From his meteoric rise and win on ‘The Voice Turkey’ to his establishment as a music icon, Oğuz Berkay Fidan’s journey is a testament to superior expertise and talent as a musician, as well as his perseverance, and an unyielding passion for music.
His story is one of transformation, from a hopeful contestant on a televised singing competition to a beloved figure in the music industry.
‘While I always wanted this to be my destiny,” says Fidan, “I never dreamed I would achieve what I did. I always hoped and planned this would be the outcome. And that moment I won that competition, I felt that although I was pinching myself, my time had come.”
Oğuz first became popular in 2012 as a contestant on The Voice Turkey. His audition, a soulful rendition of the classic Turkish pop song “Aşk-ı Kıyamet”, captivated both the judges and the audience.
With his rich, emotive voice and an undeniable stage presence he impressed immediately: “ I attended the auditions, and to my delight, two of the judges turned their chairs for me during my performance of a Turkish song. This was the start of my professional music journey.”
He adds: “The most important aspect of this song is that it was the first one I performed in the competition. Its significance to me is greater than anything else. A turning point in my life began with this song. If the judges hadn’t turned their chairs when I sang it, I wouldn’t have been able to continue in the competition and experience everything that followed. Therefore, the value of it being my first song is immense.
“Before the competition, I had dreamed and envisioned everything that I experienced with this song, adding to the excitement of it all. On the final night, it was also the song I performed before winning. Just before the audience voted, I sang this song again, and then the voting took place. This song guided me to victory from the first day to the last.”
Fidan quickly became a favorite. Week after week, he delivered performances showcasing his vocal prowess and his versatility as an artist.
He recalls: “The competition lasted about six months. After the initial audition where the judges turned for me, I went through the battle rounds, live shows, and finally, I won the contest. This was a significant turning point, transforming my passion for music from a hobby into a professional career.
Fidan reveals his interest in music was spurred on by his father: “He played the guitar and other instruments at home, although he was primarily a software engineer and didn’t have much time for music. Watching him play inspired me to learn the guitar.”
Fidan adds: “I also had a memorable experience in school when a teacher offered guitar lessons. Although the lessons were short-lived, they motivated me to continue learning on my own.
By the age of 10, Fidan was practicing guitar every day and began singing along to the songs. This early dedication laid the foundation for his future success in music: “Despite the challenges, including language barriers, my passion for music and perseverance helped me achieve my dreams,” he recalls.
“I never gave up. And I never stopped believing. I just kept working hard and focused on my goal.”
But it was winning ‘The Voice Turkey’ that was a turning point for Oğuz . It was a victory and the launchpad for his career.
“The experience was surreal,” he recalls. “Standing on that stage, hearing my name called as the winner—it was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. It is something I will never forget.”
Such was Oğuz’s popularity that week after week he was voted the audience favorite. He also took home the contest with more than 600.000 votes than his rival İbrahim Şevki.
With a viewing audience of nine million, Oğuz ’s popularity and skills as a musician were cemented in stone.
“It was a wonderful moment. The Voice opened doors for me and I will always be grateful for the opportunity to take part in the show,” says Oğuz .
His triumph on the first series opened doors to numerous opportunities, setting the stage for his journey into the Turkish music scene.
Post-‘The Voice,’ Oğuz faced the daunting task of transitioning from reality TV fame to a sustainable music career.
The Turkish music industry is notoriously competitive, and many reality show winners struggle to maintain their relevance. However, he approached this challenge with the same determination that had propelled him to victory.
His debut single, ‘Olmuyor,’ was a commercial success, showcasing his ability to blend contemporary pop with traditional Turkish sounds.
The song’s heartfelt lyrics and catchy melody resonated with a broad audience, earning him a solid fan base.
“Olmuyor” was Fidan’s declaration of his artistic identity. To date, the song has surpassed 30 million streams and views across digital platforms.
In 2013-2014, it consistently ranked in the top five of the music charts, keeping Oğuz’s name prominent. According to data from Avrupa Müzik, “Olmuyor” was one of the most downloaded songs of its time, with 3,000,000 unique downloads in its first three months.
Following this, Fidan released his debut album, “Beni Ellerden Sayma,” which further established his presence in the industry.
The album combines pop and folk influences, reflecting his diverse musical tastes. Tracks like “Beni Ellerden Sayma” and “Sadece Ol Duslerimde” highlight his versatility and demonstrate his ability to easily navigate different genres.
Oğuz says of his profession: “I want to be seen as kind because as an artist, you give something to the public, and you have to be kind. Kindness is the first thing.
“Also, I want to be seen as reliable and disciplined. I want people to see that I am doing a good job and creating good music. If I believe in something in the music industry, it will be a very good song or project.
One of Oğuz ’s most remarkable qualities is his ability to evolve as an artist. He refuses to be boxed into a single genre or style, constantly experimenting with new sounds and ideas.
This commitment to artistic growth is evident in his subsequent releases. His sophomore album, “Beni Ellerden Sayma”, marked a significant shift in his music, incorporating more electronic elements and modern production techniques.
Collaborations with other artists have also been a key part of Oğuz’s journey. Working with renowned Turkish musicians and producers, he has continued pushing his music’s boundaries. They include his judge in the voice, Murat Boz. They dueted on “Olmuyor” on the second album. He also worked with the well-known music arranger Ozan Colakoglu on his second album.
