Ane Brun Cancels Istanbul Concert in Solidarity with Protesters

Ane Brun canceled her Istanbul concert due to protests following the jailing of Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.

Ane Brun’s Decision to Cancel the Concert

Norwegian songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist Ane Brun has made headlines for canceling her upcoming concert in Istanbul this fall. The decision came after many Turkish fans took to social media, urging the artist to reconsider her performance due to political unrest in the city. Brun, who is of Sámi origin, expressed her solidarity with the demonstrators, stating «I’m standing with you».

The Background of the Protests

The protests in Istanbul were ignited by the jailing of the city’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, on 19 March 2025. Demonstrations erupted in response, with hundreds of thousands taking to the streets, fuling calls for change. The opposition CHP party has urged a boycott of companies perceived to support the ruling government led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Among these companies is DBL Entertainment, which was set to promote Brun’s concert.

Ane Brun’s Acknowledgment

Upon realizing the sensitivity of the situation, Brun publicly thanked her fans for bringing the issue to her attention. «I had been looking forward to playing for you, my Turkish fans, but unfortunately, this is not the right time», she wrote on her social media. This sentiment showcases her commitment to her fans and the importance she places on standing with those who are affected by social injustices.