Transpose BURN: Pit Party,
Barbican

Acclaimed performer and musician Dani Dinger curated the latest edition of this revelatory evening of performance and live music by trailblazing trans artists from the UK and Turkey. Taking place in Pride month in 2023, Pit Party’s line-up eatured performances from artists including anarchist poet Kell w Farshéa, DJ Ifeoluwa and subversive drag artist i-Gemini, Akış Ka, Mustafa Kınalı (aka Mustkika) and Kübra Uzun.

Following performances of Transpose BURN: Pit Party in June 2023, you can now enjoy this filmed edition of the show. Curated by acclaimed performer and musician Dani Dinger, this revelatory evening features performances and live music by trailblazing trans artists. The line-up includes anarchist poet Kell w Farshéa, DJ Ifeoluwa and subversive drag artist i-Gemini. Plus, Erkan Affan invited outstanding artists from Turkey Akış Ka, Mustafa Kınalı (aka Mustkika) and Kübra Uzun. This video was filmed, edited and captioned by Curtis Lewis.

Screen Practices: LUBUNYA Dispatches,
ICA, London

During the Screen Practices programme, MustKika performed in the ‘Opening Party: Screen Practices x LUBUNYA Dispatches’ and partook in a roundtable discussion and workshop on orientalism titled ‘Dis : orientation Plan’.

The performance was presented at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, London on 2 June, 2023 as a belly dance. The panel discussion and workshop on the 4th June explored the topic of orientalism and the various ways in which we counter, or perhaps sometimes manifest, orientalism in our works; whether through the academy, performance, or music.

Belly Dancing Workshop,
The Mosaics Room, London

In this workshop, MustKika led a belly dancing class for 12 participants while contextualising the history of male belly dancers (“zenne”) in the Ottoman Empire and the current revival of male belly dancers in Turkey. Using interactive and engaging methodologies that focus on audience experience during performance-making and performance culture, MustKika brought a unique and innovative socially engaged approach to this event.

Hîz (2023)

Inspired by the so-called “hîz oğlanı”, male sex workers in the Ottoman Empire, in this short film MustKika occupies the the turkish hammam (bath) and embodies the character of hîz oğlan in preparation to receive their clients.

Traditionally gender-separated, hammams, where the film take place, were homoerotic environments and served as locations for sex work. In the end of the short, MustKika begins to belly dance and blends this homosocial temporality with a separate but concurrent history of queerness in the Ottoman Empire - that of the zenne dancer.

Spotlight on: Funds 4 Turkey,
Dalston Superstore

In June 2023, Dalston Superstore is presented Funds 4 Turkey: a fundraiser event in collaboration with four defiant artists from Turkey, with all proceeds going to LGBTQ Earthquake Solidarity and Kaf Kolektif with Kübra, Akis and MustKika and Erkan Affan. We are thrilled to have them joining us alongside longterm friend Girl Unit to raise much needed funds to support our queer siblings in Turkey. We caught up to chat sources of inspiration, creative collaborations and queer defiance. Read more here.

Lubunya: Ekstravaganza,
Pickle Bar by Slavs and Tatars, Berlin

Lubunya: Ekstravaganza, a performative evening, was hosted by curator Aylime Aslı Demir, activist and performer Metin Uzun, artist Must Kika, columnist Tanju Tariz and journalist and writer Yıldız Tar, invites to join a raki table with linguistic delights, traditional turkish belly dance and fortune - telling, dedicated to lubunca - a secret language of LGBTQI+ community in Turkey.

Abbas Live: performance with Gaye Su Akyol, Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre, Istanbul

MustKika performed during Gaye Su Akyol concert at Harbiye Cemil Topuzlu Open Air Theatre, Istanbul in 2021.

Güllüminaj Vienna‘s Queer X Gazino: A celebration of resilient diversity

Güllüminaj
Vienna‘s Queer X Gazino: A celebration of resilient diversity

Vienna‘s Queer X Gazino is a cultural initiative, celebrating the diversity and resilience of Vienna‘s migrant and LGBTQIA+ communities, showcasing their rich cultural contributions. It is a joyful party finding its roots in the tradition of the Gazinos, seated Turkish clubs, combining traditional Arabesque music - a blend of Turkish folklore music with Arabic influences and Western pop – with contemporary themes, creating an inclusive space for performances, dance and
artistic expression. Read more Here

Belly Dance with MustKİKA
The Old Church , London

London,
© Eda Sancaktar

Learn the foundations of belly dancing and explore movement and connection with your body in a safe space. No previous experience needed, all levels welcome, just bring your beautiful self.

Belly Dancing Class with MustKİKA ! In a gorgeus venue The Old Church Every Tuesday 7:45pm ! Inclusive Belly Dancing Class: All genders, abilities, and body types welcome. Celebrate movement and self-expression—no experience needed! Ticket Link

MustKİKA

selected works