This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
maNga is a Turkish rock band formed in Ankara in 2001. The group derived its name from “manga,” the Japanese art form of comic books. The spelling “maNga” directly references this artistic style. The band was formed by individuals with diverse musical backgrounds and began their activities independently.
Logo of maNga (maNga Official Website)
maNga’s music is rooted in rock but combines rap vocals, electronic structures, and melodic elements characteristic of Anatolian music. The band’s song structures typically feature layered arrangements, electronic beats, classical instruments, and digital audio processing techniques. This approach creates a versatile technical framework in their productions.
maNga’s first studio album, maNga+, was released in 2004. The album incorporated diverse elements including rap vocals, electronic backing, and Anatolian melodies alongside rock music. The track “Bir Kadın Çizeceksin” was included in the official soundtrack of the FIFA 06 video game.
Released in 2009, the second studio album Şehr-i Hüzün continued the band’s musical diversity. It combined electronic elements with traditional Anatolian instruments. The album features structures that integrate technical components from various musical genres.
maNga represented Türkiye at the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest. They participated in the competition held in Oslo, Norway, with the English-language song “We Could Be the Same.” They placed first in the semi-final with 118 points and finished second in the final with 170 points.
During their final performance, the Turkish flag was projected on LED screens, and the stage and video backdrop were filmed in Istanbul.
In 2009, maNga won the “Best European Act” award at the MTV Europe Music Awards, marking the first time a Turkish music group received this honor.
The song “Bir Kadın Çizeceksin” was included in the official soundtrack of FIFA 06 in 2006.
The group represented Türkiye at the Eurovision Song Contest with the English song “We Could Be The Same” and finished in second place, significantly increasing their recognition across Europe.
The band has performed concerts in Europe and America. They have opened for acts such as Linkin Park, Korn, Limp Bizkit, The Cure, Offspring, and Nine Inch Nails. They have also appeared at festivals including Rock’n Coke (Türkiye), Sziget (Hungary), Vitebsk Slavianski Bazaar (Belarus), The Balkan Concerts (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and the Belgrade Festival (Serbia). They have held concerts at venues such as New York’s Central Park and London’s O2 Academy Islington.
Ferman Akgül (Lead Vocalist and Lyricist) (Ferman Akgül Official Website)
The 2012 album e-akustik features acoustic reinterpretations of the band’s previous works. The album was released exclusively through digital platforms and did not receive a physical pressing.
maNga’s fourth album, Işıkları Söndürseler Bile, was released in 2014. The lyrics explore individual, social, and cultural themes. Recording sessions took place in Istanbul, Los Angeles, and Stockholm.
Released in 2021, the album Antroposen Pt.1 focuses on songs highlighting the impact of human activity on nature—the Anthropocene era. Environmental and social themes dominate the album. It was released exclusively through digital platforms.
In 2023, as part of the band’s 20th anniversary, concerts were held in various cities across Türkiye. These events featured live performances of selected tracks from their previous albums.
maNga 20th Anniversary Concerts (Anadolu Agency)
Although there have been some lineup changes since the band’s formation, the following individuals are recognized as core and long-standing members who have made essential contributions to maNga’s musical career. They collaborate both in studio recordings and live performances.
maNga Band Members (Ferman Akgül Official Website)
Ferman Akgül, one of the founding members, is also the lead vocalist and primary lyricist. Beyond his musical career, his stage performances and songwriting have played a central role in shaping the band’s artistic identity. Ferman Akgül has been pivotal to the band’s national and international success.
Yağmur Sarıgül is the band’s guitarist and composer. He has also arranged and produced many of their songs and is one of the foundational pillars of the group’s creative process.
Özgür Can Öney, the band’s drummer, contributes to the distinctive rhythmic character of maNga’s music. His performances and technical skill enhance the group’s overall dynamic.
Cem Bahtiyar, the bass guitarist, plays a critical role in the band’s musical foundation. He supports the core rhythmic and harmonic structure of maNga’s music.
In 2014, the band re-arranged and re-recorded Sezen Aksu’s song “Yeniden Sev” for the film Hadi İnşallah.
The soundtrack for the 2015 film Takım: Mahalle Aşkına was also composed by the band.
For the 2024 film Aslan Hürkuş 4: Hürjet, the band re-arranged their earlier song “Hint Kumaşı” under the title “Zafer Bizim” as a cinematic adaptation. This version was accompanied by footage from Metin Erksan’s 1965 film Sevmek Zamanı.
A Song by maNga – El Aman (Youtube/maNga)
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Musical Style and Technical Characteristics
Debut Album Era: maNga+ (2004)
Second Album: Şehr-i Hüzün (2009)
Eurovision Song Contest Participation (2010)
International Awards and Events (2009–2012)
Third Album: e-akustik (2012)
Fourth Album: Işıkları Söndürseler Bile (2014)
Fifth Album: Antroposen Pt.1 (2021)
20th Anniversary Concerts and Tours (2023)
maNga Band Members
Ferman Akgül
Yağmur Sarıgül
Özgür Can Öney
Cem Bahtiyar
Film Scores and Adaptations
Studio Albums