Cenk Rofe is a singer who graduated from Boğaziçi University Tourism Faculty and also from Mimar Sinan University Fine Arts Academy for Musical Singing. He has taken part in many shows staged by the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet and in tv series. He composes his own music, has one solo album, and plays with ‘Istanbul 12’ orchestra.
Who is the person that has affected you the most?
When I was two and half years old, we moved to a new house in Gayrettepe. There, our neighbour was the famous actor Erdal Özyağcılar. He affected me a lot. Also Sezen Aksu and Ajda Pekkan who were my childhood idols.
When did you notice that you were talented musically?
My parents told me that I started to memorize and sing all the popular songs at 3 years old. I also remember myself using the deodorant bottles as microphones in front of the mirror and sing the songs of the singers I liked.
When was the most stressful time of your career?
The most stressful time of my career was when I had the talent exams for the entrance to the conservatory.
What’s your life plan? What do you plan to have accomplished in 5, 10, 20, and 50 years personally and/or professionally?
In five years, I want to have a child and be healthy in life. I want to change my car and have a new one. Professionally, I want my orchestra to be famous in Turkey and also share the songs I have composed in an album.
In ten years time, with my orchestra, I want to have a part in organizations representing our country like the Eurovision song contest.
Could you describe what music means for you using different symbols (color, shape, number etc.)
Music is colorful like a rainbow. It means communication. It is universal. It is a circle. It is the circle of life. I can not say a number for music but, as it is eternity, we can use the mathematical symbol of eternity for music.
If you were to born once more and asked to choose another job, which job would you choose? Why?
I would choose something involving music. I have another job already. I am a music teacher. My other job is being a teacher and it involves music.
What would you suggest to young people who are interested in music?
They should have another job as music may not always meet your expectations (economically). They should definitely have an education in music. Being talented is not enough for being successful. Education is very important.
