By: Bethany Davidson
En Derin bridges Turkish Rap, US Hip Hop, and UK Grime music for an international audience
En Derin, born Derin Çağ in Güzelyurt, Northern Cyprus, is one of the most exciting artists to emerge from the Turkish Cypriot community.
Raised in a culturally diverse environment, En Derin’s music combines the emotional depth of traditional Turkish music with the hard-hitting beats of Hip Hop and even the pulsating energy of Electronic Dance Music (EDM).
En Derin’s journey from the streets of North Cyprus to the international music scene is a testament to his unique artistic vision and relentless pursuit of innovation.
Growing up in a household encouraging creativity, En Derin began playing the piano at the age of eight. His early musical education included Classical Turkish music and Western classical compositions by legends such as Beethoven and Mozart, along with influences from liberal artists like Bob Marley and Ahmet Kaya.
“I’ve always been fascinated by how music can tell a story, whether through a traditional liberal song or a piano sonata by Beethoven. Both worlds shaped me,” he shared during a chat with the author. This eclectic foundation would later influence his ability to seamlessly blend genres, creating a sound that is distinctly his own.
From North Cyprus to London: The Evolution of En Derin’s Music
In 1996, his family relocated to London, where he was exposed to the city’s dynamic music culture. “London was a game-changer for me. It was the first time I experienced UK Garage in its rawest form. During those early years, Bushkin from Heartless Crew became his mentor and a lifelong supporter of his career.
“The underground scene here was so alive, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it,” En Derin explained. His exposure to the UK music scene fueled his passion for creating music even more that resonated on the dancefloor and carried a message.
By the time he was 16, En Derin had already completed a course in music production and was working as a sound engineer. This behind-the-scenes experience gave him a technical edge, allowing him to control his sound fully.
En Derin’s ability to blend Turkish rhythms with urban beats became a hallmark of his music. In 2010, he released his first single, “Tomorrow,” a track that reflected the uncertainties of life and the hope for better days ahead. “Tomorrow was about pushing through. Life doesn’t always give you answers right away, but there’s always hope for a better future,” En Derin shares.
En Derin has broken new ground for his community as the first Turkish Cypriot rapper to be broadcast on Cyprus’ GENÇ TV and FIRST FM. “Being the first was humbling, but it also came with responsibility. I wanted to show that our culture could stand shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the world’s music,” he says. His success wasn’t just in Cyprus—En Derin’s tracks consistently topped London’s ReverbNation Hip Hop charts in 2010, even surpassing other notable artists like Akala.
‘Dans Edelim’ – A Bilingual Success Story
One of En Derin’s notable achievements is his multilingual track, ‘Dans Edelim’, which showcases his versatility as an artist.
Performed in both English and Turkish, the song resonated with a broad audience and garnered over 800,000 views on YouTube. The infectious rhythm, paired with En Derin’s seamless flow between languages, made it a standout track in his discography.
“Music transcends language, and this song reflects that,” En Derin explained to the author. This song further cemented his role as a cultural bridge, blending genres and languages to create something universally appealing.
En Derin continues to evolve as an artist, blending Turkish and Middle Eastern influences with global sounds like Hip Hop, Grime, and even Dance. His recent project, EDM Odyssey: The Ultimate Dance Experience, showcases his ability to create cultural bridges through music.
“I want people to dance, but I also want them to feel the depth of where the music comes from—whether it’s the beats of Cyprus or the underground clubs of London,” he explains.
Richtopia Founder En Derin: Where Music and Business Converge
As both a musician and an entrepreneur, En Derin is always looking ahead. He founded Richtopia, a magazine that explores leadership and innovation across industries, which global leaders like Richard Branson and Paulo Coelho have praised.
“Music and business aren’t all that different—they’re both about storytelling and creating something that moves people,” he reflects.
En Derin’s journey is far from over, and his impact on the global music scene is just beginning. His ability to innovate and experiment across genres while staying true to his roots makes him an artist to watch in the coming years. “Music has no borders,” he says. “People will listen as long as you’re telling a real story.”
Published by: Khy Talara
