Хакан Кайа (Hakan Kaya)

Born into a family of musicians in Istanbul, Hakan Kaya was introduced to Turkish Folk Music through the bağlama (saz) as a youth. This early exposure to music served as a catalyst to Hakan's subsequent curiosity towards the rhythms found at the heart of the rich, multi-cultural Anatolian Folk Music tradition. In learning the bendir and darbuka, he began his persistent exploration of this music from the perspective of a percussionist. At age 17, Hakan's love of Eastern rhythms, took him as far as Varanasi, India.

At Varanasi University's world-renowned center for musical exploration, Hakan received tabla instruction from the famous master Ran Kumar Mishra. Under such musical and spiritual influence, Hakan was met with the unique opportunity to investigate and synthesize two complementary cultures' musical perspectives and techniques.

Upon his return to Istanbul seven months later, Hakan began exhibiting his talent alongside such prominent musicians as Aynur Doğan (in Iraq), Cavit Murtezaoğlu (in Iran), Adile Yardığı, Cem Yildiz, and the Orient Expressions.

FABRICA, the United Colors of Benetton's communication research foundation, invited Hakan as Turkey's representative in launching an international multimedia musical theater production. In accordance with its Latin name, the 'Credo' (belief) project brought together musicians of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds from North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Under the direction of American musician David Moss, the 'Credo' project's artists came together in Italy in preparation for their gala performance at Aya Irini in Istanbul. Hakan's participation in 'Credo' continues, with upcoming concerts to be announced.

In addition to his current projects with Istanbul based group Native Project, Hakan is also a co-founder and co-director of Sound Fabrika Studios.