Kazım Koyuncu (7 February 1971 – 25 June 2005) was a Turkish musician, singer, and environmental activist of Laz origin, born in Hopa, Artvin. He is widely regarded as the most iconic cultural figure of the modern Laz identity, earning the nickname “the Che Guevara of the Black Sea.”

Early Life

Born in the small Black Sea town of Hopa in Artvin province, Kazım grew up immersed in the Laz language and culture of the eastern Black Sea coast. From an early age, he showed a deep passion for music and began learning to play guitar as a teenager. He moved to Istanbul to pursue his musical career, where he quickly became a leading voice of the emerging Black Sea music scene.

Musical Career

Kazım Koyuncu was a musical pioneer who fused traditional Laz and Black Sea folk music with rock, pop, and world music elements. He sang in multiple languages — Lazuri, Turkish, Georgian, and Hemşin Armenian — a reflection of the multicultural heritage of the eastern Black Sea region.

His two solo albums became landmarks of Laz cultural expression:

• Viya (2001) — His debut album, featuring songs in Lazuri and Turkish. The album was a revelation, proving that Laz music could reach a mainstream audience while remaining authentic.
• Hayde (2004) — His second and final album, widely considered a masterpiece of Black Sea music. The album deepened his fusion of traditional and modern sounds.

Before his solo career, Kazım was a member of the band Zuğaşi Berepe (“Children of the Sea” in Lazuri), one of the first bands to perform rock music in the Laz language.

Environmental Activism

Kazım was a passionate environmental activist who used his fame to advocate for the protection of the Black Sea region’s natural heritage. He was particularly vocal in his opposition to the construction of nuclear power plants on the Black Sea coast, a cause that resonated deeply with communities along the coastline. His activism made him a controversial figure in some political circles but earned him enormous respect among environmentalists and young people.

Legacy

Kazım Koyuncu died of testicular cancer on 25 June 2005, at the age of 33. His death was mourned across Turkey and beyond, with thousands attending his funeral in Hopa. He was buried in the village of Pançol, overlooking the Black Sea.

Today, Kazım Koyuncu is far more than a musician — he is a symbol of Laz cultural identity, environmental consciousness, and artistic courage. His statue stands in Hopa, his guitar is memorialized, and his songs continue to inspire new generations of Laz people to embrace their heritage with pride. Annual memorial concerts and events are held in his honor throughout Turkey and in the Laz diaspora.

Discography

• Viya (2001)
• Hayde (2004)
• With Zuğaşi Berepe: Lazutlar (1995), Aravani (1997)