Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Bulgarian pop – Latino style

БНР Новини
Kalin Velyov and the Tumbaito band
Photo: library




June came with higher temperatures than we are used to, so why not enjoy the early summer with some of the hottest Bulgarian Latino hits. The Kalin Velyov, Nina Nikolina duet will transport you to the magic of the Caribbean with a dance rhythm from faraway Cuba. The career of the percussionist started out with the bands Akaga and Medicus but through the years he has worked with many Bulgarian musicians. His stage partner Nina Nikolina is a master at combining modern with ethno music.

The hot Latino blood is temperamental. Bésame Mucho (Kiss me much more) is fully in this vein. It was written in 1940 by a Mexican lady - Consuelo Velázquez. As the years went by the famed bolero has come to be one of the most frequently performed songs in the world. Hypnotic is the Bulgarian band that had performed it.

The Hypnotic quartet

You don’t need to take part in reality shows like Dancing Stars for example to learn to dance. You can just listen to Dance lesson by the salsa band Tumbaito. The musicians came together in 2007 and quickly became the Latino sensation of Bulgaria.

Iskren Petsov from Latino Partizani

Golden beaches and lush tropical landscapes – this is what Latino Partizani’s song On a desert island calls to mind. The band was founded by Iskren Petsov in 1996, at the time they were unique to the music clubs. They play mostly Latino covers, whereas back then rock was the thing. Now, Latino Partizani rarely get together to play on stage. Their frontman, Iskren Petsov has a successful solo career.

Wikeda in concert

Wikeda is a band that brings together many different styles – rock, ska, punk… Whiskey with peanuts is a song that shows that the boys from the band feel at home with Latino as well. 


The audio file contains the following tracks:

-  Cha-cha, music Kalin Velyov, lyrics Rushi Vidinliev;

-  Bésame Mucho, Hypnotic quartet;

-  Dance lesson, Tumbaito;

-  On a desert island, Latino Partizani;

-  Whiskey with peanuts, performed by Wikeda music and lyrics Iskren Petsov.


English version: Milena Daynova




Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Renowned Wrocław Baroque Ensemble is visiting Sofia for the first time

Another exclusive music experience from the program of the European Music Festival in Sofia is expected on June 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Central Military Club. After the success at the International Music Festival "Varna Summer" in 2023,..

published on 6/4/25 5:55 PM

“Nothing More” or something more from DARA

DARA presents her latest song, "Nishto Poveche" (Nothing More).  The piece is in a ballad style that’s not particularly typical for her, but carries a powerful message and emotional impact. It was created during the Sofia Songwriting Camp by DARA..

published on 6/3/25 7:25 AM
Philip Koutev

Dragana and the Nightingale: A masterpiece arrangement of a Bulgarian folk song by Philip Koutev

The renowned composer, conductor and folklorist Philip Koutev created a distinctive fusion of Bulgarian folk and classical music. It all began in 1951, when the State Ensemble for Folk Songs and Dances (now the Philip Koutev National Folklore Ensemble)..

published on 5/30/25 10:25 AM