A supporter of women's rights, Turkish pop singer Sultana is known for her swaggering, socially conscious hip-hop that blends traditional Turkish rhythms with downtempo electronica. She first garnered attention with the single "Kuşu Kalkmaz" off her 2000 debut album, Çerkez Kızı. While her song was banned in her homeland, it helped build interest in Sultana, who has continued to release thought-provoking productions, including 2008's Şöhret Yolu, the 2015 single "Biz Neysek," and the 2019 Konqistador collaboration "Nafada."

Born and raised in Turkey, Sultana initially made waves in summer 2000 when her single "Kuşu Kalkmaz," from debut record Çerkez Kızı, was banned by the country's Supreme Board of Radio and Television (RTUK) for being too sexually explicit. Loosely translated as "Can't Get It Up," the song boosted demand for the vocalist, who rapped in both Turkish and English. She went on to perform with free funk pioneers Jamaaladeen Tacuma and Burhan Oçal, as well as participating in tours of both Europe and America. Momentum continued to build, and Çerkez Kızı eventually saw widespread release in both the U.K. and America. In 2003, Sultana worked with Delerium, contributing vocals to several of the group's songs, before returning to her own music with her sophomore album, 2008's Şöhret Yolu. She has remained an outspoken proponent of women's rights, releasing the 2015 female empowerment single "Biz Neysek" and the 2019 collaboration with Konqistador "Nafada." ~ Matt Collar