Azis, born on March 7, 1978, in the female prison of Sliven, Bulgaria, is a multi-talented Bulgarian musician, TV host, actor, and LGBTQ+ spokesperson of Romani origin.
Beginning his musical journey as a child performing Romani music alongside his parents' band, Azis quickly emerged as a solo artist in his late teens, specializing in the pop-folk genre.
In 1999, Azis released his debut solo album titled "Pain." The album's title track, translated into the Romani language, earned him significant recognition as he was awarded the title of "Singer of the Year" at the Roma festival in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, in August of that year.
Using his status as a rising Roma star, Azis bravely came out as homosexual, sparking both support and controversy within the Bulgarian and Roma communities. In response to the reactions, he underwent a striking visual transformation for his next album, "Men also cry," and its accompanying music video for the song "Erotik." With his new appearance featuring makeup, bleached blond hair, and intricate hairstyles, Azis captured widespread attention.
His unique style and the heartfelt ballad "Tears" propelled his popularity to new heights, winning him a devoted fan base among the younger party-goers in Bulgaria and the Balkans.
Throughout his career, Azis received support from various public figures, models, and fellow musicians who appeared in his music videos and collaborated on successful and provocative singles.
In 2001, Azis was hailed as the "Balkan Madonna" by Radio "Populare" in Milan, Italy. He was invited to perform at the radio's birthday concert, captivating a crowd of ten thousand people.
Despite his growing fame, Azis faced opposition and controversy, both within and beyond Bulgarian borders. His new releases continued to ignite intense debates in the media, accusing him of corrupting Bulgarian musical and artistic heritage, particularly among the youth.
In October 2004, a billboard featuring Azis to promote his single "How does it hurt" was met with vehement protests by numerous public figures. Following their demands, the billboard was removed under the directive of Boyko Borisov, the Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs at that time.
That same year, Azis published his autobiography, "Me, Azis," which became an instant bestseller, further expanding his presence in the media.
In 2007, Azis signed a groundbreaking deal with ProBG TV Channel in Bulgaria, becoming the highest-paid TV host in the history of Bulgarian television with his show "The evening show of Azis."
As of 2022, Azis has released 11 studio albums and an impressive collection of 91 music videos, solidifying his position as a remarkable and influential figure in the Bulgarian music industry.