Turkish folk singer dies after collapsing on stage

Turkish folk singer Volkan Konak has passed away aged 58 after collapsing while performing on stage with his band.

Konak suffered a medical emergency during his concert at the Grand Sapphire Resort & Casino in the city of Iskele in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on 30 March.

He was treated at the venue before being transported to hospital, but was pronounced dead in the early hours on Monday (31 March). News of his passing was confirmed by the health ministry of TRNC.

A revered artist in the Turkish music community, Konak released more than a dozen albums in his near 40-year music career.

“His powerful voice that shook our hearts, his songs that brought the rebellious wind of the Black Sea will now live on in our memories”

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of a great asset to the art community,” reads a social media post by the venue.

The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism said Konak’s work would “live on in our memories”, while Ankara mayor Mansur Yavaş paid tribute to the “Son of the North”.

“His powerful voice that shook our hearts, his songs that brought the rebellious wind of the Black Sea will now live on in our memories,” added Yavaş. “He was not just an artist; he was always the voice, heart and friend of these lands.”

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