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Key Information

Vasil Troyanov Boyanov (Bulgarian: Васил Троянов Боянов; born 7 March 1978), professionally known as Azis (Bulgarian: Азис), is a Bulgarian recording artist of Romani ethnicity.[3][4] Azis initially rose to prominence in Eastern Europe performing songs mostly in chalga, a genre which can be described as the Bulgarian rendition of pop-folk. Azis has collaborated with other Bulgarian pop-folk singers, such as Gloria, Malina, Sofi Marinova, Toni Storaro, and with Bulgarian rap artists – Ustata and Vanko 1.[5][6] Other than that, his repertoire includes duets with singers from the former Yugoslavia, including Indira Radić, Marta Savić, Jelena Karleuša, Severina and Tea Tairović.

Boyanov performed "Let Me Cry" at the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 with Mariana Popova, staying in the semi-finals.[7][8]

Other than his acclaimed career as a vocalist, he competed unsuccessfully in the 2005 Bulgarian parliamentary election as a member of the Euroroma party.[9]

Azis remains a prominent figure in the Bulgarian music scene.

Biography

[edit]

Vasil Troyanov Boyanov was born into a modest Roma family[10] in Sliven, Bulgaria. He spent his childhood in Kostinbrod and Sofia. In 1990, after the fall of communism in Bulgaria, he moved with his family to Germany. There, his sister, Matilda, and brother Ryan were born. Azis married Nikolay "Niki Kitaetsa" Petrov Parvanov on 1 October 2006. Their marriage is not legally recognized under Bulgarian law.[11] Azis' daughter was born on 5 August 2007 and was named Raya. Her mother is Azis' longtime friend, Gala.[11] In 2008, Azis and Parvanov separated amicably.[12]

Controversies

[edit]

In late November 2007, Boyko Borisov, then mayor of Sofia, censored billboards of Azis kissing Niki Kitaetsa, which pictured both men shirtless[13][14] on the basis they were too graphic in nature. The picture was then censored in other cities in Bulgaria.[15]

In 2021, Azis was scheduled to perform at the Balkan Fair in Kestel, Bursa, Turkey, but the performance was cancelled after a campaign by Islamists targeting Azis' LGBT identity.[16]

Appearances

[edit]
  • In 2007, Azis and Kitaetsa appeared in the VIP Brother 2 edition of Big Brother Bulgaria. Azis left the house voluntarily after nineteen days.[9]
  • Azis was interviewed in the second episode of Michael Palin's New Europe.
  • In 2008 on PRO.BG, Azis co-hosted the talk show Azis' Late Night Show with actress Ekaterina Evro.
  • In August 2012, Anonymous used the video clip to Azis' song "Mrazish" to deface the website of the Russian court Khamovnichesky, where the members of the band Pussy Riot were convicted.[17]
  • Azis was a contestant on the widely popular reality show Kato dve kapki voda, which is the Bulgarian version of Your Face Sounds Familiar. After twelve weeks and a wide specter of highly praised and enjoyed performances, he placed second. In early 2021, he was announced as one of the returning participants in the forthcoming ninth All Stars season of the show.

Covers

[edit]

Greek laïko vocalist Panos Kiamos, made a cover of Azis' single "Sen Trope" entitled "Fotia me Fotia" (Fire to Fire). Serbian turbo-folk singer Dragan Kojić Keba covered the same song as "Ona to zna" (She Knows That), as well as the Romanian singer Florin Salam as "Saint Tropez".

In November 2012, the Greek singer Giorgos Tsalikis made a cover of Azis' song "Hop", entitled "Asto" (Let it).

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Year Original title Transliteration Meaning in English
1999 Болка Bolka Pain
2000 Мъжете също плачат Mazhete sashto plachat Men also cry
2001 Сълзи Salzi Tears
2002 AZIS Azis AZIS
2003 На голо Na golo In the nude
2004 Кралят Kralyat The King
2004 Together- Заедно с Деси Слава Together- Zaedno s Desi Slava Together (with Desi Slava)
2005 AZIS 2005 Azis 2005 AZIS 2005
2006 Дива Diva Diva
2011 Гадна порода Gadna Poroda Nasty breed
2014 Azis 2014 Azis 2014 Azis 2014

Compilation albums

[edit]
Year Original title Transliteration Meaning in English
2002 The Best The Best
2005 Дуети Dueti Duets
2005 The Best 2 The Best 2

EPs (maxi singles)

[edit]
Year Original title Transliteration Meaning in English
2003 Целувай ме+ Tseluvay me+ Kiss me+
2004 Как боли Kak boli How it hurts
2016 Хабиби Habibi Habibi

