Audio By Carbonatix
A record label home to artists such as Arlo Parks and The XX has changed its name, over its potential links to the Armenian genocide.
Young Turks, which was founded in London in 2006, will now be known as Young, after re-thinking its name.
Speaking on social media, founder Caius Pawson said: "We originally named Young Turks after the Rod Stewart song of the same name. When I first heard the song, it took a week of 2005-era internet searches to find out what it was and even longer to understand its meaning.
Today we’re changing our name to Young. pic.twitter.com/G3IXbCLTI6
— Young (@young_) April 6, 2021
"The name intrigued me, evoking the solidarity of youth. In 2005, it seemed to perfectly sum up what we were: teenagers, wanting and waiting to do something, anything.
"However, we were unaware of the deeper history of the term and, specifically, that the Young Turks were a group who carried out the Armenian Genocide from 1915 onwards."
The Young Turks were a revolutionary movement in the early 20th century that aimed to replace the monarchy in the Ottoman Empire with a constitutional government, and later were part of the mass slaughter of more than a million Armenians during the First World War.
Rod Stewart's track was said to invoke feelings of rebellion - but it never actually says the words Young Turks, or references the group.
Mr Pawson added: "Through ongoing conversations and messages that have developed our own knowledge around the subject, it's become apparent that the name is a source of hurt and confusion for people. We loved the name for what it meant to us, but in retrospect should have listened more carefully to other voices and acted more quickly.
"We have always tried to affect positive change and knowing what we do now, it's only right that we change our name"
"24 April is the day of commemoration of the 1915 Armenian Genocide. In memory of those who were killed and those who survived, we have made a donation to the Armenian Institute [in] London, a cultural charity that explores contemporary Armenian diasporan life in all its global diversity through research and the arts."
As well as BRIT-nominated Arlo Parks and indie group The XX, artists such as FKA Twigs, Sampha and Jamie XX are on the label's books.
Latest Stories
-
Kpebu doubts claims that Akufo-Addo administration interfered with Special Prosecutor
1 hour -
It’s difficult to believe everything the OSP says – Manasseh Awuni
1 hour -
I would’ve blocked Ofori-Atta from leaving Ghana if I were Special Prosecutor – Martin Kpebu
2 hours -
I’m headed for public office, but not the OSP role – Martin Kpebu
2 hours -
I will only submit my allegations to a board, not the OSP’s subordinates – Martin Kpebu
3 hours -
‘I’m still a bit traumatised’ – Martin Kpebu recounts alleged abuse during OSP arrest
3 hours -
Martin Kpebu dismisses claims he seeks to become Special Prosecutor
3 hours -
Martin Kpebu denies verbally abusing OSP officers, says allegations are fabricated
3 hours -
Mahama arrives in Doha for 2025 Doha Forum engagements
3 hours -
Milo U13 Champs: Ahafo’s Adrobaa set for thrilling final with Franko International of Western North
5 hours -
Ghana’s HIV crisis: Stigma drives new infections as AIDS Commission bets on AI and six-month injectables
7 hours -
First Ladies unite in Accra to champion elimination of mother-to-child HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B transmission
7 hours -
US Supreme Court agrees to hear case challenging birthright citizenship
8 hours -
Notorious Ashaiman robber arrested in joint police operation
9 hours -
Judge sets key dates after video evidence hurdle in Nana Agradaa appeal case
9 hours
