On the top deck of a riverboat cruising down the Thames, the Turkish girl group Manifest is making a bold visual statement. As Tower Bridge looms into view, two of the group’s six members gamely hold Union Jack umbrellas—a classic pop star move reminiscent of Sabrina Carpenter’s London shows. Though none of the members were born when the Spice Girls debuted “Wannabe” in 1996, the sextet, aged 22 to 26, understands the power of aligning themselves with the most iconic UK girl group of the 90s.
From Istanbul to Wembley Arena
Manifest is currently executing a strategic cultural crossover. While the Spice Girls played their first live show in Istanbul in 1997, Manifest is reversing the journey nearly three decades later. On October 16, they are set to perform at London’s 12,500-capacity Wembley Arena. While they may be new to the broader British public, their massive following within the Turkish diaspora makes this ambitious booking a calculated move rather than a gamble. Currently, the band is decamped in London, filming an upcoming Netflix documentary and preparing to show the UK exactly what a Turkish girl group can achieve. “We want to show the UK what a Turkish girlband can do,” says band member Lidya Pınar with calm conviction.
A Meteoric Rise and Legal Hurdles
The group’s ascent in Turkey has been nothing short of phenomenal. Formed in early 2025 through the TV talent show Big5 Türkiye, the lineup consists of Esin Bahat, Hilal Yelekçi, Lidya Pınar, Mina Solak, Sueda Uluca, and Zeynep Sude Oktay. Their debut single, “Zamansızlık,” introduced their signature blend of pop and traditional Turkish rhythms, leading to a sold-out debut at Istanbul’s Jolly Joker Arena.
However, their journey has not been without challenges. In September 2025, the group faced an investigation by Turkey’s public prosecutor for alleged “exhibitionism” and “indecent acts” following a concert in Istanbul. Despite suspended sentences and temporary travel bans, the group’s momentum remained unshaken. Their recent collaboration with pop legend Ajda Pekkan, “Hileli,” became Turkey’s most-streamed song of the summer on Spotify, followed closely by their self-written hit “Toz Pembe.”
Going Global with ‘Tralala’
Now, Manifest is setting its sights on the global stage with their first English-language single, “Tralala.” Released on October 9, the track is a breezy earworm designed to bridge the gap between their Turkish roots and international pop sensibilities. The track features cleverly coy lyrics—”Can’t get your eyes off my… I’m tralala / Look like an angel, God bless, mashallah”—that highlight their playful yet confident persona. “It’s got a global sound, but also has a Turkish identity,” explains Mina Solak. The group is also utilizing their time in London to collaborate with UK producers, aiming to build a repertoire that resonates far beyond their home borders.
The Manifestival Experience
The scale of their success is best witnessed at “Manifestival,” a three-day event in Izmir that recently concluded with a headline set at Kültürpark. The concert attracted a youthful, exuberant crowd that greeted hits like “Snap” and “Yaşanacaksa” with a deafening roar. Unlike the rigid choreography of K-pop groups like BLACKPINK or the powerhouse vocals of Little Mix, Manifest offers a looser, more charismatic connection with their audience. Their stage presence suggests they are ready to follow the path of international combos like KATSEYE into the global charts.
Their “superpower,” as Lidya Pınar describes it, lies in the diversity of their six distinct perspectives. Esin Bahat notes that for a track to be perfect for Manifest, it must showcase their individual voices while remaining “powerful and sassy.” As they prepare for their Wembley debut, the group remains focused on their core mission: projecting a modern, powerful image of “girl power” to the world.
Manifest will perform at London’s Wembley Arena on October 16, supported by XO. Tickets are currently on sale.