Videography / songs

[edit]
Year Original title Transliteration Translation
1999 "Болка" Bolka Pain
1999 "Автомонтьор" Avtomontyor Auto mechanic
2000 "Мъжете също плачат" Mazhete sashto plachat Men cry too
2001 "Хвани ме де" Hvani me de Catch me
2001 "Обичам те" Obicham te I love you
2002 "Няма" Nyama I won't
2002 "Делник и празник"
(дует с Кали)		 Delnik i praznik Weekday and weekend
(with Kali)
2002 "Дай ми го дай" Day mi go day Give it to me
2003 "Всеки път" Vseki pat Every time
2003 "Никой не може" Nikoy ne mozhe No one can
2003 "Целувай ме" Tseluvay me Kiss me
2004 "Как боли" Kak boli How it hurts
2004 "Хайде почвай ме" Hayde pochvay me Let me soil
2004 "Не сме безгрешни"
(дует с Глория)		 Ne sme bezgreshni We're not sinless
(with Gloria)
2004 "Казваш, че ме обичаш"
(дует с Деси Слава)		 Kazvash, che me obichash You say that you love me
(with Desi Slava)
2004 "Но казвам ти стига" No kazvam ti stiga But I'm telling you to stop
2004 "Ледена кралица" Ledena kralitsa Ice Queen
2004 "Жадувам" Zhaduvam Crave
2005 "Обречи ме на любов" Obrechi me na lyubov Condemn me to love
2005 "Точно сега"
(дует с Устата)		 Tochno sega Right now
(with Ustata)
2005 "Верността е лъжа"
(дует с Марта Савич)		 Vernostta e lazha Devotion is a lie
(with Marta Savić)
2005 "Не знаеш"
(дует с Малина)		 Ne znaesh You don't know
(with Malina)
2005 "Като скитница" Kato skitnitsa Like a Wanderer
2006 "Празнуваш ли сега" Praznuvash li sega Are you celebrating now
2006 "Черните очи"
(дует с Малина)		 Chernite ochi The black eyes
(with Malina)
2006 "Тежко ли ти е" Tezhko li ti e Is it hard for you
2007 "Подлудяваш ме" Podludyavash me You drive me crazy
2009 "Теб обичам" Teb obicham Loving you
2009 "Накарай ме" Nakaray me Make me
2009 "Имаш ли сърце" Imash li sartse Do you have a heart
2010 "Дай ми лед" Day mi led Give me ice
2010 "Луд ме правиш"
(дует с Ванко 1)		 Lud me pravish You make me crazy
(with Vanko 1)
2010 "Удряй ме" Udryay me Hit me
2011 "Няма накъде" Nyama nakade Nowhere
2011 "Мразиш" Mrazish Hate
2011 "Гадна порода" Gadna poroda Nasty breed
2011 "Хоп" Hop Hop
2011 "Сен Тропе" Sen Trope Saint-Tropez
2012 "MMA" — —
2012 "Кажи честно" Kazhi chestno Tell me honestly
2012 "Пробвай се"
(дует с Андреа)		 Probvay se Give it a try
(feat. Andrea)
2012 "Ти за мен си само секс" Ti za men si samo seks You're just sex for me
2012 "Коледа" Koleda Christmas
2012 "Нещо мръсно" Neshto mrasno Something dirty
2013 "Евала" Evala Well done
2013 "Хайде на морето" Hayde na moreto Let's go to the sea
2013 "Ти ме размаза" Ti me razmaza You crushed me
2013 "Като тебе втори няма"
(дует с Ванко 1)		 Kato tebe vtori nyama There's nobody like you
(with Vanko 1)
2014 "Ти ли си"
(дует с Ваня)		 Ti li si Is it you
(with Vanya)
2014 "Пий цяла нощ" Piy tsyala nosht Drink all night
2014 "Колко сме пили"
(with Тони Стораро)		 Kolko sme pili How much we drank
(with Toni Storaro)
2014 "Миконос" Mykonos —
2014 "Каза ли го"
(дует с Мария)		 Kaza li go
(with Maria)		 did you say it (with Maria)
2014 Estar Loco
(with Giorgos Tsalikis)		 — To be crazy
(Giorgos Tsalikis)
2014 "Чуй ме"
(дует с Мария)		 Chuy me Hear me
(with Maria)
2015 "Джанъм, джанъм" Djanam, djanam Darling, darling
2015 "Моля те не ми звъни"
(дует с Мария)		 Molya te ne mi zvani Please don't call me
(with Maria)
2015 "Блокиран"
(дует с Фики)		 Blokiran Blocked
(with Fiki)
2015 "Хабиби" Habibi Habibi
2017 "Мотел" Motel Motel
2018 "Позна ли ме?" Pozna li me? Did you recognize me?
2019 "Жено, бягай" Zheno, byagai Run, woman
2019 "Циганче" Ciganche Gypsy kid
2020 "Who cares?" Who cares? Who cares?
2020 "Сагапо" Sagapo Sagapo
2020 "Тясно" Tyasno Narrow
2022 "Мой си бе" Moy si be Boy, you are mine
2022 "Пистолет" Pistolet Pistol
2022 "Airport" Airport Airport
2023 "По, По, По" Po, Po, Po Better, Better, Better
2024 "Казах "не" Kazah "ne" I said "no"
2024 "Лудница" "Ludnitsa" Madhouse
2024 "Диаманти и пари" "Diamanti i pari" Diamonds and money
2024 "Хубавица" "Hubavitsa" Pretty woman
2024 "Катастрофа" "Katastrofa" Crash
2024 "Мръсница" "Mrusnitsa" Slut
2024 "Хубаво ли ти е" "Hubavo li ti e" Are you feeling well?
2024 "Пак ми звъниш" "Pak mi zvynish" You are calling me again

