Selin Sümbültepe’s ‘Hemhal’ is an Anthem for Heritage & Healing

SceneNoise contributor William Mahfoud dives into the mesmerising sounds of Turkish singer/songwriter Selin Sümbültepe and her latest collaboration with Zeid Hamdan ‘Hemhal’.

In the heart of Turkiye, near the Syrian border, lies a small village that has profoundly shaped the artistry of Selin Sümbültepe. Growing up surrounded by the rich cultural tapestry of Hatay, Selin’s fascination with music blossomed early. Her journey began in the warm embrace of Hatay’s vibrant traditions and was further shaped at the State Conservatory of Mersin University, where she trained as a flutist. But it was her transition to vocal performance at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in Istanbul that set her on the path to creating music uniquely her own.

After gaining experience as a backing vocalist for various Turkish pop artists, Selin’s ambition to create something personal grew. Her independently released debut album, ‘Cızgan’ (2017), and follow-up, ‘Ben Estim Sen Esme’ (2021), showcased her voice as a solo artist. Inspired by artists like Nick Drake, Erykah Badu, and the legendary Fairuz, she crafted a folk-pop fusion that blended Eastern melodies with Western elements - a sound that is distinctly her own.

A Bold Step Forward

A pivotal moment in Selin’s career came when she reached out to Zeid Hamdan, a revered figure in the Middle Eastern indie scene and one of her idols. In a bold message, she introduced herself, shared her music and expressed admiration for his work. To her surprise, Zeid, captivated by her voice (and their shared love for rollerblading), was eager to work together, sparking a collaboration that would reshape her career.

In 2024, Selin took a significant leap with ‘Hemhal’, an EP produced by Hamdan. The title, meaning “to unite,” reflects Selin’s commitment to honouring her heritage, especially after the devastating earthquake that struck Hatay in 2023. Through ‘Hemhal’, she channels her grief and journey toward healing, using music as a bridge to reconnect with everything she lost in the disaster.

A Serendipitous Collaboration

Selin and Zeid’s collaboration unfolded in a five-day recording session in Turkiye. Known for his spontaneous approach, Zeid arranged to use his friend Ziad Siblawi’s studio in exchange for producing a free advertisement, a creative barter that gave the duo space to experiment. Over those five days, the duo created four tracks and bonded over their “clumsy” Arabic, as Zeid playfully described it.

The Narrative of Hemhal

At the heart of ‘Hemhal’ lies Selin’s personal narrative, steeped in the multicultural environment of her upbringing. Her early life was intertwined with Arabic language and traditions, elements that resonate deeply in her music. For Selin, ‘Hemhal’ is a journey back to her roots, a therapeutic process of touching and preserving her cultural tapestry. As she explains, “By reconnecting with my roots, I felt closer to everything I lost.” She brings her listeners into a space of resilience and unity, inviting them to explore both individual and collective healing.

The five-track EP opens with ‘Ma Ureedu’, a groovy love song that seamlessly blends pop with Middle Eastern influences and dub elements. Its high-energy, passionate vocals, written by her great-grandmother, are well-rooted yet work extremely well in a pop context. In contrast, ‘Derbest’ captures a journey through emotional landscapes filled with contradictions - between desire for connection and comfort in isolation, between understanding and ambiguity. It evokes a sense of yearning for authenticity while grappling with the complexities of self-perception and emotional vulnerability. The imagery of dreams, knots, and reflections creates a rich tapestry that invites listeners to explore their own feelings of isolation and connection.

The third song, ‘Meryem Meryemti’, is a poignant track that is well-known in Hatay, resonating with everyone from children to the elderly. While it carries a deeply sad narrative, it has transformed over the years into an anonymous lament often played at weddings, embodying a bittersweet joy. Selin feels incredibly fortunate to have shot the video to this song in her hometown, surrounded by the dear women who supported her.

‘Tekbar Tekrar’, the only song that was recorded after the other four tracks, artfully combines the distinct voices of Selin and Maii Waleed, creating a quirky beat that reflects the confusion and uncertainty in relationships. As reflected on the video’s caption, “Relationships are like a labyrinth of riddles. Nothing stays as it is, it takes shape.This song tells us that relationships are full of surprises, whether your desires and dreams come true is totally unknown.”

Closing out the EP, ‘Rabih’ features a passionate composition driven by lyrics written from the point-of-view of migrant children fleeing her village of Hatay to Syria. The song evokes feelings of childish joy, wonder, but has a sad undertone that reflects the complex geopolitical climate in the region of Southern Turkiye and Northern Syria.

Looking Ahead: A New Stage in Her Career

Selin has captivated audiences across Turkiye, performing at festivals like Istanbul Caz Festivali, Bursa Nilüfer Müsik Festivali, and Bozcaada Caz Festivali. Her work has earned attention both locally and internationally, reaching global listeners through outlets like BBC Sounds’ ‘The Arts Hour’. Now, Selin is eager to bring her music to European stages, sharing her message with an even broader audience.

With ‘Hemhal’, Selin Sümbültepe embarks on a transformative phase in her career. While her sound evolves, her dedication to storytelling remains, allowing her to move fluidly across genres while staying true to her roots. As she continues her artistic journey, fans can expect more daring, genre-blending music from Selin, with recording plans alongside Zeid already on the horizon.

The Power of SWANA Music

Selin’s music speaks to a global audience with a sense of discovery, urging listeners to engage with the universality of sound. With ‘Hemhal’, MDLBEAST Records reinforces its influence in the alternative music scene, showcasing artists like Selin who push the boundaries of SWANA music. Her release reflects the label’s vision of transcending borders, reaching indie music scenes in Turkiye, Egypt, Lebanon and beyond.

A Testament to Artistic Growth

Selin Sümbültepe’s journey from a village in Hatay to collaborating with cultural icon Zeid Hamdan is a testament to her dedication and vision. ‘Hemhal’ is not just an EP - it’s a declaration of identity, a celebration of heritage, and a courageous step into a larger musical landscape. As Selin continues to evolve, her music serves as a reminder of the power of resilience, unity, and the timeless beauty of shared human experience.