Two sisters bring fresh energy to Bulgarian folk music

Iva and Velislava Kostadinovi are a dynamic folk duo known for bringing fresh energy to Bulgarian traditional music. Inspired by the rich artistic legacy of their grandmother, the legendary folk singer Guna Ivanova, the sisters create songs that combine authentic folklore with a contemporary sound, making them accessible to younger audiences.

Their latest project, Bela Yana, is a new interpretation of the traditional folk song Prochu se bela Yana. It celebrates the enduring power of true love – a love that withstands time, life's trials and outside interference.

"When two people long for one another, when their hearts beat as one, when their souls remain together despite life's challenges... love stays alive, whole and true. We are delighted to present our interpretation," Iva and Velislava Kostadinovi say.

The song is best known to audiences through the performance of the celebrated Bulgarian folk singer Olga Borisova, whose work the sisters have admired throughout the years.

Both the music and lyrics of Bela Yana are traditional, while the new arrangement was created by Svetlin Kaslev and Hristo Hristov. It preserves the authentic folk sound while adding a contemporary musical touch. Traditional Bulgarian instruments – the kaval, gaida and gadulka – play a central role in the arrangement, performed by some of the genre's finest musicians: Georgi Dobrev (kaval), Borislav Galabov (gadulka) and Hristo Hristov (gaida).

The music video was once again directed by Stefan Marinov and produced by Buddubbaz Tape Company. Alongside the musicians, it features their long-time stage partners, the Masters of Dance troupe led by Krasimir Dimitrov. Ensemble member Alessandra Alexandrova takes on the lead role of Yana.

The video also features one of Bulgaria's best-known actors, Filip Bukov, who plays the young voyvoda – Yana's beloved. Through his performance, the story highlights the strength, devotion and resilience of true love.

Editor: Elena Karkalanova