DVDs

[edit]
  • 2003: Шоу спектакъл
  • 2004: Нищо лично
  • 2004: The best videoclips
  • 2004: Together with Desi Slava
  • 2005: AZIS 2005
  • 2005: Дуети (Duets)
  • 2006: Аз, Азис ( I, Azis) (CD)
  • 2007: Azis

Collaborations

[edit]
List of non-single guest appearances, with other performing artists, showing year released and album name
Title Year Artist(s) Album
"Sezam" 2011 Indira Radić Istok, sever, jug i zapad
"Mama" 2012 Marta Savić 13
"Fališ mi" 2022 Severina
"Katastrofa" 2024 Tea Tairović

Books

[edit]
  • Аз, Азис (Book and CD) (2006)

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Azis

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Azis (Bulgarian: Азис; born Vasil Troyanov Boyanov, 7 March 1978) is a Bulgarian singer of Romani ethnicity specializing in , a pop-folk genre blending Eastern European folk elements with contemporary dance rhythms. Born in to a family incarcerated at the time, he rose to fame in the late through provocative featuring and androgynous aesthetics, establishing himself as a polarizing yet commercially dominant figure in . His debut solo album (1999) marked an early breakthrough, with its title track in Romani earning him a major and launching a career defined by hits such as "Obicham Te," extensive collaborations within , and ventures into television presenting. Azis has also engaged in political , running unsuccessfully for in 2005 under the EuroRoma party banner, while serving as a vocal advocate for Romani and LGBT interests amid Bulgaria's conservative social landscape. Notable controversies stem from his unapologetic and extravagant style, which have provoked backlash including Islamist-led cancellations of abroad, yet his vocal prowess has sustained widespread Balkan popularity, often credited with overriding ethnic and sexual prejudices.

Early Life and Background

Birth and Family Origins

Vasil Troyanov Boyanov, known professionally as , was born on March 7, 1978, in , . His birth occurred in the local women's , where his mother was serving time for selling imported clothing without authorization. Azis was born into a family of Romani ethnicity, characterized by modest socioeconomic circumstances typical of many Roma communities in Bulgaria during the late communist era. His parents' backgrounds reflect the challenges faced by Roma families, including limited opportunities and occasional involvement in informal economic activities. Specific details about his father remain sparse in public records, while his mother's imprisonment at the time of his birth underscores early family hardships. The later relocated within to Kostinbrod and during Azis's childhood, before emigrating to in following the collapse of the communist regime. It was in that two of his siblings, sister Matilda and brother Ryan, were born. Additionally, Azis has a brother, Vasile Armeanca, who is also a . These migrations highlight the peripatetic nature of his early life, influenced by political changes and economic pressures on ethnic minorities.

Upbringing and Roma Heritage

Azis, born Vasil Troyanov Boyanov, was raised in a modest family of Romani ethnicity in during the late communist era. His early years were marked by the socioeconomic challenges typical of many Romani communities, including limited access to resources and prevalent discrimination. , his birthplace and home to Bulgaria's largest Romani population, provided a cultural environment steeped in traditional and customs, which influenced his initial exposure to performance. Following his birth on March 7, 1978, in Sliven's women's prison—where his mother was incarcerated—Azis's childhood unfolded primarily in Kostinbrod, a town near , and later in the capital itself. These locations exposed him to urban Romani life amid Bulgaria's transition from , including familial involvement in music; as a child, he sang Romani folk songs with his parents' band, fostering an early affinity for vocal expression rooted in his heritage. based on his darker skin tone and Romani descent was a recurring hardship, as peers often excluded him from play, reinforcing the marginalization faced by Roma in Bulgarian society. In 1989, at age 11, Azis relocated with his family to following the collapse of communist rule in , an exodus common among some Romani families seeking better opportunities. There, he adapted to a new linguistic and cultural context by learning German, while maintaining ties to his Romani identity through . This period abroad highlighted the diasporic aspects of Romani heritage, blending Bulgarian roots with exposure to Western influences, though he returned to in his late teens to pursue music professionally. His Muslim Romani background further shaped personal and communal values, emphasizing resilience amid historical persecution of Roma across Europe.

Initial Exposure to Music

Azis, born Vasil Troyanov Boyanov on March 7, 1978, in , —a city with one of the country's largest Romani communities—grew up in an environment where music was integral to family and cultural life. His father worked as a professional player, providing early familial exposure to instrumental music traditions common in Romani circles. From childhood, Azis recognized his own vocal talent and participated in a church , singing in the , which offered his first structured musical outlet beyond informal settings. Around age 11, Azis relocated with his family to , 's capital, where he formed a family ensemble in the Barnishora neighborhood and began performing nightly. These early shows included impersonations of , blending local folk elements with Western pop influences that he encountered through his upbringing. Such performances marked his transition from passive exposure to active participation in music, often in informal venues tied to his extended family, including singing at his cousin's bar while taking on side jobs like waiting tables. This period immersed him in the burgeoning scene—a pop-folk genre drawing from Balkan, Turkish, and Greek roots prevalent in post-communist —shaping his initial style before formal recordings. Despite familial reservations, particularly from his father who opposed pursuing music professionally, these experiences laid the groundwork for his vocal development, characterized by a high and precise pitch control suited to chalga's emotive demands.

