Muamma hails from the vibrant streets of both Turkey and The Netherlands, our band plays a dynamic fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds, transcending borders and captivating audiences.

In the summer of 2021 Muamma was formed. Several rehearsals took place in the run-up to our  first performance at the Cutting Edge Festival in The Hague. The musicians discovered that even though it was their first time in this formation, it felt like they had known each other for a long time, both musically and personally. Quite mysterious actually, so Muamma, meaning mystery or enigma, became the name of the band.

With an ensemble featuring drums, bass, saz, percussion, clarinet, saxophone, and keyboards, we like to craft a mesmerising tapestry of melodies that resonate with the soul. Drawing inspiration from the rich source of Turkish folk songs, we infuse our music with authenticity and passion, breathing new life into age-old tunes.

Our performances are not just about music; they're a journey, an experience where the audience becomes part of the magic. From the moment the first note reverberates, we ignite a reaction in our audience, stirring them to dance and lose themselves in the rhythm. It's not just about the music; it's about the connection, the interaction, and the sheer joy that emanates from the stage. We pride ourselves on our ability to dissolve boundaries, both literal and figurative, as we traverse regions and periods, seamlessly blending musical cultures. Our approach to Turkish folk music is characterised by accessibility, inviting listeners of all backgrounds to immerse themselves in its beauty. Onstage, we exude energy, spontaneity, and a sense of camaraderie that is infectious. We thrive on interaction and fun, fostering a sense of community with our audience that transcends language and nationality.

For us, the way we play our music is as important as the music itself. It's about passion, authenticity, and a deep-rooted connection to our heritage. At the same time we’re integrating new influences from pop and jazz music . Through our music, we seek to celebrate the diversity of Turkish culture while bridging divides and spreading joy wherever we go.

Muamma is presenting its first album ‘Dereboyu Kavaklar’ in Hedon - Zwolle on 23 January 2026. 
A few singles have been released during the summer, starting with ‘Gönül Dağı’ on July 11th 2025 and Şeker Oğlan on August 8th 2025.

Muamma:  

Mehmet Uludağ  -  vocals, saz  

Leah Uijterlinde  -  vocals, clarinet, percussion  

Caner Malkoç  -  alto saxophone

Maarten Helsloot  -  keyboards  

Murat Yatmaz  -  bass guitar, synth bass, arrangements  

Arthur Lijten  -  drums, percussion  

Tunc Topcuoglu - creative director  

Renée Missel -  management

Band photo © Allard Willemse