In a heartfelt celebration of artistic legacy, a tribute album titled Na, ne tene me (No, I am not alone) has been launched to honor Mehmet Alti’s remarkable 30-year journey in the arts. Spearheaded by the talented artist Mirady, this project features contributions from over 50 distinguished artists, including notable figures such as Nizamettin Aric, Brader, Tara Jaf, and Pervin Cakar.

The album is not just a musical endeavor; it is complemented by an accompanying book and documentary that delve into Alti’s creative process through his notes and lyrics. Mirady has played a pivotal role in orchestrating this tribute – from curating the artist lineup to deciding which pieces each artist would interpret and overseeing the arrangements.

A trailblazer in Kurdish music

Reflecting on his experience with tribute albums, Mirady emphasizes that while there have been other Kurdish tribute albums in the past, this project stands out as the most comprehensive one to date. It encapsulates not only the essence of Alti’s work, but also fosters a sense of community among artists who share a profound respect for his contributions.

“In 2014, we embarked on a remarkable musical journey with the creation of Pesk, an album that featured a diverse array of artists and was released as a two-CD set. This project not only included a tribute album by Fikri Kutlay, but also encompassed a Zazaki tribute album. Today, we proudly present this fourth installment, marking it as the most comprehensive tribute album to date, showcasing maximum participation from talented contributors.

“Reflecting on my past experiences, I recall my involvement in Pesk, which celebrated the poetry of Bro Omeri. Additionally, I had the honor of contributing as both an artist and composer to projects inspired by the immortal works of poets Metin Altiok and Behcet Aysan, who tragically left this world during the 1993 Sivas massacre,” Mirady recalled.

“The insights gained from these collaborations fueled my passion for proposing this new work. During discussions with Mehmet Alti, our conversations often circled back to it. When we finally presented our vision for the album to him, he embraced it with enthusiasm. Following its release, the concept for an accompanying book and documentary began to take shape as he commenced recording further material,” Mirady said.

The inaugural tribute album, which was debut in September 2024, showcases a remarkable collaboration among three generations of musicians. Among the first-generation artists are notable figures such as Brader, Tara Jaff, Nizamettin Aric, and Metin Kahraman. The second-generation features peers of Mehmet Alti, seasoned musicians who have dedicated nearly three decades to their craft. Mirady expressed optimism for the younger generation, stating, “I am particularly hopeful for them, as they have wholeheartedly embraced this album and contributed significantly.”

The meticulous process of selecting artists and curating the repertoire involved extensive preparation. This project released in three parts; which contains forty-four tracks.

Bridges of solidarity and co-production

Mehmet Alti stands out as a pivotal figure in the evolution of modern Kurdish music, following the influential Ciwan Haco. His innovative approach to composition and harmony has redefined urban music within the genre. As noted by Mirady, Alti’s profound impact is evident in the vocal styles of numerous contemporary musicians, including Mem Ararat, who regard him as a significant source of inspiration.

It is essential for future generations to recognize Alti’s contributions and build upon them, ensuring that Kurdish music continues to evolve and flourish. By honoring his legacy, emerging artists can elevate the genre to new heights, enriching its cultural tapestry for years to come.

In our conversation with Alti, a truly prolific artist, whose journey began with the Koma Denge Azadi Group 30 years ago, we asked him: “What fuels your remarkable productivity, and what inspired you to create this album?”

“My dedication to music is paramount,” he explained. “I immerse myself in it daily – whether I’m walking alone, experimenting with instruments, or reflecting in the quiet hours after everyone else has gone to bed. Music is not just my profession; it’s my way of thinking and living. My commitment to creating new songs stems from both a personal need and a responsibility to my audience. They deserve fresh lyrics that resonate with their experiences.

“This album aims to showcase that Kurds are actively participating in contemporary music production, paralleling global artistic movements. We strive to showcase how our identity is normalized and resilient against external pressures, fueled by our labor, creativity, and innovative spirit. Our mission is to foster solidarity and collaborative efforts among Kurdish artists, creating a vibrant network that celebrates our cultural heritage while promoting artistic expression,” Alti said.

In his latest album, Alti expresses a profound sense of connection and belonging. He proudly acknowledges the contributions of an impressive ensemble of over 50 artists, featuring both seasoned talents like Nizamettin Aric Brader, Tara Jaf, and Pervin Cakar, alongside emerging voices such as Simir Rudan, Ferit Sevim, and Murat Demir. The album’s title, Na, ne tene me, encapsulates Alti’s sentiment: it reassures him that he is not alone in his artistic journey.

Alti reflects on the significance of having such a diverse group interpret his songs. He feels that their willingness to engage with his music validates his 30 years of dedication to the craft. This recognition from peers is not only an honor, but also a testament to the camaraderie within the music community. For Alti, this collaborative spirit brings him immense joy and reinforces the belief that his hard work has made a meaningful impact.

The interplay of literature and music

Alti, a prolific composer, has not only penned his own written works in Kurmanci and Zazaki, but has also drawn inspiration from esteemed poets like Arjen Ari, Abdullah Pesew, Kamuran Ali Bedirxan, Kemal Burkay, and Mazhar Kara. His profound connection to literature is evident in his reflections: “Literature, akin to music, serves as a lens through which we can explore reality, society, and the essence of life.”

Alti elaborates on this synergy by stating that while music communicates through sound – a distinct language – literature constructs entire worlds through words and linguistic nuances. This enduring bond between the two art forms is a testament to their historical significance and ongoing relevance.

He emphasizes his personal journey of growth and understanding through literature, highlighting its invaluable role in shaping his artistic expression. “Reinterpreting the musicality inherent in poetry profoundly enhances my compositions and songs. As both a literature enthusiast and a composer, I engage deeply with poetic texts, transforming them into musical expressions. This dynamic relationship between literature and music is crucial, especially for languages facing challenges like ours. By fostering a synergy between these two art forms, I not only celebrate their interconnectedness, but also adopt a political stance that serves as a form of resistance against cultural erosion.”

Mevlüt Oğuz is a journalist, poet, and activist working in the fields of civil society, culture, and the arts. He is a member of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the Kurdish PEN affiliated to International PEN, and the Istanbul branch of the Human Rights Association (İHD).