Musical Career

Entry into Chalga and Rise to Fame

Azis's entry into chalga occurred in the late 1990s through initial recordings featured on the compilation album DJ Folk Marathon, which introduced his voice to the Bulgarian pop-folk scene. In 1999, he released his debut solo album Pain (Bolka), opening with the title track performed in Romani, marking his formal debut as a chalga artist. The album's release coincided with his first significant recognition, as the title song earned him the Singer of the Year award at the Stara Zagora Roma Festival in August 1999. This early accolade propelled Azis toward broader fame within , a genre blending Balkan folk rhythms with oriental and pop influences, where he stood out for his Roma background and theatrical stage presence. By the early , his provocative style and chalga performances had established him as a prominent figure in Eastern European pop-folk, attracting both acclaim and controversy for challenging genre norms.

Key Albums and Hit Songs

Azis's discography spans multiple studio albums and compilations within the genre, with releases primarily through Bulgarian labels like Balkanton and Payner Music. His breakthrough , The Best, issued in 2002, compiled early singles and established his pop-folk sound characterized by oriental rhythms and electronic beats, including tracks like "Evala" that gained airplay on regional radio. Subsequent releases built on this foundation, with Azis 2005 (2005) featuring upbeat dance tracks such as "Nyama Nakade," which became a staple in Balkan club scenes due to its infectious hooks and video rotation on music channels. The 2006 album marked a stylistic peak, incorporating more theatrical elements reflective of Azis's stage persona, with singles like "Hop" achieving widespread popularity through live performances and television appearances in and neighboring countries; it sold respectably in physical formats amid the era's CD market dominance in . The Best 2 (2007), a follow-up compilation, included remixes and new material that extended his commercial reach, while Gadna Poroda (2011) shifted toward edgier on urban and relationships, yielding the hit "Mrasnica" with over 34 million views. Later works like Azis 2014 (2014) blended with contemporary EDM influences, though it received mixed reception for diverging from traditional roots. Among Azis's hit songs, "Sen Trope" stands out as his signature track, released around 2015 and amassing over 218 million plays through viral challenges and festival airings, underscoring his enduring appeal in digital streaming metrics. Collaborations amplified his chart presence, such as "Brutalen" with , which topped informal playlists, and "Katastrofa" with Tea Tairovic, exceeding 2.9 million streams in recent monthly data. Other enduring singles include "Ti Za Men Si Samo Sex" and "Koy Be, Koy" (featuring ), the latter garnering 9.1 million views via its provocative video and radio play. These tracks, often certified by high streaming volumes rather than formal sales due to the genre's informal distribution in , highlight Azis's formula of catchy melodies, Roma-infused instrumentation, and bold themes.

Evolution of Style and Collaborations

Azis's early musical style was rooted in chalga, a Bulgarian pop-folk genre blending Oriental, Balkan, and electronic elements, with his 1999 debut album Pain featuring Romani-language tracks and traditional Gypsy influences delivered in a high-pitched falsetto. By 2000's Muzhete Sushto Plachat, he began incorporating visual flamboyance, including makeup and bleached hair, while maintaining chalga's rhythmic structures and themes of romance and sensuality. In subsequent releases like the 2002 self-titled album Azis 2002 and 2003's Na Golo, his style evolved to fuse with exotic motifs, drawing on Greek, Turkish, and Bollywood through costumes such as saris and belly-dance attire, alongside erotic and gender-ambiguous presentations that amplified his performative . The album Kraliat continued this trajectory, echoing pop iconography like Madonna's covers, but centered on 's core synth-driven beats and vocal . Over time, Azis's music retained 's foundational sound—characterized by , , and danceable tempos—while his visuals shifted; by 2020, he scaled back extreme drag elements for a bulked-up, jeans-and-boots look more aligned with conventional Balkan . Azis has frequently collaborated with fellow Bulgarian pop-folk performers, enhancing 's communal appeal through duets that blend voices and styles. Key examples include the 2003 track "Edin Zhivot Ne Stiga" with , performed live at a National Stadium concert that year, and the 2004 single "Ne Sme Bezgreshni" with Gloria, featured on Kraliat. Other partnerships encompass Malina, , and rap integrations with Ustata, as in tracks from his 2005 Azis Duets compilation, expanding into hybrid urban-folk forms. Beyond , he has dueted with Serbian artists like and , broadening his regional influence within Balkan pop-folk circuits.

