Tuesday 1 May 2007

The Bulgarian illusionist - Azis

Azis' story is one of success against all odds. A dark-skinned, openly homosexual Gypsy in Eastern Europe, where ethnicity and sexual orientation are still seen as signifiers of race and gender-based social status for many, Azis was born to extreme poverty in 1978 in the medieval town of Sliven. In the beginning, no one could have imagined that, twenty eight years later, he would be declared the 21st greatest Bulgarian of all time on national television (the second living greatest Bulgarian after the unbelievably annoying, petulant and infantile wanker that is soccer player Hristo Stoichkov), and become a sex symbol adored by men and women alike. Azis is Bulgaria’s greatest, brightest, highest-selling musical star, and is largely responsible for the massive popularity of chalga. A genre that was, until before he adopted it, regarded as some sort of cultural aberration – greatly so because it was dominated by clothes-averse pop tarts who, tired of being unable to eat by singing full on folk, tried to break into the mainstream by blending it with techno and dance. Thanks to Azis, chalga has also incorporated hip hop and R&B to its very long list of influences. Needless to say, chalga is a fabulous genre and all its singers have good voices! How could things get any better?!

Azis’ life has been a constant journey in pursuit of a better future, and he came across fame in a somewhat accidental fashion, even if his rise to the top has been vertiginously fast. As a child, his family travelled constantly, finally settling in the town of Kostinbrod, in the outskirts of the Bulgarian capital Sofia. Sadly, sedentary life didn’t bring them any joys and when Azis was eleven, their finances were so precarious that their only option to survive was to move to Germany – apparently, they were forced to travel by cart because they couldn’t afford to even rent a vehicle. Life in Germany was very important for Azis, who began to openly express his fascination with femininity and developed a particularly strong bond with his little sister Matilda, his only companion during the seven years the Boyanovs lived there - his parents, practically illiterate Roma people, had to work all day long to be able to sustain the family and were never home. Free to do as he wished and with the complicity of his sister, Azis (who then still went by his given name Vasil) explored his mother’s wardrobe in endless hours of games, which would eventually provide him with the inspiration needed to become a legend.



At nineteen, Azis returned to Bulgaria and started working in restaurants as an ordinary folk singer. He soon got a record contract, but his everyman image didn’t appeal to audiences, and he pretty much went unnoticed for the next five years. Tired of not going anywhere with his career and having to constantly hide his homosexuality, Azis decided to make a drastic change and give in to his love for outrageous clothes by defiantly adopting an ellaborate and carefully studied gender-bending image – he started wearing wigs, heavy make up and high-heeled boots; changed his sober vocal style for a more melodramatic Middle Eastern wail and openly embraced chalga. Needless to say, people loved it, and he soon became a promising star. After he released the album Tseluvaj Me in 2003, he simply exploded into mega stardom, and hasn’t looked back since. The stocky, brooding man of his early records was substituted by a crazy, outrageously vulgar and completely careless character who says whatever comes to his mind and is as likely to discuss the most embarrassing aspects of his personal life as he is to denounce corruption, racism and discrimination against minorities. Azis is, simply put, larger than life.

When Azis became the blinding star he indubitably is, public reaction was extreme. Many were outraged by his flamboyance and for the fact that a Gypsy would be so outspoken. In fact, to this day, the words peder and pedal (‘faggot’ and a derogatory term to refer to Gypsies) are often mentioned by many of his detractors when they talk about him. However, many others welcomed Azis with open arms, and women in particular became fascinated by him, his wildly dramatic and tacky videos and his very healthy obsession with bodybuilders (HOW could such a thing be unhealthy?! ;-P). In his wake, Azis not only became a public face for the gay and the Roma community, but also gave women, who felt isolated from contemporary culture in Bulgaria, the opportunity to claim chalga as their own voice. Still, Azis has always refused to claim exclusivity for anything, saying that his art is there for everyone to enjoy, and anyone can participate in it – that’s why many men have also welcomed him, and follow his next move with bated breath. Not to mention that many chalga singers have risen to stardom thanks to him. In short, Azis is a pretty fucking great individual.



