Belgian musician Stormae has released his new single "L’Enfer" (Hell) this month and it is gaining huge popularity in social networks. It was recorded in collaboration with Paris-based Bulgarian folklore trio Orenda.

Founder of Orenda is Bulgarian Stefka Miteva who has been living in Paris for many years now. She sings in the trio and does most of the arrangements of their songs. Stefka Miteva is a professor of Music Theory and Jazz Voice at the Bagnolet Conservatory and she teaches a vocal jazz workshop for adults and teenagers. Orenda are seasoned performers. One of most exciting concerts with their participation was when Stromae heard them sing and invited them to record together.

"In September 2019 we, Orenda, had a gig at Stade de France together with French rapper Maître Gims, says Stefka Miteva for Radio Bulgaria. Belgian artist Stormae, who is very popular in France, and globally, was impressed. His team contacted me, I met with Stormae and he told me about his project. Our work together was sincere and inspiring. I did the introduction to the song – incorporating in the tunes the feeling I had from listening to the lyrics and music created by Stromae and his collaborators. At his request, it was in Bulgarian style. We recorded it with my trio Orenda with soloist Sandrine Conry. We also have a part in the chorus. We are happy that the single was released in advance – before his CD Multitude.

The simple and clean visual style of the video contrasting with the deep emotion of "Hell" caused a furore. It had over 17 million views in the first two weeks after its release - which is a proof of how talented and popular the Belgian artist is. A central theme of the lyrics is suicide - a topic that is rarely talked about, but affects many more people than we imagine.

From the listeners’ comments one can have a good idea of the strong emotional impact of the song. I really want to believe that the Bulgarian voices of Orenda trio contribute to the general impression.

Let me remind you that the old Bulgarian word "orenda" means "breath of life", "energy in everything". I believe that "Hell" is a catharsis song that will purify souls and give them a new breath of life."

English version: Elizabeth Radkova