Personal Life

Relationships and Marriages

Azis entered into a long-term with Nikolay Parvanov, professionally known as Niki Kitaetsa, which lasted approximately 15 years prior to a symbolic on , 2006, conducted in Sofia's Dali Club but lacking legal recognition under Bulgarian law prohibiting same-sex unions. The event drew media attention as a public affirmation of their partnership amid Bulgaria's conservative social climate. The relationship with Kitaetsa ended amicably several years after the ceremony, with Azis subsequently focusing on family obligations. Azis has not entered any legally recognized marriages, as Bulgarian law does not permit same-sex unions, and no heterosexual civil marriages are documented in available records. In parallel, Azis has maintained a platonic cohabitation with Galina Georgieva for over 25 years, described by both as devoid of romantic love or sexual intimacy, primarily to support shared family responsibilities rather than as a marital . Georgieva, a former barmaid, has been informally referred to as Azis's "" in Bulgarian media, though this appears cultural rather than legal, with no evidence of formal union or proceedings. Azis has publicly emphasized the arrangement's stability despite past conflicts, attributing it to mutual commitment over emotional or physical attraction.

Children and Family Dynamics

Azis fathered his first child, a daughter named Raya, on August 5, 2007, through with his longtime friend Gala serving as the biological mother. The arrangement reflected Azis's commitment to parenthood amid his public identification as homosexual, with him serving as the biological father while Gala carried the pregnancy. Following his separation from partner Nikolay Parvanov in , Azis emphasized his dedication to Raya's upbringing, prioritizing responsibilities alongside his . He later expanded his family, welcoming a son in May 2022 and announcing the impending birth of a third child in January 2023, maintaining similar non-traditional parental structures involving female collaborators for conception and gestation. These dynamics underscore Azis's approach to fatherhood outside conventional marital norms, with public statements highlighting his fulfillment in three children despite Bulgaria's restrictive legal framework for same-sex unions and limited recognition of alternative family models. Azis has shared glimpses of family life on , portraying active involvement in his children's lives while navigating in Bulgarian society.

Public Statements on Sexuality

Azis has publicly identified as gay since the early stages of his career, incorporating references to his sexuality into his music videos and performances, which often feature cross-dressing and provocative themes. His openness in a socially conservative environment like Bulgaria has been noted as a factor in breaking taboos, with observers crediting his unapologetic stance for reducing stigma around homosexuality in the region. In a October 17, 2024, interview with , Azis attributed his widespread acceptance to his vocal talent overriding prejudices, stating, "They forgave me for being gay and Roma due to my voice." This reflects his view that professional success conditioned tolerance for his orientation amid 's conservative attitudes. Azis has also criticized homophobia in directly. On November 18, 2011, he announced plans to relocate abroad, citing exhaustion with domestic intolerance: "I'm sick and tired of everything in this country! I'm sick and tired of the homophobia, the , the fact that the people here do not value my talent." Despite such frustrations, he has continued performing and advocating against prejudice toward sexual minorities through his platform.

Controversies

Social and Political Backlash

Azis's flamboyant persona and open have provoked significant social backlash in , a nation characterized by widespread conservative attitudes toward sexuality and traditional gender roles. Despite his commercial success, critics and segments of the public have condemned his effeminate style, provocative lyrics, and genre associations as morally corrupting, particularly in a macho culture where overt displays of non-heteronormative behavior are often stigmatized. In 2011, Azis publicly expressed frustration with pervasive and in , stating he was "sick and tired of everything in this country," including the devaluation of his talent due to his identity as a gay Roma artist, which prompted him to announce plans to relocate abroad permanently. Politically, Azis has faced direct intervention from conservative figures. In November 2007, , then mayor of and a prominent center-right politician, ordered the removal of billboards featuring Azis kissing his same-sex partner Niki Kitaetsa, both depicted shirtless, citing public decency concerns amid broader conservative opposition to chalga's sexualized imagery. This action reflected tensions between chalga's subversive elements—often critiqued by elites and nationalists for promoting sexual liberation over traditional values—and Bulgaria's post-communist cultural conservatism. Azis's performances have also been targeted by conservative groups across the , highlighting ongoing resistance to his visibility as an openly gay performer in regions with strong traditionalist sentiments. Internationally, similar backlash manifested in 2021 when a scheduled concert by Azis at the Balkan Festival in , , was canceled following a campaign by Islamist groups and coverage in the ultra-conservative newspaper Yeni Akit, which labeled him a "gay pervert" and pressured local authorities to withdraw support. This incident underscored cross-regional conservative alliances against perceived threats to social norms posed by Azis's unapologetic identity and artistry. Despite such opposition, Azis has noted that his vocal talent mitigated some , allowing him to challenge taboos without complete in Bulgaria's stratified .

