Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

The songs of protest are still relevant 32 years after start of Bulgaria’s democratic transition

"How long shall we wait? Lord, give Bulgaria a new way, light and freedom!”

Photo: archive

This is an excerpt from "Prayer for Bulgaria" - one of the songs composed after November 10, 1989. It sounded in the squares during rallies and protests in the 90s along with many other song of that period and we still call them "the songs of protest." Gradually, they also became "songs of transition", because over the years there were a number of occasions to recall them. Some of the lyrics continue to be relevant today because they focus on topics such as poverty, social inequality, the desire for a better life and freedom in all its forms. "Prayer for Bulgaria" also sounds relevant, especially in moments like today’s situation - an impending economic crisis, uncertainty and election excitement. The music is by Stefan Dimitrov and the lyrics - by Miryana Basheva. The song is performed by Vasil Naydenov and Bogdana Karadocheva.


You can recall some of the most famous "songs of protest" in a article from the archives of Radio Bulgaria, prepared on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of November 10, 1989. - HERE.

The memories of some of the main participants on the stages and in city squares more than three decades ago are collected in the article Music from beginning of democratic transition – piece of freedom generations dreamt of.



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

"Anise Days" with B.T.R.

The "30 Years of B.T.R." tour, which one of the most significant rock bands in Bulgaria celebrates its anniversary with, will end with two concerts in Hall 1 of the National Palace of Culture. Due to the great interest in the concert..

published on 11/19/24 11:34 AM

Kanela, the scent of childhood and the beauty of poetry

The band Kanela (Cinnamon) has been known for years, but in 2022 they started recording new songs with a new line-up. First came "Fairy", followed by "Always", "Flowers" and "A Ring", the latter staying in the BNR TOP 20 charts for more than a month...

published on 11/15/24 12:30 PM

"Never stop searching" – the message in Zhivko Vasilev’s music

An extraordinary journey between musical genres and geographical locations awaits us on November 14 in Sofia. The soft sound of Bulgarian folk instrument kaval will meet the classical sound of the Sofia Soloists Chamber..

published on 11/14/24 8:44 AM