Barış Akarsu

Barış Akarsu (1979–2007) was a Turkish rock singer and actor who became one of the most beloved voices of Turkish pop-rock in the 2000s. Before music, he worked as an entertainer at resorts in Antalya and later performed regularly at bars and on local television in Karadeniz Ereğli, which led him to join the talent show Academy Turkey. Winning the competition launched his move to Istanbul and his recording career.

His debut album Islak Islak established him as a rising star, followed by Düşmeden Bulutlarda Koşmam Gerek in 2006, which deepened his rock sound and songwriting, including self-composed tracks like «Ben» and «Yeter Be». Songs such as «Kimdir O», «Mavi» and «Vurdum En Dibe Kadar» became defining hits of his short but intense career, blending melodic rock with emotionally direct Turkish pop lyricism.

Akarsu died in July 2007 from injuries sustained in a car accident, at just 28 years old, while working on an unreleased third album. His death was a major loss for Turkish rock music, and his songs remain widely streamed and covered, cementing his status as an enduring cult figure in Turkish popular music.