Ezhel facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ezhel
Ezhel in 2018
Born	Sercan İpekçioğlu (1991-07-01) 1 July 1991 (age 34)
Other names	CJ Ais Ezhel Ice Ezhel
Citizenship	Turkey
Occupation	Rapper singer songwriter
Years active	2008–present
Musical career
Genres	Hip hop reggae trap
Instruments	Vocals
Labels	VooDoo KOAL
Associated acts	Afra Tafra Kökler Filizleniyor

Sercan İpekçioğlu (born 1 July 1991), known by his stage name Ezhel, is a Turkish rapper and singer. His music mixes different styles like trap, hip hop, and reggae. One of his songs, "AYA," has been listened to over 80 million times on Spotify. He is sometimes called the "Freestyle King" in the hip hop world.

Ezhel's Musical Journey

Ezhel grew up in a family that loved music. His mother was a traditional dancer, and his uncle worked with music and sound. Ezhel received a scholarship to a special school. There, he started listening to famous American rappers like Eminem and Tupac Shakur. He also learned some Kurmanji, a Kurdish language. He sometimes uses Kurdish words and ideas in his songs.

Early Life and Music

When Ezhel was 12, he became very interested in rap music. By age 15, he decided to leave high school to focus on his music dream. Later, he discovered Bob Marley and the ideas of Rastafari. Ezhel felt that the rebellious spirit of rap and the philosophy of Rastafarianism fit well together.

At 18, he started performing with a reggae band called Afra Tafra. After that band, he formed his own reggae group, Kökler Filizleniyor. He played with friends from Ankara. Before 2017, he used the name Ais Ezhel. This name came from the English word "ice," showing his creative way with words.

Ezhel can also play the bağlama, a Turkish string instrument, and the guitar. He sings reggae with his band Kökler Filizleniyor. His first album, Müptezhel, was released in 2017.

Challenges and Recognition

In 2018, Ezhel faced some legal challenges related to his music. However, he was found not guilty very quickly in his first court hearing. His lawyer said that justice was served.

In May 2019, The New York Times newspaper mentioned Ezhel as one of the European pop artists everyone should know. Since 2019, Ezhel has been living in Berlin, Germany. He has explained that he believes he might face more legal issues if he returns to Turkey.

Ezhel has also spoken about his support for the Kurdish people. He believes in unity and finding solutions for everyone in Turkey. He has said that he loves his country and wants all its different cultures to live together peacefully.

Cultural and Identity Views

Ezhel often talks about his background and cultural connections. He has said, "I speak Kurdish, yes, and I share posts about Amedspor. I love this country in a way you’ve never tried to love it." His support for the Kurdish people and their culture has led to many discussions.

He also shared his thoughts on Turkey's diverse cultures. He mentioned, "Rum (Greeks) have already left, Armenians have already left, and if the Kurds leave, my heart will no longer bear it." These words show his wish for all cultures to stay and thrive in Turkey.

Ezhel has also discussed his personal beliefs. In 2018, he said he was not a Christian. However, in later years, he shared that he had become a Christian. This decision was a topic of conversation among his fans.

Ezhel's music, his views on culture, and his personal journey continue to inspire many. He is an important artist in both Turkish and global music.

Music Albums and Songs

Ezhel has released several albums and many single songs.

Studio Albums

• Müptezhel (2017)
• Lights Out (with Ufo361) (2019)
• Made in Turkey (with Murda) (2020)
• Derdo (2024)

Singles

Awards and Achievements

Ezhel has won several awards for his music.