Popular Bulgarian pop-folk music is better known as Chalga, a distinctive folk-inspired dance music genre often categorized as ethno-pop. What makes music from Bulgaria unique is that Chalga represents a fascinating cultural blend of traditional Bulgarian sounds fused with influences from Arabic, Greek, and Turkish music traditions, creating a vibrant musical tapestry that's distinctly Bulgarian.
Dive in, listen and watch some of the best music from Bulgaria. Enjoy the tunes and visuals of Bulgaria from top 10 pop-folk female artists!
01. Tedi Aleksandrova - Alo, Alo ft Monkey
Music video for song 'Alo, Alo' by Tedi Aleksandrova was directed by Lyudmil Ilraionov and published on Youtube December 11, 2021.
In 2009 Bulgarian Chalga and dance-pop female artist Tedi Aleksandrova won a music contest in the city of Montana during a tour organized by the music company "Payner". Only a year later, she signed a contract with them.
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02. Paloma - Tsak-Tsak featuring Tedi Aleksandrova
Beautiful Bulgarian model, influencer, folk artist and singer Paloma Viteva was signed by Payner music company in 2021. In 2021 Paloma said that she is concentrating all attention on her vocal training.
Before music career she started to gain popularity via glamorous fashion modeling and lifestyle photoblogging. Paloma started posting modeling and fashion photos in 2016 on Instagram.
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03. Lina - Zaraza
Before starting her music career under an artist name Lina with Payner music, Nedelina Tsaneva was well known model and beauty pageant.
Nedelina Tsaneva grabbed the prestigious title "Miss Bulgaria Continental 2019" at a gala ceremony in the capital of Bulgaria. She is the winner of the titles "Miss Silicon Aesthetic", "Miss Stara Zagora 2014", "Miss Sofia 2015" and "Best Erotic Model 2017". She has participated in numerous other pageants such as "Miss Playmate", and "Miss Silicone", where she grabbed the prize "Miss Silicone Aesthetic" for the first time in the 10-year history of the pageant.
Currently, the miss Lina focuses on her music career and devotes her time to charity. Together with her colleague Tsvetina and her husband, Lina goes around the homes of the elderly and donates beans, lentils, salt, oil, sugar and other products. She also runs a car dealership with her husband and believes that women should work and do something, but men should be more successful.
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04. Emanuela - Napravo V Kosha
Emanuela (Emiliya Ivanova Tsvetkova) is a popular Bulgarian singer who started professional music career in 2006 as she signed with Ara Music. In 2015 she signed with Payner.
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05. Tina - Da Garmim ft. Tedi Aleksandrova
Music video for song 'Da Gramim' by Tina (Тина) featuring Tedi Aleksandrova was directed by Lyudmil Ilraionov aka Lusi in 2021.
06. Tatyana - Mazhkite Ti Nomera featuring Ax Dain
Tatyana Georgieva Kacova, better known simply as Tatyana, is a Bulgarian female pop-folk singer. She was born in the town of Unification and graduated from NUFI "Shiroka Luka" with a degree in folk singing.
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07. Mia-Mihaela - Zaribena ft. Djordan
The 'Zaribena' music video by Bulgarian female singer Mihaela Todorova (михаела маринова) and Djordjan was directed by Viktor Antonov and produced by Payner in 2022.
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08. Tsvetelina Yaneva - Boi, Boi
Tsvetelina Georgieva Yaneva, better known simply as Tsvetelina Yaneva, is a Bulgarian pop and folk singer. Tsvetelina Yaneva was born on 5 October 1989 in the town of Plovdiv. She is the daughter of folk musician Georgi Yaneva and folk singer Pepa Yaneva. Her family lives in Plovdiv, but they spend more time in Belashchitsa, 5 km from the city, where they have a house and a recording studio.
From a very young age she has been on stages with the orchestra. She attended singing lessons with Radiana Zaduma at the Syndical House in Plovdiv. Tsvetelina started with folk songs, but in her teens she switched to pop and jazz.
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09. Yunona - Kolko Pati ft. Boris Dali
Music video for song 'Kolko Pati' by Yunona (Юнона) was directed by Lyudmil Ilraionov and published on Youtube Jun 10, 2019 by Payner. Kolko Pati translates in English to "How many times."
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10. Maria - Davay, Razplachi Me
Music video 'Davay, Razplachi Me' by Maria (Мария) was produced by Payner Media Ltd. in 2021. Davay, Razplachi Me mean in English "Go ahead, make me cry".
Maria Panayotova Kirova-Sokolova, better known simply as Maria, is a Bulgarian pop-folk singe who signed a contract with Payner in 2000 and became one of the most popular faces of Bulgarian popfolk. She has been singing since she was a child and is known from the show "Like the Lions" on BNT, where she performed the song "Clovers" from Lili Ivanova's repertoire.
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BONUS: Andjelina - Az Sam Ogan
Andjelina Atanasova is a Bulgarian music artist and famous model with fabulous barbie looks. Andjelina was born in Sophia, Bulgaria in 1996. In 2020 she started her own clothing line Goddess, due to the fact that she cares a lot about her appearance, so she decided to recreate every idea into reality.
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BONUS: Liyana - Bravo Bravo
Liyana (Лияна), born on September 12, 1980, in Sofia, exemplifies musical longevity in the Bulgarian music industry. Her debut album at age 14 was a collaboration with her father, composer Valentin Popov, showing again how music from Bulgaria often has family connections. Her cousin is the famous Bulgarian pop-folk singer Konstantin, further cementing her place in Bulgarian musical lineage.
Throughout her career, Liyana has released multiple albums including "Stone Heart" (1998), "Platinum Woman" (2000), and "Like a Witch" (2010). Her participation in the fifth season of "Big Brother" in 2013 demonstrates how music from Bulgaria intersects with broader entertainment culture.
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Explore More Music from Bulgaria
To discover more authentic music from Bulgaria, visit the Planeta Official YouTube channel, the premiere destination for the latest and greatest in Bulgarian pop-folk music.
The Cultural Impact of Chalga Music from Bulgaria
Bulgarian Chalga music has become more than just entertainment—it's a cultural phenomenon that reflects the country's position at the crossroads of Eastern and Western influences. While some critics view Chalga as overly commercial, its popularity cannot be denied, and it continues to evolve as one of the most distinctive forms of music from Bulgaria that has gained international recognition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Music from Bulgaria
What is Chalga music from Bulgaria?
Chalga is Bulgaria's popular pop-folk music genre that blends traditional Bulgarian folk elements with modern pop production and influences from neighboring musical traditions including Turkish, Greek, and Arabic styles. It's characterized by catchy melodies, danceable rhythms, and often features elaborate music videos.
Who are the most popular female singers in Bulgarian music?
Top female artists in contemporary music from Bulgaria include Tedi Aleksandrova, Emanuela, Maria, Tsvetelina Yaneva, and Preslava, among others featured in this article. Many are signed to the Payner music label, which specializes in the Chalga genre.
Where can I listen to authentic music from Bulgaria?
The best sources for authentic Bulgarian music include YouTube channels like Planeta Official, streaming platforms like Spotify (search for "Bulgarian pop-folk" or "Chalga"), and dedicated Bulgarian music websites such as the Payner music company's official site.
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