Sertab: The Pop Diva of Turkish Music

Sertab Erener is a Turkish pop singer and songwriter whose career spans decades and continents. Her defining achievement came in 2003 when she won the Eurovision Song Contest, bringing her music to a massive international audience and cementing her status as a national star.

Early career

Sertab Erener was born in 1964 in Istanbul, Turkey. Her professional journey began in the late 1980s after she graduated from the Istanbul University State Conservatory, initially providing backing vocals for established Turkish pop stars like Sezen Aksu.

This apprenticeship led to her solo debut in 1992 with the album "Sakin Ol!", which was produced by Aksu. The album's success immediately positioned her as a fresh and powerful voice in the Turkish pop scene.

Breakthrough

Sertab's true international breakthrough arrived in 2003. Representing Turkey, she performed the song "Everyway That I Can" at the Eurovision Song Contest in Riga, Latvia, and won the competition.

This victory propelled the song and its parent album, "No Boundaries," to chart across Europe. The win was a historic moment for Turkey and launched Sertab onto the world music stage.

Key tracks

Everyway That I Can — This is the English-language Eurovision winner that made her an international name.

Zor Kadın — A defining Turkish-language hit from her 1999 album that solidified her domestic pop dominance.

Aslolan Benim — A powerful ballad showcasing her vocal strength and emotional depth from her 2007 album "Aşk Ölmez."

Satılık Kalpler Şehri — A major hit from her 2013 album "Ey Şûh-i Sertab" that demonstrated her lasting relevance.

Following Eurovision, Sertab continued to release successful albums in Turkey, including "Aşk Ölmez" (2007) and "Sade" (2010). She has collaborated with artists like José Carreras and the Greek singer Demis Roussos, blending her Turkish pop foundation with classical and world music influences.

Her extensive catalog has earned numerous gold and platinum certifications in her home country. The artist Sertab remains a versatile and enduring figure in the genre, consistently exploring new musical directions while maintaining her core pop sound.

Fans of Sertab's blend of emotive Turkish pop and international appeal might also enjoy Sezen Aksu, her mentor and a legendary figure in Turkish songwriting. The powerful vocals and modern pop production of Yıldız Tilbe also share a similar audience. For a contemporary take on the genre, explore Hadise, another Turkish-Belgian singer who followed in Sertab's Eurovision footsteps.

Sertab's music is a staple on Turkish pop radio stations and international world music radio streams featured on our network. Her classic hits and newer releases receive regular airplay, ensuring her voice reaches listeners across generations.

You can hear the music of Sertab Erener on various Turkish pop and international music radio stations available through onairium.com. Tune in to discover her award-winning tracks and celebrated discography as part of our curated radio rotation.