Chalga

Chalga is a Bulgarian music genre, often referred to as pop-folk, short for "popular folk". Chalga or pop-folk is essentially a folk-inspired dance music genre, with a blend of Bulgarian music (Bulgarian ethno-pop genre) and also primary influences from Greek, Turkish, Arabic, Rom, Serbian and Russian music.

History

The name Chalga is derived from the Turkish word Çalgı, meaning "musical instrument". A Chalgadzhiya (in Turkish Çalgıcı) was a performer who could play virtually any type of music, adding his or her own distinctive beat or rhythm to the song. Often a Chalgadzhiya would not be able to read music, but instead play from memory on his or her Kaval (an end-blown Flute). Playing in groups at festivals or weddings, these performers initiated the popularization of chalga.

Throughout the Balkans, folk traditions have seen a process of modernization. In Greece, there are similarities with Skiladiko and Laiko Greek music. The eastern music of Byzantine tradition in history, became very close to early Bulgarian chalga music.