Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 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

Tonika SV celebrates 45 years on stage

One of the most popular vocal groups of the 1980s, Tonika SV, is celebrating its 45th anniversary on stage with a grand concert in Sofia. The group is to perform its greatest hits on November 8, in Hall No 1 of the National Palace of Culture. Their..

published on 11/6/25 12:30 PM
Photo: Bulgarian Classical Concerts – Los Angeles

“Bulgarian Classical Concerts – Los Angeles” officially starts on November 6

The new nonprofit foundation Bulgarian Classical Concerts – Los Angeles , founded by two exceptionally successful and talented Bulgarian women – violinist Blagomira Lipari and composer Penka Kouneva – with the mission of promoting Bulgarian classical..

published on 11/6/25 11:50 AM

JazzBoree release original version of Bulgarian folk song "Rosni mi, rosni, Rositse"

The JazzBoree group continues the line of mixing Bulgarian folklore with expressive means characteristic of jazz. The musicians of the formation find the intersection between folklore and jazz precisely in the freedom of interpretation - this is exactly..

published on 11/5/25 3:30 PM