maNga (Music Group)

maNga is a Turkish rock music group founded in Ankara in 2001. The group took its name from “manga,” the Japanese art form of comic books. The spelling “maNga” in the group’s name directly references this artistic genre. Formed by individuals with diverse musical backgrounds, the group began its 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 group’s song structures typically feature layered arrangements, electronic beats, classical instruments, and digital audio processing techniques. This approach provides a multifaceted technical framework in their productions.

maNga’s first studio album, maNga+, was released in 2004. The album incorporated a wide range of elements alongside rock music, including rap vocals, electronic backing, and Anatolian melodies. The song “Bir Kadın Çizeceksin” from this album was included in the official soundtrack of the FIFA 06 video game.

Released in 2009, the second studio album Şehr-i Hüzün continued the group’s musical diversity. It combined electronic production elements with traditional instruments from Anatolian music. The album features structures that integrate technical components from various musical genres.

maNga represented Türkiye in 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, qualifying for the final, and finished second in the final with 170 points.

During their final performance, the Turkish flag was projected on LED screens, and the performance was supported by stage and video backgrounds filmed in Istanbul.

In 2009, maNga won the “Best European Act” award at the MTV Europe Music Awards. This marked the first time a Turkish music group received this honor.

In 2006, the song “Bir Kadın Çizeceksin” was included in the official soundtrack of FIFA 06.

The group that represented Türkiye at the Eurovision Song Contest with the English song “We Could Be The Same” finished in second place. This ranking significantly increased the group’s recognition across Europe.

The group has performed concerts in Europe and America. They have opened for bands 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 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 group’s previous works. The album was released exclusively through digital platforms and did not have a physical release.

maNga’s fourth album, Işıkları Söndürseler Bile, was released in 2014. The lyrics of the songs on this album explore personal, social, and cultural themes. Recording sessions took place in cities including Istanbul, Los Angeles, and Stockholm.

The 2021 album Antroposen Pt.1 consists of songs highlighting the impact of human activity on nature—the Anthropocene era. The album emphasizes environmental and social themes. It was released via digital platforms.

In 2023, as part of maNga’s 20th anniversary, concerts were held in various cities across Türkiye. These events featured live performances of selected tracks from the group’s previous albums.

^{maNga 20th Anniversary Concerts (}Anadolu Ajansı⁾

Although there have been some member changes since the group’s founding, the individuals listed below are recognized as foundational and long-standing contributors to maNga’s musical career. These members have worked together on both studio albums and live performances.

^{maNga Band Members (}Ferman Akgül Official Website⁾

Ferman Akgül, one of the founding members, is also the group’s lyricist and lead vocalist. He has played a key role in shaping the group’s artistic identity through his stage performances and songwriting. Ferman Akgül has been central to the group’s national and international success.

Yağmur Sarıgül is the group’s guitarist and composer. He has also taken on the arrangement and production of many songs. He is one of the foundational pillars of the group’s creative process.

As the group’s drummer, Özgür Can Öney contributes to defining the distinctive rhythmic character of maNga’s music. His performances and technical skills enhance the group’s overall dynamics.

Cem Bahtiyar, the bass guitarist, plays a critical role in the group’s musical foundation. He supports the core rhythmic and harmonic structure of the band’s music.

In 2014, for the film Hadi İnşallah, the group re-arranged and re-recorded Sezen Aksu’s song “Yeniden Sev.”

The music for the 2015 film Takım: Mahalle Aşkına was also composed by the group.

For the 2024 film Aslan Hürkuş 4: Hürjet, the group re-arranged their earlier song “Hint Kumaşı” in a cinematic version titled “Zafer Bizim.” This version was accompanied by footage from Metin Erksan’s 1965 film Sevmek Zamanı.

• maNga+ (2004)
• Şehr-i Hüzün (2009)
• e-akustik (2012)
• Işıkları Söndürseler Bile (2014)
• Antroposen Pt.1 (2021)