Scandals Involving Public Image and Behavior

In November 2007, authorities in the town of Kustendil ordered the removal of a billboard depicting Azis in a shirtless embrace with his partner Niki Kitaetsa, citing its scandalous and sexually suggestive content as inappropriate for public display. Similar billboards in were censored by then-mayor , who deemed the images promoting Azis's album Azis and the City a violation of public decency standards. This incident followed a pattern of provocative , including a 2005 billboard showcasing Azis's exposed buttocks to promote an earlier release, which had already sparked public debate over explicit imagery in media. Azis's broader public persona, characterized by , drag elements, and semi-revealing attire in performances and videos, has consistently courted by challenging traditional norms and cultural expectations in . In a 2010 Reuters interview, Azis explicitly stated that music, his primary , inherently "sells sex" through such visuals, acknowledging the role of in its commercial appeal. These elements, including vulgar lyrics and boundary-pushing visuals in music videos, contributed to media backlash portraying his image as transgressive and disruptive to conservative sensibilities. Additional flashpoints include a November 2007 magazine cover shoot for Bliasak, where Azis posed in exaggerated, revealing outfits to generate buzz, further fueling accusations of for publicity. While these behaviors solidified his niche as a provocative figure in Balkan pop-folk, they drew criticism for prioritizing over artistic restraint, though Azis maintained they reflected authentic self-expression amid societal . In 2007, Bulgarian municipal authorities ordered the removal of promotional billboards featuring in drag embracing his then-partner Niki Kitaetsa, deeming the images excessively provocative and unsuitable for public display. A notable media-driven conflict occurred in September 2021, when Azis's scheduled performance at the Bursa Almond Festival in was cancelled amid backlash from the Islamist Yeni Akit. The outlet published articles denouncing Azis as a "pervert" and accusing local organizers of promoting "LGBT propaganda" through his invitation, prompting Mustafa Dündar to retract the offer and attribute it to an administrative error. Family-related disputes have also intersected with legal and media scrutiny. In 2024, the of Azis's daughter Raya publicly refuted media claims that a had stripped him of parental rights, asserting their ongoing amicable co-parenting arrangement despite a platonic marriage lacking romantic or sexual elements. Azis's non-traditional unions, including ceremonial same-sex partnerships, remain unrecognized under Bulgarian , complicating and custody matters without resulting in publicly documented litigation.

Works and Media Presence

Discography

Azis has released eleven studio albums as of 2022, focusing on pop-folk music characterized by oriental rhythms, synthesized instrumentation, and themes of romance and excess. These works often feature collaborations with other Bulgarian artists and emphasize his alongside provocative visuals in accompanying videos. Compilation albums and duets collections have supplemented his output, while singles frequently serve as album precursors, amassing over 90 music videos by 2022.

Studio Albums

YearTitleNotes
2002AzisDebut album, establishing his chalga style.
2004Kralyat (The King)Solo release highlighting royal imagery themes.
2004Together (with Desi Slava)Collaborative effort with fellow chalga singer Desi Slava.
2005Azis 2005Featured updated production and hit tracks.
2006DivaEmphasized dramatic personas and ballads.
2011Gadna PorodaExplored themes of heritage and defiance.
2014Azis 2014Modernized sound with electronic elements.

Compilation Albums and EPs

Azis's compilations aggregate popular tracks and duets, often re-released for broader accessibility. Notable entries include The Best 2 (2007), collecting early hits; Azis Duets (2005), featuring partnerships with various artists; and Azis Hit Collection (2025), spanning 30 tracks from his career. No prominent EPs are documented in major music databases, with shorter releases typically issued as singles.

Singles and Videography

Azis has issued dozens of singles, many debuting chart positions in and garnering international views via , with 91 music videos produced up to 2022 emphasizing his eccentric aesthetics, costume changes, and narrative storytelling. Key singles include "Sen Trope" (2004), a breakout track exceeding 181 million views for its beach-party theme and viral appeal; "Habibi" (2016), blending Arabic influences; and recent releases like "Lembar Kenangan" (2025). Videos often incorporate luxury settings, dance routines, and , contributing to his pop-folk icon status despite production variances in quality across independent labels.

Studio Albums

Azis debuted with the studio album Болка on May 4, 1999, featuring 11 tracks such as the title song performed in Romani, marking his breakthrough in chalga music. His follow-up, Мъжете също плачат, released in 2000, included 12 songs blending pop-folk elements with duets like the title track featuring Tomi Chinchiri. Subsequent releases built on his flamboyant persona and Roma influences, with Сълзи in 2001 emphasizing emotional themes in chalga arrangements. Azis 2002, also from 2002, continued this trajectory with original material. In 2004, The King showcased hits reinforcing his pop-folk dominance.
YearTitle (Bulgarian/Transliteration)Key Details
2005AZIS 2005 / Azis 2005Featured duets and solo tracks advancing his sound.
2006Дива / Highlighted diva-themed pop-folk with energetic productions.
2011Гадна порода / Gadna PorodaExplored provocative themes in 12 tracks.
2014Azis 2014Included singles like "Piy Tsyala Nosht," released April 2.
These albums, totaling at least nine confirmed studio efforts by , propelled Azis's commercial success in , often exceeding 100,000 units in sales for early releases amid 's regional popularity. Later works maintained his signature style, though detailed sales data post-2014 remains sparse from verified sources.

