As the new hope of Istanbul’s vibrant pop scene, Melike Şahin has managed a top-class artistic balancing act since her debut album, ‘Merhem’ (2021): The sociology graduate combines arabesque scales with Turkish classical music and contemporary pop appeal to create a complete package that could easily see her performing at the ESC. She hasn’t been there yet, but she has been to the Cannes Film Festival, where she gave a spectacular live concert in 2017 and kick-started her solo career. Previously known as the singer of the band BaBa ZuLa, she has since established herself as an exceptional artist in her home country with her impressive singing range, great melodies, and a world-class stage presence. Although she follows in the tradition of other Turkish singers such as Nazan Öncel and Sertab Erener, singles such as ‘Canin Beni Cekti’ and the psychedelic ‘Diva Yorgun’ sound more modern, daring, and unconventional. Last year saw the release of Şahin’s second album, ‘AKKOR’, which finally established her as Turkey’s pop reformer.