Ivan Dyakov

Ivan Dyakov is born in the small border town of Hadzhidimovo, cuddled between the Rhodope and Pirin mountains. This is maybe the reason he sings well enough both Rhodope and Pirin songs. Nevertheless, his great love is the Macedonian folk songs – he inherited this love from his mother.

He stepped at the stage when he was in the first grade in his home town. Later as a professional he cannot define which was the first stage because he participated in the Koprivshtitsa and in “Pirin Pee (Pirin sings)” folk festivals, as well as in town celebrations, kin gatherings and other events.

Music

The emblematic song of Ivan Dyakov may be considered “Star merak” (Old flame) which starts his recording career in 1993. The idea was to take part in the folk festival in Sandanski with this song. The irony is that he actually participated in this festival three years later, and won third prize with this song at his debut. When something is meant to be heard, it will be. When it is meant to be sung, it shall be. When life and emotions boil inside you shall be, you shall survive…

Another song that had become very popular is the Macedonian song “Ne se karay, stara le male” (Don’t scold me, my old mother). This song won the jury and the hearts of the audience at the first festgival of the Macedonian Song in Blagoevgrad in 1998. In the same year he published his first album – “Wake up, Macedonia” with which he finally won everyone’s heart.

In 2000 he published his second album with Macedonian sound and name – “Favorite Macedonian Songs”. In it he has included 14 Macedonian love songs. This album is followed by the incredible Macedonian and Pirin songs – “Voice from Pirin’s soul”, Mother, you are the only one”, “From Pirin and the Rhodopes”, “Let’s Sing from Our Hearts” , “Inspiration”, “With Love”, and “Golden Macedonian Hits”.

The admirers of the nice Bulgarian folk song value highly his mastership in singing each of the songs in his albums. They call him “The King of the Macedonian Song”. His warm, melodic voice, his rich repertoire of Macedonian songs, both authentic and written, Rhodope songs, and songs from other geographic regions of Bulgaria.

Ivan Dyakov is extremely attractive singer with individual style and presence that make him unique and different every time. He is one of the good examples of the revival of the Bulgarian folk song through a more attractive and modern presentation. His voice is velvet, soft and warm, very specific and with unique blend. He has really wide repertoire of genres and coo stage presence. He sings more than 1000 songs from all ethnographic regions of the country as well as some of the Balkan hits. He is cordially welcomed as performer at holidays and celebrations at his home town, at meetings and family gatherings, wedding parties and christenings, etc. Ivan Dyakov performs together with his group “Meraklii” that he founded in 2001 and which artists turn every performance into a spectacular folklore feast for the eyes and ears. Manager of the group is Nikolay Pirinliev, Dyakov’s godson. The group have realized the following performances - “Voice from Pirin’s soul”, “From Pirin and the Rhodopes”, “Let’s Sing from Our Hearts”, “Inspiration” and “With Love” which are successfully broadcasted on the “TV Bulgaria” and “Planeta TV” channels.

Ivan Dyakov was also a visiting soloist in the pearl in the folk song crown in Bulgaria – “Pirin Ansemble” as well as in the Nevrokop Ansemble for Folk Songs and Dancing in Gotse Delchev with which has recorded some songs. Also he performed with the male singers’ group “Komitite” from his home town Hadzhidimovo where his professional development as a folk singer started under the management of the group manager Dimitar Milushev.

Awards

Ivan Dyakov is a laureate of many awards at the “Pirin Folk” festival. In 2003 he receives the award of Planeta TV channel for the most wanted video clip of “Kate, Kate” – a song with unique sound and influence. In 2006 he was awarded for his contribution to the author’s Macedonian song development .In 2007 he participated in the Macedonia Folk Festival where he won first prize for the popularization of the Macedonian folk songs as well as for his contribution to the development of the festival.

On 24 May 2007 Ivan Dyakov was distinguished with Honor Certificate and a plaque for his contribution to Blagoevgrad and the municipality. But as he always states – his biggest award is the respect and love of his audience.

The singer Ivan Dyakov finds his way to people’s hearts with his magnificent performance of beautiful Bulgarian folk songs. He also manages to pass his talent to his daughter Ivana who already has 3 songs written, one of which is based on the immortal poem of Ivan Vazov “I am Bulgarian” and with Bulgarian folk tune.

Ivan Dyakov lives and works in Blagoevgrad for years but he never forgets his home town Hadzhidimovo and his roots. He passes this love to his children and in 2006 he recorded his first duet with his daughter – the song “My dear home town”