These collaborations have enriched his sound and expanded his reach, bringing his music to a wider audience.
“It is important to me to be an inspiration. I want my fans to realize they can achieve anything,” he says. :For example, my English may not be perfect now, but it is my dream to headline a concert at Madison Square Gardens. I want people to believe anything is possible because I believe anything is possible if you put your mind to it.”
While Oğuz’s studio recordings have garnered critical acclaim, his live performances truly set him apart. His concerts are an experience—an immersive blend of music, emotion, and energy. Whether performing in an intimate venue or on a grand stage, Fidan’s ability to connect with his audience is unparalleled, and his stage presence is magnetic, drawing the audience into his world with every note.
“Performing live is where I feel most alive,” Oğuz says. “I have been told that I have a color to my voice that really resonates with people. That makes me feel very humble that I can offer that; it is a gift I am very grateful for.
“It is wonderful to think I can stand up in front of thousands of people and, by singing or playing some music, really touch their lives. I do not take that lightly and believe it is a responsibility and also a privilege.
“It’s about sharing a moment with the audience, creating something unique and unforgettable every time.”
Oğuz’s tours across Turkey and international performances have solidified his reputation as a dynamic live performer.
After the release of the song “Olmuyor,” Murat Boz and Oğuz’s coaches on “O Ses Türkiye,” embarked on a concert series together. Sponsored by a renowned brand, the 12-concert tour attracted a minimum of 30,000 attendees at each venue, where fans enthusiastically sang along to their songs.
In addition, Oğuz holds the distinction of being one of the most prolific pop artists in Turkey, having performed over 500 individual concerts.
Internationally, he has brought his pop music to audiences through more than 30 concerts, primarily in Europe and the United States. He continues to connect with his audience through these live performances, showcasing his songs worldwide.
Beyond his musical achievements, Oğuz has also become a significant cultural and social figure.
He uses his platform to advocate for various causes, including mental health awareness and environmental sustainability.
His involvement in charitable activities, including Sosyal Ben, and his willingness to speak out on important issues have endeared him to fans and garnered respect within the industry.
Oğuz’s influence extends beyond the confines of music. He is seen as a role model, particularly for young aspiring musicians who look up to his journey from a reality show contestant to a respected artist.
His story is one of inspiration, demonstrating that dreams can indeed become reality with talent, hard work, and perseverance.
“The biggest stressor in the music industry is the constant pressure to produce new content,” he says.
‘But it almost becomes a responsibility to keep going and give people something new that resonates with them. I am very thankful that I can do that.”
Turkish pop singer Murat Boz who worked with Oğuz on The Voice Turkey and acted as his jury, says the singer is highly skilled with a unique sound: “Turkish music is music that includes a very rich content. Oğuz is one of the voices that demonstrates this best. He always believed that he would overcome the difficulties, which was always related to his character and ambition to work.”
Cengiz Erdem is the General Manager for the production company Avrupa Muzik and has known Oğuz for 12 years.
His company was the producer for The Voice Turkey, and they decided to work with Oğuz not only because he won but also because he genuinely loved his voice. The company produced Oğuz ’s first album six months after the competition.
“Oğuz has an incredibly unique voice. His winning the competition stems from this,” says Cengiz. “People loved his distinctive voice, and so did we. We had a powerful resource, and we wanted to use it for someone with a unique voice like Oğuz’s. We achieved successful results.
“Oğuz brought us significant financial benefits. He strengthened us in terms of work ethic. He constantly reminded us of the importance of staying positive.
As Fidan continues on his musical path, the future looks incredibly bright. He is constantly working on new projects, including his new album which he plans to publish in the coming months. And he is also collaborating as a singer, producer, .exploring different musical landscapes, and pushing the boundaries of his artistry.
“I am at my happiest when I am creating new songs and looking at new ways to innovate with the musical skills I have. It can sometimes be difficult and daunting but I love it when I play a new song to my partner, and I can see she really likes it. Then I know I have the opportunity to make a difference.”
In an industry where staying relevant can be as challenging as breaking in, Fidan has managed to maintain his place, grow, and thrive.
His journey from ‘The Voice Turkey’ champion to a music icon is a testament to his talent, resilience, and unwavering passion for music.
As Oğuz continues to master his craft and inspire others, there is no doubt his star will continue to shine brightly. He continues to support many artists’ albums, contributing both in music production and as a mentor, in addition to his own musical endeavors.
Oğuz has also supported many artists’ albums, contributing both in music production and as a mentor, in addition to his own musical endeavors. He is closely involved with the works of emerging talents such as Ugur Etiler, Okan Tuna, and Mahir Can Kucuk.
Moreover, Oğuz has identified a gap in the music industry and has developed a project to address it. He has prepared presentations for a digital platform he envisions, named Composell. This platform aims to connect composers with artists who wish to purchase and release their compositions. Oguz is actively pursuing this project and is currently engaged in discussions in the United States.
is closely involved with the works of emerging talents such as Ugur Etiler, Okan Tuna, and Mahir Can Kucuk.
Moreover, Oguz has identified a gap in the music industry and has developed a project to address it. He has prepared presentations for a digital platform he envisions, named Composell. This platform aims to connect composers with artists who wish to purchase and release their compositions. Oguz is actively pursuing this project and is currently engaged in discussions in the United States.