Erci Ergün, a member of Cartel, the Turkish rap band which had skyrocketed to popularity in Turkey and Europe in 1990s, has met young fans of rap music in Germany where he was entertained by Yunus Emre Institute's Cologne Branch.

Interviewed by Karin Engele, Erci Ergün talked about his memories in Germany and Turkey starting from the formation of Cartel. Noting that Cartel was established by merging two different rap bands, Ergün indicated that they became popular by producing rap music in Turkish in 1990s.

Erci Ergün: Young people should adopt the positive aspects of both cultures

Following the interview, Ergün answered questions from the guests. Ergün stated that the young people who grow up in Germany have a chance to acquire the positive sides of both cultures and it is essential to be aware of this important responsibility.

During the event, the band's video clips entitled "Gel gel gel Cartel'e gel" and "Deutschland Sensin" were screened.

CARTEL

The band Cartel, formed by Turkish youth who grew up in Germany, became popular by spearheading the Turkish rap music in 1990s. The band made history by being the first and only Turkish rap band that could fill İnönü Stadium with its fans, and its popularity gave rise to the emergence of a sort of modern minstrelsy among Turkish youth living in Germany.

This style of music that does not require expensive equipment or special lyrics had served as a medium in which Turkish-German youth could express their expectations from society.