After a series of articles about Serbian covers of Greek songs, we continue in the same rhythm in our THIRD HALF section. This time, we’ll focus on Bulgarian covers of Serbian songs — or Serbian covers of Bulgarian ones, if you prefer it that way. To make it easier to follow, we’ll list the original Serbian versions in the subtitles. So, let’s begin:
1. Lepa Brena – Luda za tobom
The euphoria surrounding the movie “South Wind” and the song “Luda po tebe”, performed by Kamelia in 1999, is still remembered today. It’s well known that the original song was performed by Lepa Brena under the title “Luda za tobom”.
2. Andreana Cekić & Emir Djulovic – Cipele
The 2018 song “Cipele”, performed by Andreana Čekić and Emir Đulović, also received another local version in which Aleksandra Bursać sang the duet with Emir instead of Andreana.
This remake caused quite a stir on the local scene, so the Bulgarian version of the same song went somewhat unnoticed. The same singer (Emir Đulović) recorded a Bulgarian version in 2019, performing it as a duet with Bulgarian singer Boni. The song is titled “Vreme e” (It’s Time).
3. Lepa Brena – Cik pogodi
We stay with Lepa Brena, who was once one of the biggest stars in Bulgaria. Many of her songs received Bulgarian covers, including “Čik pogodi” from 1990, which was released under the title “Ne sum takava” by Andrea in 2006.
4. Nikola Rokvic – Ja sam tvoj i kad spavam sa njom
The song “Ja sam tvoj i kad spavam sa njom” by Nikola Rokvić was released in 2006. Its Bulgarian cover came out in 2008, performed by Boris Dali, under the title “Vednazh obicham” (I Love Once).
5. Zana – Dodirni mi kolena
The iconic 1982 hit “Dodirni mi kolena” by Zana also received a Bulgarian version. It was covered by Dezaro in 2016 under the title “Černa pepel” (Black Ash).
6. Nedeljko Bajic Baja – Oficir s ruzom
Nedeljko Bajić Baja’s song “Oficir s ružom” was originally released in 2004. The Bulgarian performer Darko covered it in 2007 under the title “Osaden bez vina” (Condemned Without Guilt).
7. Tozovac – Ti si me cekala
The legendary Tozovac released “Ti si me čekala” in 1987. Its Bulgarian version, “Ruino vino”, was recorded by Dimitar Andonov and released in 2011.
8. Boban Rajovic – Usne boje vina
The song that made Boban Rajović famous, “Usne boje vina”, came out in 2007. Bulgarian singer Jina Stoeva recorded her version just a year later, in 2008, titled “Nyama da ti mine” (It Won’t Pass You By).
9. Dzej Ramadanovski – Gde cu sad moja ruzo
One of Džej Ramadanovski’s most beautiful ballads, “Gde ću sad moja ružo”, was released in 1992. Eight years later, Estela recorded the Bulgarian version titled “Pod zvezdite” (Under the Stars).
10. Ceca – Idi dok si mlad
Just as we started this list, we’ll finish it — with Kamelia. Her song “Gryah li e tova” is actually a cover of Ceca’s “Idi dok si mlad”. The Serbian version was released in 1995, while the Bulgarian one came out in 1998.
With this, we wrap up the first part of our series on Bulgarian covers of Serbian songs. There’s plenty of material left for future installments, and in the meantime, we invite you to share in the comments which Bulgarian versions of Serbian songs you already know.