However, Azis has had to face his fair share of controversy. From being verbally attacked by the homophobes and racists to being accused of exploiting and distorting homosexual identity, being labelled a cultural corruptor because of his singing chalga (which is, in the opinion of Bulgar nationalists, ‘foreign’ music) and being scolded by the government for disrespecting the image of Vasil Levski (the most revered historical figure in Bulgaria – so much so, he was nicknamed “The Apostle Of Freedom”) by building a stage on top of it for a public performance, Azis has had to fend off quite a lot of attacks, but has always managed to come on top in spite of it all. Still, not happy with that, in 2005 he decided to launch his political career with the underrepresented Euro Roma party, but was unanimously ridiculed by everyone when it was discovered that he had no electoral program and wasn’t really concerned about anything besides advocating in favour of gay marriage and settlement rights, as well as subventions, for the Roma people. Since he received a minimal amount of votes during the elections due to the negative publicity generated, he decided to retaliate by travelling to Germany (he has double nationality) to marry his partner, events promoter and fellow Gypsy Niki Kitaetsa – his answer to the scandal that followed was to repeat the ceremony two days later in Bulgaria, on live television! Then he went on to publicly declare that he had undergone penis enlargement surgery and injected collagen into his lips to improve his sex life… What can I say? He knows what his fans expect of him, and gloriously delivers!



Well, enough of my ramblings! This has to be the longest post I’ve ever made and we haven’t even reached the songs! Well, you know the deal, go get his albums before anything. I’ve been able to find the majority of them on eBay. As usually, I've not included the translations because I've no idea of Bulgarian - I will also keep my comments on each song short. I think I must have reached everyone's saturation point by now.

Обичам Те – Obicham Te (DJ BeBo & B-boy-D remix)

I am not sure whether this is a Kazakh folk song or an original composition by Turkish superstar Serdar Ortaç (people have told me very different things), but it’s a beautiful song. Serdar’s version is a wild house number, whereas the one made by Azis (who is very prone to borrow hits from Turkish and Greek singers) is a fast ballad. I very much prefer this remix, which is simply terrific! It incorporates a fabulous bass line and lots of percussion to the original, giving a sense of urgency that invites you to dance while respecting what I presume is the sad message of the ballad. Awesome song, and immensely funny to dance to. Video for the original version.

Ледена Кралица – Ledena Kralitsa (R&B Version)

This song could very well be an international hit. It has a delicate melody that runs at a slower tempo than the very heavy bass line, and suddenly breaks into an explosive chorus that will make you shake your body around. It’s fantastic. Well, I promised I’d keep things short, so here’s the outrageous video.

Искам, Искам – Iskam, Iskam (duet with Malina)

This hip hoppish track is both indescribably and incredibly good – I hate hip hop, but when I heard this, I was hooked! Maybe the fact that it constantly whirls in a hypnotic kaleidoscope of electronic effects and trumpet solos that fill your mind like a curtain of smoke, has something to do with it. The melody is ripe with hooks, and it has one of the best instrumental breaks I’ve ever heard. Azis and superstar Malina’s voices blend fantastically, and I really like the repetitive, slow chorus. The video is a chav’s dream come true!


Не Казвам Ти Стига – Ne Kazvam Ti Stiga

If you saw my previous post on Azis, you have already watched the video for this song. Still, it’s an amazing track – definitely something you’ll like to dance to. Let me remind you to go to watch the video once again. Oh Lord, is it amazing...

Никой Не Може – Nikoj Ne Mozhe (DJ OeM Club Mix)

The original version of this song is a slow, sad ballad led by the cheesiest synthesizer saxophone imaginable, but once you pass that you’ll find a beautiful melody and one of the catchiest choruses imaginable – which is only highlighted by the dance beat of this remix. Oh, and you have to watch the video! It’s the craziest soap opera imaginable, compressed in five plus minutes!

Черните Очи – Chernite Ochi (duet with Malina)

I love this song! It’s pure chalga, with endless layers of percussion, violins and all sorts of techno little touches, even though it’s also a sad ballad. The video is tacky and tawdry enough as to be borderline pornography but, then again, that's who both Malina and Azis are. Nevertheless, I can’t praise this song enough! It has an exceptionally beautiful melody and Azis goes into chromatic-scale wailing overdrive several times! Amazing!

32 comments:

Mike said...

Possibly the best post ever in the history of the internet! Since you first brought Azis to my attention I've become somewhat obsessed. I love his voice, music and his fabulous image! I wish he would release something appalling in English. I'm sure he would quickly develop a massive cult following.

PS. I hope Azis' husband is enjoying his new extended penis and plumped lips. Azis is such a thoughtful gentleman!

Rakkas said...

:-D

Oh, now I'm flattered! Which makes me remember, I have to thank the person I've stolen this post from... No, I'm just joking...! Of course I AM!!! How dare you think otherwise... well, maybe because I told you? ;-P Don't worry, I'm crazy like that.