Compilation Albums and EPs

Azis's compilation albums primarily collect his hit singles and collaborations from earlier releases, serving as retrospective overviews of his chalga career. The inaugural compilation, The Best, was issued in 2002 by Sunny Music, compiling 15 tracks including early successes like "Обичам те" and reflecting his rising prominence in Bulgarian pop-folk. This release underscored his commercial appeal, drawing from material predating his debut studio album. In 2005, Azis released Dueti (Duets), a 14-track compilation focused exclusively on his duet recordings with artists such as , Malina, and Ustata, highlighting collaborative efforts that amplified his visibility in the genre. The album, also under Sunny Music, ran approximately 59 minutes and featured tracks like "Казваш, че ме обичаш" with . The Best 2 appeared in 2007, extending the original compilation with additional , maintaining Azis's strategy of packaging hits for sustained fan engagement. More recently, Azis Hit Collection was released in 2025, comprising 30 tracks spanning nearly two hours and encompassing key singles like "Sen Trope" and "Nyama nakade," positioned as a comprehensive greatest-hits package. Azis has produced limited EPs or maxi-singles, with releases often integrated into broader discographic outputs rather than standalone extended plays; specific EP titles remain sparsely documented beyond occasional single-focused formats.

Singles and Videography

Azis's singles often serve as lead promotions for his albums or standalone releases in the genre, frequently featuring collaborations with other pop-folk artists and accompanied by music videos that highlight his flamboyant persona through elaborate costumes, choreography, and provocative themes. Early singles like "Как боли" (How It Hurts), released in 2004, marked his in Bulgarian pop-folk, establishing his signature blend of oriental rhythms and personal lyrics. Subsequent releases expanded his catalog, with "Sen Trope" from 2014 achieving massive popularity, amassing over 181 million views on its official as of recent counts, driven by its catchy hook and video depicting luxurious party scenes. Collaborations such as "Pey, sartse" (Sing, Heart) in 2016 with and Tsvetelina Yaneva, and "Тясно" (Tight) in 2020 with Papi Hans, exemplify his frequent partnerships that boost chart performance in . In recent years, Azis has maintained output with singles like "Mrasnica" (Dirty Girl) in 2024, released as a solo track with an official video emphasizing bold visuals, and collaborations including "По, По, По" (Po, Po, Po) with in 2023 and "Лудница" (Madhouse) with Lidia in 2024. His videography typically involves high-production values from labels like Diapason Records, featuring Azis in gender-bending outfits and narrative elements that reflect themes of excess and identity, contributing to his cultural notoriety beyond audio streams. A 2025 single, "Ти Не Си За Мен, Аз Не Съм За Теб" (You Are Not For Me, I Am Not For You) with Malina, continues this trend of relational and dramatic content.
Notable SingleRelease YearKey Details
Как боли2004Solo debut single establishing style.
Sen Trope2014Major hit with 181M+ video views; from self-titled album.
Pey, sartse2016Collaboration with & Tsvetelina Yaneva.
Тясно2020With Papi Hans; upbeat dance track.
По, По, По2023With ; recent collaborative success.
Mrasnica2024Solo; official video released in 2024.

Books and Publications

In 2006, Azis published his autobiography Me, Azis, which details his early life, rise in the pop-folk scene, and personal experiences as a Romani performer challenging social norms in . The book achieved immediate commercial success, becoming a and contributing to his expanded media presence beyond . No additional authored books or major publications by Azis have been documented in subsequent years.

Television and Stage Appearances

Azis participated in the Bulgarian series VIP Brother 2 in 2007, entering the house alongside his partner Niki Kitaetsa and voluntarily exiting after 19 days. He hosted the Azis's Late Night Show, which premiered on November 25, 2007, on a Bulgarian television network, featuring celebrity interviews and entertainment segments. In 2013, Azis competed as a contestant on the impersonation competition (Bulgarian edition, known as Kato dve kapki voda), portraying various artists over multiple episodes, including a performance as the duo Alex & Vladi. On stage, Azis has conducted extensive live performances throughout and the , often featuring high-energy sets with elaborate costumes and choreography. Notable concerts include a solo show at Summer in on August 3, 2018, accompanied by his band. He has also collaborated on stage appearances, such as a 2021 concert with in and a 2024 event marking 25 years on with in . Azis maintains an active touring schedule, with confirmed performances like a February 13, 2026, show at Arena 8888 in . These appearances underscore his role as a prominent live entertainer in the pop-folk genre, drawing large audiences despite cultural controversies surrounding his persona.

