Mabel Matiz
A Turkish pop visionary who blends poetic, often mystical lyrics with lush, genre-defying soundscapes to create deeply emotional anthems.
Born 1985 (age 41)·Turkish singer-songwriter·Birthday: August 31·Millennials
Biography
Born Fatih Karaca in 1985, the artist who would become Mabel Matiz emerged from Turkey's vibrant music scene with a sound that refused to be pinned down. His stage name, a playful nod to a brand of felt-tip pens, hints at the colorful and indelible mark he aimed to make. Matiz's breakthrough came not through traditional pop formulas but through a bold, almost theatrical approach that wove together folk melodies, electronic textures, and operatic vocal flourishes. His 2013 album 'Mabeyin' was a turning point, establishing him as a songwriter of profound emotional depth, with tracks like 'Öyle Kolay Mı?' and 'Gök Nerede' becoming cultural touchstones. He commands a fiercely devoted fanbase, drawn to his vulnerability and the cinematic scale of his music, which transforms personal longing into universal anthems. More than a pop star, Matiz operates as a sonic auteur, crafting immersive worlds that have redefined the possibilities of contemporary Turkish music.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Mabel was born in 1985, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Mabel Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Mabel's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Turned 21
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- His 2013 album 'Mabeyin' is widely considered a landmark work in modern Turkish pop music.
- The music video for his song 'Gök Nerede' surpassed 100 million views on YouTube, demonstrating massive digital reach.
- He won the 'Best Male Artist' award at the 2019 Turkey Music Awards.
- His 2018 album 'Yaşım Çocuk' debuted at number one on the Turkish charts.
Did You Know?
His stage name 'Mabel Matiz' is derived from the 'Mabelline' brand of felt-tip pens.
He studied tourism and hotel management at university before pursuing music full-time.
He is known for his elaborate and often symbolic stage costumes and makeup.
“My music is a colorful, felt-tip pen drawing on a white wall.”
