Turkish drummer wins Swedish music award

By Atila Altuntas

STOCKHOLM (AA) - A Turkish-origin jazz drummer has been named as 2017's best musician by Swedish state radio.

Sveriges Radio announced on Tuesday that Robert Sinan Mehmet Ikiz, 38, had topped a public poll to find the country’s best musician for this year.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Ikiz -- who has made music since he was a child -- said he drew inspiration from other successful Turkish artists, such as Baris Manco -- a popular rock musician, composer and actor.

"The music I started listening to was Baris Manco while playing tin cans in Istanbul… [I am] very proud to win Sweden's most prestigious music award," he added.

Ikiz was first nominated for the award in September last year, alongside four other musicians.

Born in Istanbul, Ikiz moved to Sweden when he was a child. He studied music in Stockholm and the U.S. before beginning a career which has seen him perform all over Europe.