APOLAS LERMI – Pontian Musician from Trabzon
Apolas Lermi was born and raised in Trabzon, located in a northern region of Turkey, known as “Blacksea”. He became interested in music during high school, but focused on music even more while attending university. He has been involved with music since 2001. In addition, he has had numerous performances in various festivals all over Europe and Turkey. Apolas Lermi is known by his Pontian identity in Turkey.
He has two albums. His debut album is called “Kalandar” which was published in 2011. His second album, “Santa”, was published in 2014. He achieved success through these albums and was awarded many times. His songs were used in some movies, documentaries and TV Shows. His works and projects impacted many people by teaching them about Pontian language and culture. That’s why his projects take an important place in Pontian Culture.
His new album, Romeika 2016, contains Pontian and Greek songs. This album was published at the same time in Turkey and Greece. We dedicate this album to friendships between cultures and peace among people.
Kalandar 2011
Kalandar is the 13th of January in Blacksea. Kalandar means “Calendar”. It is New Year’s Day in Blacksea. Songs in the album are sang in Turkish and Blacksea Greek (Pontic Greeks). So, there is no similar works in Turkey. Pontic Greek is a kind of Indian-Europe languages and a kind of Greek languages. This language is spoken in Trabzon and some of other Blacksea cities. This language is different from modern Greek and spoken by persons who immigrated in 1923 to Greece, Russia, Georgia, Crimea, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.
This album has taken many compliments from the art environment as it is the one which holds initials, in itself, necessary for Turkey’s cultural wealth.
Santa 2014
SANTA which is Apolas Lermi’s second album is like the continuation of Kalandar in content.
Santa is the name of a Pontic village that is 45- 50 km far from Trabzon-Arsin-Araklı beach in the east of Black Sea. There have been very painful events in the past years in this village which was built by miners. As a result of these painful events, the village was plundered and peasants dispersed to various regions of the world. People who managed to stay in Santa were sent to Greece with the population exchange in 1923 (Treaty of Lausanne).
Apolas Lermi’s goal is to contribute the historical and cultural mind of Turkey by Santa. That project is a calling out to music of Anatolian and World. That shall be a gift to brotherhood of cultures.
Romeika 2016
His third album, Romeika 2016, contains Pontian and Greek songs.
This album was published at the same time in Turkey and Greece. We dedicate this album to friendships between cultures and peace among people.
Biographical information taken from the website of the artist
www.apolaslermi.com
Apolas Lermi INSTAGRAM :
https://www.instagram.com/apolaslermi
Apolas Lermi FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/apolaslermi
