Todds & Friends

Süleyman Akosman “Todd’s” Süleyman’s first musical experiences began at a young age when he moved to Northern Cyprus with his family. After seven years of exposure to traditional folk music, he began performing with his first band, encompassing rock, blues, soul, and traditional styles, and achieved considerable success in Northern Cyprus. Returning to London in 2000, he has been actively pursuing solo projects, working with artists such as Ocean, Seaperds Bush Empire, Jazz Cafe, Dover Street Jazz Bar, Ain’t Nothing But The Blues, and also at the Royal Albert Hall with Pete Whittard and David Cash (Michael Ball, Jane McDonald), among many other venues.

In 2005, he was awarded the Best Blues Vocalist award by the Digital Blues Awards (BBC Essex), and his band, The Soulkitchen, has won numerous awards and performed at numerous festivals. During this time, Süleyman successfully completed the NCFE (National Certificate in Performance Arts) and Vocal Tech Diploma, and subsequently graduated with honors from the London College of Music Media TVÜ (Bachelor of Music Hons.) Music Department. As a studio musician, he worked with Technics, one of the world’s leading audio companies, and recorded with Kim Chandler (Natalie Cole, Uriah Heep, Michael Bolton) and Richard Niles (Cat Stevens, Ray Charles). He has also recorded, performed, and participated in workshops with artists such as Rick Ashley, Billy Ocean, Sam Brown, Brian Eno, Bosco D’Oliveira (Sade, Terry Callier), and Ian McKenzie (New London Jazz Voices). He currently continues his musical career as an active vocalist, backing vocalist, and instructor, working with various projects and living in Northern Cyprus. He occasionally gives workshops and lectures at Performing Arts faculties.