Ivan Palanov with an emotional masculine confession
Written by Team Balkanika on 27.11.2025
Ivan Palanov with an emotional masculine confession
Today the new musical release by Ivan Palanov – “Mazhko sartse ne trae” – was presented. It is the third single from the project “Folk Fusion: New Sounds of Bulgarian Folklore” by Diapason Records, implemented with the financial support of the European Union (Next Generation) through NPVU — BG-RRP-11.020-0061-C01. The premiere took place simultaneously on the four TV channels: Fen TV, Balkanika Music Television, Fen Folk TV, and BG Music Channel.
The song incorporates motifs from the Rhodope folk song “Stiga mi se, momne le, navdigay” – one of Ivan Palanov’s favorites. He shares that he had always wanted to recreate it, but never expected it would sound like this.
“I never imagined it would sound in an ethno style. But I like it incredibly much. I’m very happy to be part of this project. Through it, my senses opened up and I began to perceive ethno music in a completely different way,” the performer shared.
The music and arrangement are by Alex Nushev, while the lyrics combine elements of the original folk text with additions by Deshka Petrova. Ivan Palanov admits he was deeply impressed by the verses from the very first reading. He believes that this way the lyrics are much more accessible, and it is precisely through such an approach that folklore can reach the younger audience.
“Mazhko sartse ne trae ” presents a man’s heartfelt address to modern women – sincere, emotional, and relatable to today’s sensibilities, while still preserving the spirit of Bulgarian tradition.
Much of the video was filmed at one of the most mystical places in the Rhodopes – Belintash. This was Ivan Palanov’s first visit there, and the impressions were powerful and emotional. He shared that he felt the strong energy of this ancient sanctuary the moment he stepped onto the plateau.
The video is directed by Radina Milencheva, with cinematography by Radoslav Georgiev.
Choreography is entrusted to Dance Studio New eX & Ballet New eX.
Watch the new video by Ivan Palanov – “ Mazhko sartse ne trae ” – on Fen TV, Balkanika Music Television, Fen Folk TV and BG Music Channel. The song is available on digital platforms.
