Şevval Sam Interprets Bulgarian Folk Song Amid Controversy
Turkish actress and singer Şevval Sam recently performed the Bulgarian folk song "Biala Roza" to mixed reactions on social media.
Cameron Jordan
- 2023-12-28
- Updated 10:29 PM ET
(NewsNibs) - Şevval Sam, known for her acting role as Ender in the TV series "Dangerous Enticement," took the stage at Sofia's National Palace of Culture, delighting fans with a rendition of "Biala Roza," originally by Bulgarian singer Slavka Kalcheva from Yambol. The performance was part of a concert held in Hall 1 of the NDK, which has been widely circulated on various social media platforms, garnering attention beyond the live audience.
Mixed Reactions on Social Media
While many fans and spectators shared their admiration for Sam's efforts to learn the linguistically challenging Bulgarian song, others voiced their displeasure, with some social media users speculating about her potential Bulgarian heritage. The singer's interpretation of the traditional piece faced criticism, with a few detractors accusing her of turning the cultural folk song into a "çiftetelli," and others finding her laughter during the performance disrespectful.
Pushback Against Criticism
In spite of the mixed feedback, it is noted that Şevval Sam put in considerable effort to master the Bulgarian text, demonstrating her respect for the source material and Bulgarian culture. Debates about her performance continue online, with some defending her cultural exchange as a positive bridge between countries, while others remain unconvinced, pointing to what they interpret as cultural insensitivity.
Şevval Sam's engagement with "Biala Roza" reflects a broader conversation about cultural interpretation and the challenges artists face when crossing cultural lines. Regardless of the varied opinions, Sam's performance has undoubtedly sparked dialogue about the intersection of music, culture, and respect in the digital age.
