Okan Ersan Project is a visionary stage concept where guitarist and composer Okan Ersan pushes the boundaries of jazz fusion into a cosmic journey.

Originating from his 2019 release Nibiru, the project is more than a concert program: it is a dialogue between music, science, mythology, and the vastness of the universe.

Joined by renowned musicians Serkan Özyılmaz (keyboards), Eylem Pelit (bass), and Volkan Öktem (drums), Ersan blends futuristic fusion with NASA space recordings, polytonal harmonies, and powerful improvisations. Each performance invites the audience to step into a multidimensional soundscape, exploring both the intimacy of jazz and the immensity of outer space.

The project has also been highlighted through international collaborations with UNESCO Club Vienna, raising awareness of astronomical heritage and its importance for humanity’s future. Structured as a seven-part suite, The Nibiru Project draws inspiration from cosmic myths and the legendary “Wow! Signal” of 1977, giving each movement a unique story rooted in both science and imagination.

Okan Ersan Project stands as more than a performance — it is an immersive experience where music, science, and creativity converge, establishing a unique voice on the contemporary jazz fusion scene.

Born in 1972 in Cyprus, Ersan had the distinctive opportunity to be influenced by his origins. Following his degree in classical music, Okan Ersan then blended rock and jazz to create the eclectic fusion of the grooves and exclusive sounds he platforms his music on today. Blending different styles, Ersan’s music has evolved to produce this rare fusion of the genres. Ersan has taken on this difficult task of fusing all of these disciplines into a music that makes the listener appreciate the complexities; yet relax in its momentum…

Serkan Özyılmaz was born in Istanbul in 1976. He studied piano with Metin Ülkü, Lale Önge, and Hülya Ardıç at the State Conservatory of Mimar Sinan University. He also studied composition with İlhan Usmanbaş, Ahmet Yürür, and Hasan Uçarsu and graduated from the Composition Department in 2002. Among his compositions are: “suit for two viola”, “etudes for piano”, “orchestra music with two bolumes”, and “suit for piano and strings.” Özyılmaz has performed with many jazz groups and jazz musicians such as Cengiz Baysal, Volkan Öktem, Volkan Hürsever, Eylem Pelit and Önder Focan. In 2003, Özyılmaz attended the EBU Jazz Orchestra. Currently, he serves as a pianist in the TRT Light Music and Jazz Orchestra. He is also a member of the Beck’s Big Band.

Eylem Pelit , ( 1971 Ankara ) Turkish musician, bass player. After primary school, he studied viola at İstanbul Technical University State Conservatory for 6 years. In school years he started to play bass on his own. Kamil Özler ‘le harmony solfege, Nail Yavuzoğlu ‘ s harmony, Ali Perret and harmony issues. 1997 Year in Turkey ‘s Sebnem Paker ‘ s is the third Eurovision Song Contest ‘which was played drums in the band representing Turkey. He also played with various groups at festivals such as 11th and 12th Istanbul Jazz Festival, Akbank Jazz Festival , Afyon Jazz Festival and 7th International Istanbul Jazz Festival with ‘Etna Aşkın Arsunan Etno – Karma’ project. Eylem Pelit currently serves as a permanent artist in the “Ministry of Culture State Modern Folk Music Society”.

Volkan Öktem was born on June 25, 1970 in Izmir. He became interested in music around the age of 7. When he was 11, he started playing the drums with military musicians at the local Officers’ Club. In 1985, he relocated to Ankara, where he got a chance to play with many different rock and pop bands, including Alpay for 3 years, who was one of most famous singers of the time. He also peformed at various night clubs, playing a diverse repertoire, including traditional Turkish music. This gave him a chance to develop his understanding of rhythm furthermore and laid the foundations of his personal and unique style.