CHALGA (from ‘chalgia’ – Turkish musical instrument); means also ‘to make music’.
Some 30 years ago the meaning was most close to the definition ‘to remake some pop-folk music by ear’. During the communist period the “pop-folk” music in Bulgaria was considered as decadent, thus forbidden. The self-production was sporadic. Illegally in many pubs in Bulgaria Serbian, Gypsy and Greek pop-folk songs used to be interpreted mainly by ear, which put the beginning of the concept ‘CHALGA’, also as some collective noun for the entire music gender.
After the democratic changes in 1989 ‘CHALGA’ transformed into a movement – self-production of pop-folk music, based on Balkan (Turkish mainly) patterns of the kind, Gypsy motives and rhythmic, Bulgarian dirty urban songs, and authentic folklore.
Except the rhythm, provoking to manifest some carnal intentions (usually after a couple of drinks) the kernel of any pop-folk song is the “key-phrase” of the text (usually mentioned several times), for example: “wake me at 2 o’clock in morning with no reason”, “kiss me allover and everywhere, because you know the best where to kiss”, “write down your name with your finger on my back”, “why having a lot of money when no friends around”, “show me yours, and I’ll show you mine”, etc.
Nevertheless, nowadays ‘CHALGA’ seems to be quite steady and resisting musical gender with its own motley dressing, heavy makeup, striking jewelry style, all accessories, which could be embellished, fancy lifestyle, vehicle preferences etc.
The bad news is ‘CHALGA’ possesses certain characteristics of pestilence.
On the other hand the good news is that it has defined finally the area of its diffusion, which is (lucky to say) not the best part of the nation.
Some 30 years ago the meaning was most close to the definition ‘to remake some pop-folk music by ear’. During the communist period the “pop-folk” music in Bulgaria was considered as decadent, thus forbidden. The self-production was sporadic. Illegally in many pubs in Bulgaria Serbian, Gypsy and Greek pop-folk songs used to be interpreted mainly by ear, which put the beginning of the concept ‘CHALGA’, also as some collective noun for the entire music gender.
After the democratic changes in 1989 ‘CHALGA’ transformed into a movement – self-production of pop-folk music, based on Balkan (Turkish mainly) patterns of the kind, Gypsy motives and rhythmic, Bulgarian dirty urban songs, and authentic folklore.
Except the rhythm, provoking to manifest some carnal intentions (usually after a couple of drinks) the kernel of any pop-folk song is the “key-phrase” of the text (usually mentioned several times), for example: “wake me at 2 o’clock in morning with no reason”, “kiss me allover and everywhere, because you know the best where to kiss”, “write down your name with your finger on my back”, “why having a lot of money when no friends around”, “show me yours, and I’ll show you mine”, etc.
Nevertheless, nowadays ‘CHALGA’ seems to be quite steady and resisting musical gender with its own motley dressing, heavy makeup, striking jewelry style, all accessories, which could be embellished, fancy lifestyle, vehicle preferences etc.
The bad news is ‘CHALGA’ possesses certain characteristics of pestilence.
On the other hand the good news is that it has defined finally the area of its diffusion, which is (lucky to say) not the best part of the nation.
by Assen Sirakoff June 13, 2006
the most stupid music in bulgaria.most women sing about bananas tomatos money sex etc.these women are naturally very ugly but the make-up and the plastic surgery makes wonders.the melody is taken of turkish or greek singers.the names of women singers are almost same,and the singers look almost same
oh....the banana...ah the banana...i`m feel glad when i touch it...oh...the banana...ah...the banana!
by ludametalka April 10, 2005
Mixture of bulgarian, turkish, greek and serbian folk music elements, combined with some pop music produced in Bulgaria and very popular among the masses. Lyrics are vulgar and cheap, targeting the ignorant and untaught public, speaking highly of the power of the money, making sex for money, etc.
This music is provoking mean thinking and basic instincts.
The melodies are offen stolen from some famous song. Performers are mainly whorelike dressed blonds.
This music is provoking mean thinking and basic instincts.
The melodies are offen stolen from some famous song. Performers are mainly whorelike dressed blonds.
by Zaphod Beeblebrox April 8, 2005
Chalga is "music", made by the bulgarian low-lifes. Like every other nation, Bulgaria has its scum, and that scum listens to chalga all the time.
It's degrading, and 100% makes you stupid.
But when you look at the us rap singers like Lil Jon and 50 cent, you're going to see, that there aren't many diference betweem their "hip-hop" and the chalga.
They both have women (that have passed through a lot of "manipulations", like breast implants), the texts are idiotic, and the singers have absolutely no talent, on concerts sing only on playback, but still have quite a lot of money.
It's degrading, and 100% makes you stupid.
But when you look at the us rap singers like Lil Jon and 50 cent, you're going to see, that there aren't many diference betweem their "hip-hop" and the chalga.
They both have women (that have passed through a lot of "manipulations", like breast implants), the texts are idiotic, and the singers have absolutely no talent, on concerts sing only on playback, but still have quite a lot of money.
by Ivancho July 12, 2005
Tractor-driver, hooligan
is my neighbour bai Ivan
he's old-known in the PD (police department)
with his thefts from the TKZS (the communist system of division of the agricultural land)
Bai Ivan is very wild
whenever he steals he's happy
he lacks conscience and morality
even the mayor was robbed by him!
7 times he has stolen
the pumps of the dam (!!!:D)
(duet "Apollon" - Bai Ivan)
is my neighbour bai Ivan
he's old-known in the PD (police department)
with his thefts from the TKZS (the communist system of division of the agricultural land)
Bai Ivan is very wild
whenever he steals he's happy
he lacks conscience and morality
even the mayor was robbed by him!
7 times he has stolen
the pumps of the dam (!!!:D)
(duet "Apollon" - Bai Ivan)
by MaMyTa April 9, 2005
What is the difference between the blues and chalga?
The blues is for good people who feel bad about themselves.
Chalga is for bad people who feel good about themselves.
The blues is for good people who feel bad about themselves.
Chalga is for bad people who feel good about themselves.
I hate the music they play in this restaurant. Don't they have any decent blues?
You must be a good person. Remember the difference between the blues and chalga? The blues is for good people who feel bad about themselves. Chalga is for bad people who feel good about themselves.
You must be a good person. Remember the difference between the blues and chalga? The blues is for good people who feel bad about themselves. Chalga is for bad people who feel good about themselves.
by Colourful English July 9, 2006
Bulgarian music, tune origniating from greek folklore and lyrics made up to reflect the mindset of the scum of society. It appeals only to people who are too thick and shallow to be able to grasp, understand and appreciate any other style of music. Actually, the perfromers are quite smart, because they earn money with that crap, the stupid ones are the people who voluntarily listen to it.
by Snake 1311 April 8, 2005