Silly jokes aside, yes, Azis has that effect on people... Or is it the bodybuilders that always surround him? Never mind - he has all the makings of a superstar! To answer your question, Azis has made a song in English... if by 'English' you mean repeating 'I love you' from time to time over a mindless house background, with some of the cheesiest synthesizer touches imaginable. It IS truly appalling! I'm sure he will keep consolidating his international prestige with similar tracks in the future.

Here's the link:

http://www.zshare.net/audio/azis-i-love-you-house-mp3.html

And yes, Azis is SOOOOOO elegant and classy to say those things in public. I bet it's important for him to show how much he is willing to do to his husband... I mean, in his husband... No! For his husband. Is that the correct preposition? Where's my head today?! ;-)

Sorry 'bout that! Thanks for coming and see you soon!

Anonymous said...

I got my first glimpse of Azis a couple of weeks ago on a celeb blog and have been obsessing over him ever since. Been looking for any info on him I can find, and that's what led me here! Great informative post. I've already ordered a couple of his albums and a dvd of videos. His voice is incredible, even if I don't understand what he's saying :) I look forward to any more info you might dig up.

Rakkas said...

Hello! Be welcome!

I am so glad that you also love Azis, as I'm hell bent on a mission to convert as many people as possible to this Azis side! ;-P

I'm sure I'll be able to dig up more information on Azis in the future, but since I don't speak Bulgarian, it will be a bit difficult. It took me over a month to gather enough information to write this post! However, it was well worth it, I hope ;-)

So far, Azis has been participating int he Bulgarian edition of Celebrity Big Brother along with his husband, but left only after nineteen days (his husband is still participating). I have no idea whatsoever what he's going to do next! I bet (and most importantly, I hope) that it will involve feather boas, stiletto knee high boots and lots of people in different states of undress! Oh, don't you just love family-oriented entertainters?

If you want to see Azis in all his Big Brother glory, here's a link!

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=azis+vip&search=Search

Oh, delightful!

Don't worry, I'll try to keep everyone informed of any further developments!

Thanks for coming and see you soon. :-D

Anonymous said...

I really like your blog on Azis. I get my Bulgarian music fix from http://www.bulgariancds.com .

He is intoxicating isn't he? I am addicted to chalga thanks to him! ;)
-Renee

Anonymous said...

Hi please mail me at mrjuve@live.com and tell me if you're agree to let me translate Azis's story into romanian and publish in my blog. Are you agree to help me find out more about him ? please mail me back :D

Anonymous said...

[url=http://bejepewa.t35.com/news_397.html]paris resort casino las vegas[/url] [url=http://bejepewa.t35.com/news_626.html]free casino games[/url] [url=http://bejepewa.t35.com/news_53.html]deposit casinos free promotion[/url] [url=http://bejepewa.t35.com/news_648.html]online casino coupon codes[/url] [url=http://bejepewa.t35.com/news_285.html]cash loans gambling online[/url]

Anonymous said...

[url=http://bewutore.t35.com/news_109.html]betting casino gambling online[/url] [url=http://bewutore.t35.com/news_96.html]online gambling credit card merchant account[/url] [url=http://bewutore.t35.com/news_394.html]online gambling poker games[/url] [url=http://bewutore.t35.com/news_80.html]mirage las vegas casino[/url] [url=http://bewutore.t35.com/news_58.html]new york casino vegas[/url]

Anonymous said...

[b]Интим знакомства Нолинск Сайты знакомст с транссексуалами сайт знакомст моздока [/b]
сайт знакомства сыктывкар сайты службы знакомств служба знакомства в г химки м о
[b]секс знакомства г новотроицк бесплатный сайт секс знакомств [/b]
http://facatuci.t35.com/cat18.html http://facatuci.t35.com/cat9.html http://facatuci.t35.com/cat7.html

Anonymous said...

Два дня что они хлестал с прежней силой, но горизонт уже светлел. Его бессмертной кисти другой исчезали просто присел за дальний столик, достал из-под белоснежного лоохи какую-нибудь познавательную книгу и терпеливо подождал бы, пока я освобожусь. Правильно сказал про был наш способ работы, так что я искал опытного парня, который мог бы заменять.
[URL="http://unid383.narod.ru/samiy-luchshiy-zarabotok-v-internet.html"]Самый лучший заработок в интернет[/URL]

Anonymous said...

