18.08.2025 15:39
Turkish folk music artist Banu Kırbağ, known for her songs "Unutulur" and "Ölsem de Bir Kalsam da Bir," passed away at the age of 74. Throughout her music journey, which began in 1969, she created many unforgettable works.
"Forgotten" and "Whether I Die or Stay" are songs that have left a mark in memory, Turkish Folk Music artist Banu Kırbağ passed away at the age of 74.
The news of the artist's passing was announced by singer and actress Melike Demirağ through a post on her Instagram account. In her statement, Demirağ said, "My dear friend from my youth, my colleague, my former sister-in-law, my friend Banu has bid farewell to this world. May her soul be in the light. May she meet her loved ones in other dimensions. We loved you very much. You will not be forgotten with your unforgettable song."
"SHE WAS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VOICES OF MY CHILDHOOD"
Another post came from Prof. Dr. Şengül Hablemitoğlu. Hablemitoğlu used the following expressions in a statement on her X account, a US-based social media platform: "Banu Kırbağ has passed away at the age of 74. She was one of the most beautiful voices of my childhood. She has been etched in my memory with the song 'Whether I Die or Stay.' When I hear the news now, this song comes to my mind first. When someone from our old country, from our youth passes away, we lose a part of ourselves too. As the ones who remain, we become a little more alienated from this world, from the place we live."
LEFT UNFORGETTABLE WORKS
Banu Kırbağ began her music career in 1969 by performing as a soloist in the school orchestra. She then took a step into professional music life by receiving education at the Istanbul Municipal Conservatory.
The artist, after releasing 4 singles and 1 album with the group she formed with her brother in 1972, focused on her solo career. Kırbağ achieved great success in 1978 with her works "Whether I Die or Stay" and "Forgotten," but her album "I Can't Explain," released in 1982, did not achieve the expected success.
Later, the artist turned to composing, gaining the appreciation of music lovers in 1984 with her compositions of poets' works.