Biography
Ferman Akgül was born on the 25th of December 1979 in Ankara, Turkey. He has been interested in music since high school where he discovered his passion and talent for composing music. He started his route to fame in Ankara's undergound music scene which drove him to start the search for his own band.
Inspired by the 90's nu metal bands his vision was to create a new type of band with a music style that would break the rules and launch a new music movement in Turkey. From a humble start behind the turntable, Ferman quickly realised that his strongest asset was his voice and song writing skills and he moved to the front.
In 2001, he ended his search for a band when he became a member and the lead singer of maNga.
Prior to the release of their first album, the band moved to Istanbul in a bid to start their professional music career. The first album, released as 'maNga' in December 2004 is one of the most successful and most sold album in Turkish rock history. The band received a Golden Record and a host of other awards following the release. Between the years of 2005-2009 the band toured Turkey and Europe extensively. In 2006, their song 'Bir Kadin Çizeceksin' was used as the FIFA06 soundtrack.
The second album "Sehr-i Hüzün" followed in 2009 and became an even bigger success.
In 2012 the "e-akustik" album was released to rave reviews. The eclectic acoustic project broadened maNga's fan base and established their name as a strong force in the European music community. Radio and television stations rallied to have the band perform live acoustic sets.
In 2014 maNga released their fourth album "Isiklari Söndürseler Bile" and once again topped the charts.
In 2015 maNga made the soundtrack for and appeared in the movie "Hadi Inshallah". The song became a major hit. The band continues to tour and produce music. A new album is expected by the end of 2017.
In 2009 Ferman and the other members of maNga had their sights set on international success. In 2009, they received the Best European Act award at the MTV European Music Awards. First and only time for a Turkish group.
Their big international break came in 2010, when they came second in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song 'We Could Be the Same'. The exposure made them known around Europe and in 2011, "Fly to Stay Alive" written and composed by Ferman, was released. The single topped the charts in several European countries including #1 on the MTV Adria Rock Chart.
maNga has performed as opening act for Korn, Linkin Park, Nine Inch Nails, The Cure, Offspring, Limp Bizkit, and Skin. They have headlined countless festivals and shows (Rock and Coke, Fanta, Vitebsk Slavianski Bazaar Belarus, Sziget Hungary, The Balkan Concerts Bosnia & Herzegovina, Balkan Music Awards Bulgaria, Belgrade Festival Serbia) and toured extensively through Europe. They also performed at New York City's "Istanbul Live" Central Park and London's O2 Academy Islington.
In 2016 Ferman released his first solo single under his own label 06 Records in collaboration with EMI - Universal Music Turkey. He proceeded to make a single with former French footballer Pascal Nouma that became a major summer hit and in March 2017 his solo album "Yürüyorum Içimde" was released.
As a solo artist, Ferman Akgül has co-written and produced several chart-topping songs with well-known Turkish artists including Göksel and Ozan Çolakoglu. Ferman have co-written and produced two songs in the EDM genre with Turkish DJ Birol "BeeGee" Giray which also lead to a tour.
Ferman is an award-winning music video director, receiving an award for best animation video of the year from Radio Bogaziçi. He has also successfully directed videos for major Turkish artists such as Sagopa Kajmer and Cartel.
Ferman created, produced and hosted "Kulaktan Kulaga" on Turkish State TV, TRT, for three seasons. The program was shot in different locations in Turkey. Ferman discovered and brought local musicians together with major popular stars to create an inspiring showcase of the strong links between Turkey's traditional and modern music culture. In 2016 Ferman hosted the popular children's show Aslan Max's Fun Factory and created the show's title track together with maNga.
In 2016 Ferman was cast as the pilot in the musical adaption of Antoine de Saint-Exupry famous novel "The Little Prince". The innovative take on the novel included holographic projections and a starstudded cast that thrilled audiences at Istanbul's prestigious Zorlu Performance Center.
Ferman is a regular columnist for magazines and newspapers and has among other places written in Billboard magazine, 46 magazine, Hurriyet and Vatan newspapers.
He is a passionate short story writer and in 2016 he published his first collection of short stories "Osmanli Cadisi Tirnova" in the mystic/fantasy genre.
Ferman is active in several charities. He is an ambassador for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and is an active wish-granter and motivational speaker on behalf of the charity. He is also passionate about supporting cancer foundations and lends his platforms and singing skills to create awareness about the cause.
Ferman has a bachelor in Architecture and a master in Cinematography. Ferman recorded his first album while working as an architect. He received an honorable mention award for a project he worked on with renowned Turkish architect Yavuz Selim Sepin. He is married to Danish national Bettina Kuperman and has two children.
MTV award winning frontman for rock band maNga, singer/songwriter, producer, director, actor and TV host. Ferman is one of Turkey's leading artists with a career that counts major hits both nationally and internationally and success that goes beyond music.
Born in 1979 in Ankara, Turkey, Ferman Akgül is the MTV Award winning lead singer and songwriter for legendary Turkish rock band maNga. Ferman Akgül's many talents have made him one of Turkey's most diverse artists. Ferman's educational background is architecture and cinematography, a skill that have made him a successful video director and arts commentator.
He has produced and hosted three seasons of his own music show on Turkish State TV, TRT, hosted the Aslan Max children's show and starred in a leading role in the award winning musical version of the classic story "The Little Prince".
In 2016 Ferman published his first collection of short stories "Osmanli Cadisi Tirnova". After two successful solo singles Ferman released his first solo album "Yürüyorum Içimde" on March 24th 2017.
In 2016 Ferman opened his own record label "06 Records". 06 Records is an independent record label, located in Istanbul and founded by Ferman Akgül and marketing and event executive Bettina Kuperman. The label is founded on a passion for creating music and developing successful artists. 06 Records organises high level music festivals and music competitions to drive talent discovery and development and give music lovers everywhere unforgettable experiences.
