Can Bonomo was born on May 16, 1987, in İzmir, Türkiye. Coming from a Jewish family background, he showed interest in music at a very young age. He began playing guitar at the age of 8 and gravitated toward blues and jazz during his childhood and teenage years. His family supported his artistic development, allowing him to grow up surrounded by music.

After completing high school in İzmir, he moved to Istanbul and studied Cinema and Television at Istanbul Bilgi University’s Faculty of Communication. During his university years, he engaged with both music and visual media, developing an interest in radio broadcasting. He hosted shows on popular radio stations such as Radyo Eksen, Number One FM, and Radio 101, gaining a wide audience. Around this time, he also began composing his own songs.

Music Career

Can Bonomo's professional music career began in 2011 with the release of his debut album Meczup. The album stood out in the Turkish music scene by blending various genres; his unique style, which incorporated elements of jazz, rock, indie, and folk music, was well received by both critics and listeners. Songs like “Bana Bir Saz Verin” and “Şaşkın” quickly became popular.

In 2012, Bonomo was chosen to represent Turkey in the Eurovision Song Contest. The song he composed specifically for the contest, “Love Me Back,” featured an energetic structure and a modern take on Ottoman naval themes. The song stood out and earned 112 points in the final held in Baku, placing Türkiye 7th. This performance contributed to Bonomo's international recognition.

Following Eurovision, Bonomo continued his musical journey without pause and released several studio albums: Aşktan ve Gariplikten (2012), Bulunmam Gerek (2014), Kainat Sustu (2017), and Ruhum Bela (2019). His lyrics often emphasize themes such as inner conflict, love, solitude, and nature. With his contributions to alternative music and his distinctive stage presence, he has secured a unique place in the Turkish music scene.

Other Work

Apart from music, Can Bonomo is deeply interested in literature, especially poetry. He has published three poetry books: Delirmek Belirmektir, Şu Sevdalar Tevatürü, and Parya Koma. These works reflect melancholic, introspective, and philosophical themes. He often incorporates mythological references and folk narratives in his poetry. Bonomo has also acted in short films and directed various projects. He has appeared on television programs and produced content for digital platforms. His interest in different branches of the arts has made him a versatile figure in culture and the arts.

Personal Life

In 2018, the artist married actress Öykü Karayel. Their relationship, widely followed by the media, is known for the couple’s respectful approach to privacy. In 2021, they welcomed a son named Roman. Can Bonomo is also known for his support of social responsibility projects and animal rights. He has participated in charity concerts and environmental awareness events. In interviews, he often emphasizes that he prioritizes creativity over fame and maintains personal balance through artistic expression.

Discography

Studio Albums

• Meczup (2011): Bonomo’s debut album, notable for its jazz-rock fusion.
• Aşktan ve Gariplikten (2012): Features poetic themes and oriental influences.
• Bulunmam Gerek (2014): Lyrics focused on love, separation, and self-discovery.
• Kainat Sustu (2017): An album centered on nature and the universe.
• Ruhum Bela (2019): A darker tone with deeply introspective narratives.

Selected Singles

• “Love Me Back” (2012)
• “Tastamam” (2014)
• “Bardak Taşıyor” (2017)
• “Kapkaranlık Her Günüm” (2020)
• “Dağ” (2021)
• “Güneş” (2023)

Literary Works

• Delirmek Belirmektir (poetry)
• Şu Sevdalar Tevatürü (poetry)
• Parya Koma (poetry)

In these poetry books, themes such as personal turmoil, the transience of love, and existentialism are explored. His works have been appreciated by both young readers and poetry enthusiasts.

Eurovision Song Contest

Can Bonomo holds a distinct place in Türkiye’s Eurovision history due to his unique style and stage performance. In the 2012 contest held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, his song “Love Me Back” drew attention with its sailor-themed choreography. Türkiye finished in 7th place with 112 points. This contest remains Türkiye’s most recent Eurovision participation to date. Bonomo’s Eurovision experience is significant not only as a musical success but also as a creative representation of Turkish culture on an international platform.

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