“The song Sofia Dream shows my respect towards the city and my expectations to find more hope after I passed through many days of hardships in my country. Living in Sofia I am once again able to hold my life in my own hands and I see that there is a second chance for me. These are all reasons that made me sing about the city of Sofia that I love so much.”

Bamba Malinke is 28 years old. Three years ago Islamists in Mali put the country under Sharia law and soaked the country in blood. But he did not put up with the situation and started composing songs about freedom of religion. All religions try to show the way to God, says the newly christened man and calls for peace and love. Malinke’s parents were killed in Mali and he escaped to Bulgaria. Today he has freedom, friends, and a job. One of his friends is 27-year-old Filip Lazarevski from Macedonia, who also chose Sofia for his city and is the producer of Sofia Dream. We asked him what inspired him?

“It is the city itself; its spirit, culture and the people who live in it. This makes artists write songs, talk about this city and be inspired by it.”

Filip says that his friend Malinke is a good example for all refugees because he has been progressing. Of course there are a number of problems in Bulgaria but the situation is still much better than in the countries these people come from.

“For me Bulgaria is like a new fatherland. I am happy to be here, walk freely on the streets and live in peace and security. A number of refugees want to go to western countries but it is a matter of choice. I think that people who come to Bulgaria do not fully know the country and the opportunities it provides. This is one of the reasons they want to move to another country. But I feel good here and prefer to stay. I have found friends and a good job and I am happy.”

Currently Malinke and Lazarevski are working on the premiere of the video to the song.

“We have made a one shot video to Sofia Dream and we are now waiting for the official video to be aired. I hope this will happen in the beginning of August. The video will be shot at the same location but there will be choreography and professional dancers. This happens with the support of an R&B crew who really like the Sofia Street Music initiative and support Malinke. The building in the video is the former Academy of Social Sciences in Sofia. It is a beautiful building but is now in a dilapidated condition.”

Malinke and Filip are also getting ready for concerts at the seaside and they are to present their second song at the end of the summer.

“The second song will bring a positive be-happy message. Be happy with what you have and the day that is to come; be happy with what you create. Be happy that you are alive”, says Filip Lazarevski.

Both friends are happy with their jobs – Filip is a graphic designer and Malinke works in a call center. But Malinke’s biggest dream remains finding his little sister and reuniting with her.

English version: Alexander Markov