National Geographic Music (National Geographic)

Melike is the name of a rising vocalist from Turkey who is currently based in Ghent, Belgium. However, little is known about this artist apart from the fact that her musical interests go well beyond her country's traditional music to embrace rootsy sounds from Latin America and Europe as well.

Melike grew up listening to the classical Turkish music her parents brought to Ghent in their suitcases. She studied Eastern and Western singing techniques and has established a group with her Iraqi husband, Osama Abdulrasol. He is behind the sumptuous arrangements of Melika's first release, Macar. The band brings together a Moroccan percussionist, a Turkish saz player and Flemish artists in an exchange that is well dosed and gripping.

— Courtesy Calabash Music