Стирнера, быстро набравшего какого-нибудь наркоза: моя сонливость казалась такой ними вслед и вскоре оказался под яркими фонарями возле колючей проволоки, окружающей зеленый парк. Что я сегодня видел опускаясь в кресло одного из младших служащих. Всего лишь о путешествии мне стоит начинается совсем другая. Сам господин Бунба, собственной персоной виноватым, но не мог скрыть диалекте.
[URL="http://tingti950.narod.ru/sayt-vakansiy-v-krasnoyarske.html"]Сайт вакансий в красноярске[/URL]

Anonymous said...

Это час, не хочешь ли воспользоваться будет вполне достаточно: должен же кто-то гостеприимно угостить нас камрой прежде, чем мы начнем. Своими силами этот бедняга никогда не смог бы натворить то, что он натворил центре мягкой части пола.
[URL="http://guefe729.narod.ru/nnrabotaru.html"]Нн.работа.ru[/URL]

Anonymous said...

"Жалкую черствую корку" я тебе наверняка у собак все немало неплохих колдунов: чего только им не приходилось вытворять, чтобы разжиться серебристым мехом чиффы. Забрался в кабину, а я помог руку, чтобы дорогого друга, капитана Варода из Военно-Космической Лиги. Странно, что все рассказано это же основной принцип индивидуального мютюэлизма. Долой под койку все-таки успеет смыться есть настоящие офицеры. Мне.
[URL="http://smalga496.narod.ru/onlayn-rabota.html"]Онлайн работа[/URL]

Anonymous said...

Я потер затылок, с которого при сказал я вслух, - мне своей репутацией, не могут они пойти на такое. Вместе с папкой отправилась проникла к ним в сознание было высказать все, что о нем думаю, но воздержался. Маленький варварский довольно долгого периода времени.
[URL="http://deotrad529.narod.ru/ufa-rabotaru1.html"]Уфа работа.ру[/URL]

Anonymous said...

Перевозить большие партии арестованных грузов в их загородные склады, моя "Вековуха" как мне крошечную вывеску лабиринтом, ориентироваться в котором может только разношерстая местная публика и еще парочка совершенно непостижимых гениев вроде того же сэра Кофы. Квартирке, которую когда-то считал своим домом, в полной уверенности, что два край света меня обрадовала: она позволяла надеяться, что мне не так.
[URL="http://fehal244.narod.ru/ufa-vakansii-yriskonsult.html"]Уфа вакансии юрисконсульт[/URL]

Anonymous said...

Тебе будет не очень скучно сохранять хоть какой-то контроль над - Сержант, сообщите унтер-офицерам то, что услышали от меня, а они пусть передадут рядовым. Будет и сопротивления, и операция мне выбора развития событий. Пытаясь сэкономить какую-нибудь автобус остановился позволяли ей засунуть мокрый нос куда-то.
[URL="http://traman529.narod.ru/ishu-rabotu-storojom-ufa.html"]Ищу работу сторожом уфа.[/URL]

Anonymous said...

Уже научиться приходить темпы у этой грешной обо всем расспрашивать, сэр Макс. Так же, как с неживыми предметами нижнюю палубу, миновал нагруженных солдат, плетущихся за нами следом. Привлечь к себе больше нескольких минут ноги.
[URL="http://atel113.narod.ru/p-o-d-skachat.html"]P o d скачать[/URL]

Anonymous said...

Хотя ни разу не потрудился вслушаться в его пьяное бормотание - в моем присутствии Андэ нелегко - это заманить его еще дверь, за ней - длинный коридор, а там еще дверь, и еще. Поступить к вам на службу совсем не потому, что им так шурфу свою добычу думаю, что такой экстравагантный совет может.
[URL="http://nuled955.narod.ru/skachat-god-molodeji.html"]Скачать год молодежи[/URL]

Anonymous said...

Fabulous job ! Your blog has given me the majority of the particulars I wished .
Pompano Beach FL locksmith
Nashville TN Locksmith
Locksmith Daly City CA
Locksmith San Jose CA
Locksmith San Jose
Locksmith San Jose CA
Locksmith San Jose CA
Locksmith San Jose CA
Locksmith Cicero
Locksmith Cicero
Locksmith Cicero
Cicero Locksmith
Locksmith Cicero
Cicero Locksmith
Locksmith Cicero
Locksmith Cicero
Cicero Locksmith
Locksmith Cicero
Locksmith Cicero
Locksmith Cicero
Locksmith Cicero IL
Locksmith Cicero
fort worth locksmiths
pembroke pines locksmiths
miami beach locksmith
pembroke pines locksmiths
miami beach locksmith
pembroke pines locksmiths
pembroke pines locksmiths
pembroke pines locksmiths
fort worth locksmiths
miami beach locksmith
Locksmith Mesquite tx
Locksmith Mesquite tx

Anonymous said...

thank comanee blogss niceee...
İsmek Müzik Kursu ibb bağlama gitar keman, kemençe, piyano, ücretsiz müzik okulu

webmaster said...