Reception and Legacy

Commercial Success and Popularity Metrics

Azis's album Kraliat (2004) sold 68,000 copies, a sales figure characterized as exceptional within Bulgaria's limited physical music market, where piracy and low overall consumption historically constrained revenues. His discography, spanning over a dozen studio albums since 1999, has similarly dominated domestic pop-folk sales charts, though exact aggregate figures remain unpublished due to the genre's reliance on informal distribution networks. In digital metrics, Azis's single "Sen Trope" (2011) marked a breakthrough as the first Bulgarian track to surpass 100 million views, later exceeding 200 million plays across platforms, underscoring his appeal in online consumption amid Bulgaria's shift to streaming. Other hits like "Mrasnica" (2023) have garnered over 30 million views on his official channel, reflecting sustained virality in Balkan markets. On and , recent collaborations such as "Tazi Diskoteka" with Galin peaked at number 9 on Bulgaria's Singles Top 40 in October 2025 and ranked in the top 25 domestically. Chart performance extends to regional recognition, with Azis holding the 121st position on the Ex-Yugoslavia Artists as of 2025, driven by cross-border streaming from neighboring countries. In search metrics, he topped queries in for 2015, ahead of sports figures, highlighting peak cultural penetration during that period. Azis has received over 20 awards at Bulgarian pop-folk annual ceremonies by 2012, including six "Best Singer" titles and seven for stage or media presence, metrics of genre-specific acclaim rather than broader industry validation. Live performances, including arena tours in , consistently draw capacity crowds in domestic venues, though verified attendance records for individual shows are not publicly detailed beyond sold-out status reports.

Critical Assessments and Cultural Criticisms

Azis's musical output has elicited polarized responses from critics, with some acknowledging his technical prowess in vocals—rooted in training in folk traditions and capable of adapting to genres from rock to pop-folk—while others dismiss his compositions as formulaic Eurotrash, where elaborate dance routines and visual excess often eclipse lyrical or melodic substance. In a 2006 review of his live performance, the noted that his singing was frequently overshadowed by accompanying spectacles, characterizing certain tracks as emblematic of lowbrow pop excess. Similarly, broader critiques of , the genre Azis dominates, highlight its perceived vulgarity, reliance on provocative imagery, and detachment from established Bulgarian musical heritage, elements Azis amplifies through hyperbolic staging and themes of sensuality. Culturally, Azis's unapologetic flamboyance and Roma heritage, combined with his public embrace of , have positioned him as a in Bulgaria's socially conservative landscape, where traditional attitudes toward gender roles and minority identities prevail. Detractors, including voices in Bulgarian media and public discourse, have accused him of fabricating or exaggerating his for notoriety and commercial gain, leveraging scandal to sustain relevance amid 's anti-elite, populist appeal. His declaration of exasperation with Bulgaria's intolerance, prompting a temporary relocation abroad, underscored these tensions, as did the cancellation of a in following Islamist protests against his LGBT associations. Despite such backlash, Azis maintains that audience acceptance stems primarily from over identity, claiming in a 2024 interview that his voice mitigated prejudices related to his and orientation. These criticisms extend to chalga's societal footprint, with Azis embodying its role in subverting post-communist norms through ostentatious displays that challenge patriarchal expectations, yet also fueling debates on cultural degradation and the genre's orientalist undertones evoking Ottoman-era . Academic analyses, such as those in journals, frame Azis's rise as a of ethnic blurring and taboo-breaking, but warn of its reinforcement of commodified over substantive . In , where permeates mass media yet faces disdain, Azis's polarizing status reflects deeper divides: venerated by fans for democratizing expression, yet lambasted for prioritizing provocation over depth, with empirical sales data—millions of album units and billions of video views—contrasting persistent and conservative scorn.

Influence on Bulgarian Pop-Folk and Broader Impact

Azis significantly shaped Bulgarian pop-folk, known as , by introducing an extreme, provocative style that fused traditional Roma and folk elements with Western pop and dance influences, distinguishing his work during the genre's post-communist expansion in the late and early . His flamboyant persona, characterized by bold fashion and open expressions of sexuality, amplified chalga's reputation for irreverence and commercialization, attracting a broad audience while intensifying debates over the genre's cultural value. This approach helped propel chalga from underground status to dominance in Bulgarian media, with Azis's videos amassing billions of views across the by the . As a Roma artist, Azis drew on ethnic musical roots to innovate within chalga, inspiring later performers to incorporate more diverse and boundary-pushing aesthetics, though his extremity often reinforced criticisms of the genre as vulgar or lowbrow. His rise coincided with chalga's mainstream breakthrough, evidenced by inclusions like his track on The New York Times' 2016 music trends shortlist, signaling international curiosity in Bulgarian pop-folk's evolution. By embodying chalga's anti-establishment flair—rooted in its Ottoman-era and post-1989 rebellious undertones—Azis solidified the genre's role as a populist counter to elite cultural norms. Beyond music, Azis's prominence as an openly Roma figure challenged Bulgaria's conservative, macho societal norms, enhancing visibility for LGBTQ+ and minority communities in a context of widespread homophobia and ethnic . His success, attributed by Azis himself to vocal talent overriding biases, demonstrated selective tolerance in Bulgarian , where faced verbal backlash but stardom afforded leeway. Politically, he ran unsuccessfully in the parliamentary elections as deputy leader of the EuroRoma party, attempting to leverage fame for Roma , and positioned himself as a spokesperson for rights amid frustrations that prompted a temporary relocation abroad in 2011. This broader impact extended chalga's cultural footprint, fostering regional anthems and cross-Balkan covers while highlighting tensions between artistic provocation and .

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