Irada Mikayilova
Technozone.io — Baku-born music producer, songwriter, and DJ Irada Mikayilova has officially returned to the electronic music scene with a powerful new release: a reinterpretation of Sarı Gəlin, one of Azerbaijan’s most iconic folk songs. The track, released in collaboration with Café De Anatolia, blends the emotional depth of traditional Azerbaijani music with the driving rhythms of afro house and melodic techno.
Background & Career
Irada is no newcomer to the world of music. For years, she worked as a songwriter for some of Azerbaijan’s most recognized pop and rock artists. Her compositions gained international recognition, including a third-place award at Sanremo Junior in Italy, where she collaborated with Jamal Gasimov.
A decade ago, she briefly stepped into the DJ and production scene, but later took time away from the industry to focus on raising her family. Now, she has re-emerged with a renewed creative vision, determined to merge her cultural heritage with modern electronic sounds.
The Release: Sarı Gəlin
The song Sarı Gəlin has long been considered a cultural treasure in Azerbaijan, performed across generations in multiple styles. Mikayilova’s version introduces it to the global electronic landscape. Featuring vocals by Ulviyya Rahimova, the track carefully preserves the emotional and melodic core of the folk song, while placing it in a hypnotic afro house framework designed for today’s dancefloors.
Irada explains: “This wasn’t just a remix — it needed to be a respectful reintroduction of a cultural treasure. I wanted to protect its essence while giving it new life in electronic form.”
Collaboration with Café De Anatolia
The release comes under Café De Anatolia, a label recognized worldwide for its curation of organic and ethnic deep house. For Mikayilova, the collaboration represents more than a contract — it’s a partnership rooted in shared artistic values.
“Working with Café De Anatolia has been very special. They supported my vision and gave me the chance to share my music with an international audience,” she said.
Industry Insight
The release highlights a growing trend in electronic music: reimagining heritage through modern genres. By combining traditional folk influences with afro house and techno structures, Mikayilova demonstrates how electronic music continues to act as a cultural bridge — uniting past and future, East and West.
Looking Forward
With Sarı Gəlin already drawing attention, Mikayilova has confirmed that more projects are underway. While details remain under wraps, she has hinted at exploring deeper emotions and new rhythms in her upcoming releases, again in collaboration with Café De Anatolia.
Conclusion
Irada Mikayilova’s return marks not just a comeback, but a cultural statement. Her work exemplifies the direction in which electronic music is evolving — authentic, globally aware, and deeply personal.
For Technozone.io, her story reflects a wider industry shift: as vlogs and short-form content dominate other platforms, artists who blend tradition with innovation are finding new opportunities to connect with audiences worldwide.
Sarı Gelin by Irada Mikaylova/ 21 August 2025 / released via Cafe De Anatolia
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