Arif Susam (born 1956, Harput, ElazñÃÂ) is a Turkish musician. His style combines traditional Turkish tunes with synthesized instruments. He was very popular in the 80s and early 90s with fellow artists like Nejat Alp, ÃÂmit Besen, Cengiz KurtoÃÂlu and Atilla Kaya.
His statement "Pain and suffering in various tempos" describes the career of Arif Susam spanning over more than 25 years.
He started playing keyboards and singing in local clubs and restaurants. At the same period he recorded a demo and sent it to à Âahin Plakçñlñk record label which turned up an eight figure record deal.
In 1982 he began performing live every night at Köà Âem Restaurant in Tarabya, Istanbul. The Köà Âem Restaurant sessions went on for 14 years without a break. Susam is known for being the only artist to go platinum in Turkey, as his double live 1985 album Tavernada Yñldönümü sold over 1,200,000 copies.
His live tavern performances usually took place in the Bosphorus shore district of Tarabya. Not being as much popular as he was in the 1980s, he still performs live with his Korg i3 keyboard at a restaurant in Yenikapñ district.
In 1980, Arif Susam got married and had two sons. He is known for being a fanatic supporter of Galatasaray S.K. and makes a cameo appearance in the championship album à Âampiyonluk Gecemiz. He is also a very close friend to Cengiz KurtoÃÂlu since 1980.