Born in 1939, in Instabul, Okay Temiz was deeply involved in music from his early years. He got his first inspiration from his mother, Naciye Temiz. He started taking percussion courses at the State Conservatoire of Classical Music in Ankara and later at the Tophane Art Institute.
Okay Temiz worked with Maffy Falay, trumpet player from Sweden, Don Cherry, the American trumpet master, Johnny Dyani, bass player from Africa, and many others. In 1974 formed his own group Oriental Wind, and in 1993 the Magnetic Band. He gave many concerts in Europe, India and U.S.A.
He has a wide collection of self-made ethnic and electronic instruments including the hand-made copper drums, “Magic Pyramid” and “Artemiz”, which he has made of camel and sheep bells. Among his recent recordings in the contemporary style, is one made together with the brilliant Greek guitarist Nicky Skopelitis, jazz saxophonist and clarinetist Floros Florides.
