Tulumcu Kadir

Kadir Gelleci, known as "Tulumcu Kadir," was born in Germany in 1991 and hails originally from the Çarşıbaşı district of Trabzon. Aiming to keep Black Sea culture alive in Europe, the artist has cultivated a unique style by blending tulum (bagpipe) music with a modern musical sensibility.

Embarking on his musical journey in 2012, the artist honed his skills by receiving instruction from Mahmut Turan, one of the prominent figures of tulum music. While remaining faithful to traditional Black Sea melodies, he has successfully introduced the tulum to younger generations through his work incorporating Hip-Hop, Pop, and modern musical arrangements.

To date, Tulumcu Kadir has performed in numerous European countries most notably Germany, France, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom showcasing his talents at weddings, festivals, highland celebrations, and private events. Having also appeared on TRT and Mavi Karadeniz television channels, the artist continues his work as one of the leading ambassadors of Black Sea music in Europe.

Also distinguished as a studio musician, Kadir Gelleci has participated in collaborative projects with renowned artists such as İsmail Türüt, Hülya Polat, Apolas Lermi, Marsis, Erol Şahin, and Ünal Sofuoğlu, contributing the distinctive sound of the tulum to a wide array of musical works.

In addition to his stage performances, the artist supports the transmission of this cultural heritage to future generations by providing tulum instruction to young people; he continues his mission to keep Black Sea music alive in Europe and to share it with ever-wider audiences.

Originating in Mannheim, this musical journey continues today to serve as the voice of the Black Sea across many corners of Europe.