Gradila Moma
Rayna Vasileva
An original contemporary music project inspired by the folklore of Dobrudzha, Bulgaria.
Official Video Premiere · 20 November 2026
About the Project
“Gradila Moma” is an original contemporary interpretation of Bulgarian folklore, bringing together original music, traditional influences and visual storytelling. The song draws inspiration from the cultural heritage of the Dobrudzha folklore region of Bulgaria and presents it through Rayna Vasileva’s own artistic perspective.
The project extends beyond the music itself through an original animated video and a bilingual educational booklet, created to introduce younger audiences and families to elements of Bulgarian folklore in an accessible and engaging way.
The yellow headscarf has become one of the emblematic elements associated with the traditional Dobrudzhan women’s costume, echoing the warm golden colours of the fields.
Dobrudzhan singing has a distinctive vocal character, marked by expressive ornamentation, a soft vocal attack, a partially covered tone and a natural, subtle vibrato. In women’s singing, a high register with covered vowels is also commonly found. For me, it is precisely this subtle vibrato and the flowing movement of the vocal ornamentation that evoke the shimmering summer haze above the fields, when the air itself seems to tremble in the heat. This connection between voice and landscape is part of what draws me to the musical tradition of Dobrudzha and forms part of the wider inspiration behind “Gradila Moma”.
Inspired by Dobrudzha
Dobrudzha is a land of vast horizons, golden wheat fields and fertile soil – a landscape deeply connected with the life, music and dance traditions of the region. Harvest songs also hold an important place in the musical heritage of Dobrudzha, reflecting the close relationship between song, land and everyday life.
The song also draws rhythmic inspiration from the Buenek (буѐнек), a ritual dance found in the traditions of Dobrudzha. Traditionally performed in a duple metre of 2/4, it carries a lively and energetic dance impulse. In “Gradila Moma”, this metric character is preserved, while the tempo is deliberately slowed down, transforming the energy of the traditional dance into a more lyrical and contemporary musical interpretation.
Official Animated Video
Premiere · 20 November 2026
Coming soon
Interactive Educational Booklet
Explore the song, learn the story, colour the rest yourself.
Coming soon
Credits
Music & Lyrics: Rayna Vasileva
Arrangement: Zhivko Vasilev
Vocal Arrangement: Rayna Vasileva
Violin: Orlin Tsvetanov
Guitar: Borislav Iliev
Cello: Ana Rodriguez (Spain)
Kaval & Electronics: Zhivko Vasilev
Design & Animation: Jessica Slavova
Realised with the financial support of the National Culture Fund of Bulgaria.
The demo recording of “Gradila Moma” was created with the financial support of MUSICAUTOR.