British musician Yusuf Islam preparing for Türkiye concerts

By Ahmet Esad Sani and Salih Seref

ISTANBUL (AA) - British musician Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, will meet his fans in Türkiye in two concerts next month.

The world-famous singer will perform at Istanbul Ataturk Cultural Center on Oct. 19 and at CSO Ada Ankara on Oct. 23 as part of the Turkish Culture Road Festivals.

"The connection I have with my fans and with the people who listen to music, not just that but those people who think, they recognize me as somebody who has searched. I come from a totally different background, even my background was possibly negative towards Turkey at one time," Islam told Anadolu Agency in an interview.

Stevens left a mark during the 1960s and 1970s with his recordings and he converted to Islam in 1977, changing his name to Yusuf Islam.

"I was bold and rebellious, and I did not want to stay in the frame which I was born because I know there is more than that. I think that resonates with people," he said.

Islam revealed that the concerts in Türkiye held great importance to him and added that there would be surprises as well as some well-known songs.

The musician, who did not reveal the concert program, advised the audience to wait until the day of the performance.

When asked about his sentiments and ideas about Türkiye, the singer said he was constantly hoping for peace.

"Turkey has taken a lot of beatings in the past and pressures and I think music can sometimes take us to a place we do not find in this world," he said.