The round-the-world journey in sound reaches the Middle East and Turkey with two musicians who represent the diversity and inclusivity of the London music scene.

Olcay Bayir and Noga Ritter are thought-provoking singer-songwriters who have dedicated their careers to their roots (in Turkey and Israel respectively), while incorporating elements of musical traditions from around the world.

Olcay Bayir’s compositions move from her Alevi and Kurdish origins, drawing inspiration from the Anatolian songbook and reach out to Mediterranean and Balkans sounds from flamenco to rebetiko. Noga Ritter, meanwhile has expanded on a foundation of Hebrew jazz with Pan-African grooves. What unites the two is a musical approach that aims to empower women, through moving, powerful vocals.

Olcay Bayir

London-based Kurdish singer-songwriter from Turkey, Olcay Bayir combines Anatolian folk traditions with dynamic grooves and funky rhythms, singing in Turkish, Kurdish, Armenian and Greek.

Nominated for Best Newcomer at the 2015 Songlines Music Awards for her debut album Neva, Olcay is also a recipient of a PRS - Women Make Music Award.

Noga Ritter

Noga Ritter is an eclectic singer-songwriter and bandleader whose music fuses Hebrew Jazz with global grooves.

Supported by Arts Council England, she recorded her upcoming debut solo album last summer featuring award-winning musicians Seckou Keita (kora), Byron Wallen (trumpet), Tony Kofi (saxophone) and produced by Liran Donin.

Apart from her solo work, Noga has recorded and toured internationally with her former project Vocal Global as well as working with artists such as The Grand Union Orchestra, Jyotsna Srikanth, Randolph Matthews, Sura Susso and Sahad & The Natal Patchwork.