With electrified saz, voice and machines, the “Shaman of Modern Times” Cem Yıldız pushes the boundaries of Anatolian folk music and transports audiences into the universe of Istanbul’s urban sounds. At GROUNDS, he will be presenting his latest album, Alemane (2026).

Nicknamed “Acid-Dede” or “Electro-Ashik” in reference to the troubadours and poets of Anatolia, Cem Yıldız continues the long lineage of these bards of freedom and tolerance, who, saz in hand and poetry on their lips, have traversed the centuries. His journey, which began with the album “HÜ”- composed of Alevi songs – has deepened with the groups Orient Expressions and Insanlar. His international hits “Stil”, “Ejma” and “Atlas”, in collaboration with Acid Arab, are also part of this ever-evolving sonic exploration.

On stage, he blends shamanic ambiance, rhythmic dance elements, and acid folk/techno sounds in his improvisation-driven performances. From the Montreux Jazz Festival to Sonar Barcelona, Cem Yıldız has performed on stages of the major world and electronic music festivals, constantly reinventing his sound signature.