumes, poetry, theatre and live animation, delivering viewers a tantalizing audio-visual feast.
By mixing oriental instruments such as the darbuka, electric saz, and spoons with electronics and modern sounds, BaBa Zula creates a sound all their own called "Oriental Dub".
Another trademark of the Turkish band is their support of women's rights and liberated views on feministic concepts.