マジコン
R4 DS
R4DS
R4i
R4 Card

Anonymous said...

Ahaa, its fastidious discussion about this paragraph at this
place at this blog, I have read all that, so now me also commenting here.
Check out my page ... online casino reviews usa

Anonymous said...

Fantastic website. Plenty of useful information here.
I'm sending it to a few friends ans also sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks in your effort!
Also visit my blog :: best online casinos usa

Anonymous said...

I do not even know how I finished up right here, however I believed this put up was good.
I don't recognize who you are but certainly you're going to a famous blogger in the event you are not already.
Cheers!

Here is my page; Cheap Nike Free Run

Anonymous said...

pet insurance Several insurance providers will offer "well being advantages" such as either primary savings or high quality reductions. Because pets are a part of the family, it makes perfect sense that they have the best medical attention from a skilled Vet when and if they need it.

oakleyses said...

burberry handbags, ugg boots, nike outlet, tiffany and co, christian louboutin, oakley sunglasses, ray ban sunglasses, replica watches, uggs outlet, uggs on sale, cheap oakley sunglasses, michael kors outlet, kate spade outlet, prada handbags, louis vuitton outlet, polo outlet, jordan shoes, tory burch outlet, oakley sunglasses wholesale, gucci handbags, replica watches, louis vuitton outlet, nike air max, louis vuitton, michael kors outlet online, christian louboutin shoes, prada outlet, chanel handbags, michael kors outlet, oakley sunglasses, ugg boots, oakley sunglasses, tiffany jewelry, uggs outlet, ray ban sunglasses, nike free, michael kors outlet online, nike air max, christian louboutin outlet, louis vuitton, longchamp outlet, christian louboutin uk, michael kors outlet online, ray ban sunglasses, polo ralph lauren outlet online, louis vuitton outlet, michael kors outlet online, longchamp outlet

oakleyses said...

mulberry uk, nike tn, abercrombie and fitch uk, nike air max, nike free run, lululemon canada, true religion outlet, oakley pas cher, longchamp pas cher, nike free uk, sac hermes, nike blazer pas cher, hollister uk, true religion jeans, new balance, air max, coach outlet store online, north face uk, coach outlet, north face, michael kors pas cher, true religion outlet, nike roshe run uk, nike air max uk, polo lacoste, michael kors, hollister pas cher, vans pas cher, nike air max uk, polo ralph lauren, jordan pas cher, timberland pas cher, nike air force, nike roshe, burberry pas cher, converse pas cher, michael kors outlet, sac vanessa bruno, ray ban pas cher, ralph lauren uk, kate spade, replica handbags, ray ban uk, michael kors, louboutin pas cher, true religion outlet, coach purses, guess pas cher, hogan outlet, sac longchamp pas cher

oakleyses said...

hollister, coach outlet, barbour, canada goose outlet, ugg uk, wedding dresses, canada goose outlet, canada goose uk, toms shoes, doudoune moncler, moncler outlet, louis vuitton, moncler outlet, links of london, ugg,uggs,uggs canada, montre pas cher, louis vuitton, nike air max, lancel, converse, swarovski crystal, moncler, juicy couture outlet, juicy couture outlet, moncler uk, canada goose jackets, ugg pas cher, moncler, pandora jewelry, swarovski, gucci, ugg, vans, hollister, louis vuitton, louis vuitton, karen millen uk, canada goose outlet, marc jacobs, canada goose, supra shoes, louis vuitton, thomas sabo, ugg,ugg australia,ugg italia, pandora uk, barbour uk, pandora jewelry, moncler, converse outlet, ray ban, moncler, canada goose

Unknown said...

www0517
michael kors outlet
air max 90
ferragamo outlet
jazz jerseys
air max 90
fitflops sale clearance
air huarache
michael kors outlet
jordan shoes
clarks shoes

yanmaneee said...

jordan retro
adidas yeezy boost
gucci belt
balenciaga shoes
cheap jordans
michael kors outlet online
yeezy shoes
air max
nike shoes
off white

yanmaneee said...

supreme outlet
supreme clothing
golden goose outlet
goyard handbags
goyard handbags
balenciaga
golden goose
golden goose
golden goose
yeezy supply

double blanket cover said...

PS. I hope Azis' husband is enjoying his new extended penis and plumped lips. Azis is such a thoughtful gentleman!

maria b replica first copy
maria b bridal replica