Kazım Koyuncu is an artist who reached a wide audience by blending Black Sea music with modern genres. Koyuncu contributed to Turkish music through word writing, composition and stage performances, and is also recognized for his sensitivity to environment and human rights issues.

"The Beloved Name of Black Sea Music: Kazım Koyuncu." Anadolu Ajansı, 25 June 2023.

Early Life and Education

Kazım Koyuncu was born on 10 November 1971 in Yeşilköy village, part of the Hopa district of Artvin. Of Laz origin, Koyuncu began engaging with music from a young age, initially learning to play the kemençe and guitar.

Influenced by his father, Kazım became familiar with Black Sea music from childhood and developed an interest in poets and writers during his youth, beginning to explore different disciplines of art.

He enrolled at the Faculty of Political Sciences of Istanbul University to pursue Bachelor's degree studies, but left the university before completing his academic career due to his dedication to art. During this period, he actively participated in social movements and student communities, developing his artistic and political awareness.

Musical Career

Kazım Koyuncu began his professional music career in the early 1990s, founding the rock band "Dinmeyen" in 1993 and embarking on experimental works that fused rock and ethnic music elements. During this time, he particularly sought to combine the polyphonic structure of Anatolia with traditional Black Sea melodies in a rock format. However, the band "Dinmeyen" did not last long, and in 1998 Koyuncu deepened his musical path with the group he founded, "Zuğaşı Berepe" (Turkish: The Voice from the Sea).

Zuğaşı Berepe interpreted local Black Sea sounds using modern instruments, performing songs in Laz and Turkish. The group’s album "Va Mişkunan" (1995) and the subsequent live performance "Bruxel Live" (1998) established a strong bridge between ethnic music and rock, becoming pioneers of a new genre in Türkiye. Songs such as "Didou Nena" and "Hey Gidi Karadeniz" like reflected his deep connection to both his geography and his music.

After 2001, Kazım Koyuncu turned to a solo career, grounding his musical direction in a more personal expression. His first solo album, "Sülaşka" (2001), took its name from a traditional Black Sea greeting word, "sülaşka," and carried the character of a cultural salute. Tracks such as "Dido" and "Halil İbrahim" on the album achieved high levels of listenership.

His second solo album, "Hayde", released in 2004, is regarded as the peak of Koyuncu’s musical career. Songs such as "Hayde", "Ben Seni Sevduğumi", "Ella Ella", and "Gelevera Deresi" resonated with audiences through their innovative approach to Black Sea music and emotional depth.

Kazım Koyuncu’s musical style did not merely modernize Black Sea folk songs; he also incorporated melodies from other regions of Anatolia, and songs in Armenian, Georgian, Laz, and Hemshin languages, creating a multicultural synthesis.

Artistic and Political Stance

Kazım Koyuncu was also an activist. He raised awareness about ecological issues in the Black Sea region through the Green Road Project, and advocated for sustainable agriculture and opposition to HES (Hydroelectric Power Plants). He also contributed to efforts to preserve the Laz language and Black Sea culture in the context of linguistic rights and cultural diversity.

Illness and Death

Kazım Koyuncu was diagnosed with cancer in 2004 and continued his artistic activities throughout his treatment. However, on 25 June 2005, he passed away at the young age of 33. His early death deeply saddened his followers, and the legacy he left behind has ensured his enduring memory.

"Artist Kazım Koyuncu Remembered at His Grave in Artvin on the 19th Anniversary of His Death." Anadolu Ajansı, 25 June 2024.

Legacy and Events in His Memory

Various events are held annually in memory of Kazım Koyuncu, including concerts and documentaries. He continues to serve as a source of inspiration for music lovers and environmentalists.

Koyuncu’s identity as a poet and the writings preserved in his archive remain subjects of academic study. Biographical books and documentaries detailing his life and musical journey continue to keep his memory alive.