Murda

Önder Doğan, widely recognized by his stage name Murda, is a prominent Turkish-Dutch rapper, singer, and songwriter born on January 30, 1984. His multifaceted career in music has established him as a significant figure in both the Dutch and Turkish music scenes. Murda’s journey began in Eindhoven, Netherlands, where he first garnered attention after meeting SpaceKees, who introduced him to Jiggy Djé’s tour. This opportunity led to Murda becoming the first artist signed to the Noah’s Ark label, setting the stage for his subsequent success.

Murda’s initial foray into the music industry involved collaborations with Fresku, forming the duo Militant Union under the moniker TURK. In 2009, he released his debut EP, “De Turkse Pizza EP,” followed by his first album, “De Kassier: Een Monnie Album,” with FS Green in 2010. His growing popularity in the Dutch music scene was complemented by a lead role in the movie “Gangsterboys,” which earned a Gouden Film award. Murda’s presence extended to television with appearances in “Flikken Maastricht” and “Van God Los,” and in 2020, he served as a judge on “The Voice” in Turkey, reaching over 15 million live viewers.

Murda’s discography showcases his versatility and collaborations with various artists. His studio albums include “Bruin Brood” (2017), “BABA” (2019), “DOĞA” (2020), and “Made in Turkey” (2020) with Ezhel. This partnership with Ezhel produced chart-topping tracks like “Aya” and “Bi Sonraki Hayatımda Gel,” each surpassing 100 million streams on Spotify. “Aya” notably became the first Turkish song to achieve this milestone, highlighting Murda’s impact on the Turkish music industry.

Murda’s extensive list of singles and EPs further underscores his prolific output and collaborative spirit. Notable tracks include “Hot Baklava” (2023) with Geenaro & Ghana Beats, Summer Cem, and Ezhel; “Sen Dönene Kadar” (2023) featuring Hadise; “Salt Bae” (2022); and “Konum Gizli” (2022) featuring Mero. His ability to blend different musical influences is evident in his works, from the energetic beats of “RARRii” (2022) to the heartfelt melodies of “Fıstık” (2023).

Living in Turkey has profoundly influenced Murda’s music and personal life. He has often remarked on the cultural differences between Turkish and Dutch audiences, noting the former’s more passionate support. His love for Turkish culture is reflected in his solo album “DOĞA,” which includes Turkish vocals from Dutch artists like Ronnie Flex and Idaly. This cultural amalgamation has become a hallmark of Murda’s music, resonating with fans across borders.

Fatherhood is a central theme in Murda’s life, with him prioritizing his role as a father alongside his career as a rapper. His personal experiences, including overcoming challenges and navigating dual identities, are woven into his music, offering authenticity and relatability to his audience.

Murda envisions a future with more representation of Turkish-Dutch artists in various creative fields. His desire to see more Turkish people succeed in music, film, and other arts reflects his commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive artistic community.

From Rotterdam to Istanbul, Murda’s journey epitomizes the blend of cultural influences and the pursuit of artistic excellence. With over 1 billion streams on Spotify and a repertoire of hits that span continents, Murda has firmly established himself as a global artist, continually pushing the boundaries of his craft.