Rock Monsters Romania

On November 8, ILINCA & Gadjo Dilo released their new single, “Balkan Mama,” accompanied by a music video. The release took place during the “Eurovision on Tour” event, where ILINCA represented Romania in various cities across Europe and Australia, including Madrid, London, Warsaw, Sydney, and Brisbane.

“Balkan Mama was, essentially, the story of a mother who would give her heart for her child but would also present a long list of demands to anyone wanting to be part of her daughter’s life. Beyond the song itself, I was thrilled to work on the music video. I wrote and directed it, and the filming took place in my hometown of Chinteni, alongside all the members of Gadjo Dilo and a few of my neighbors. Some brought a horse, others lent us a chicken, and some even let us grill in their yard. It was truly an unforgettable experience, and our video producer, Sorin Ciceu, managed to capture the most beautiful moments,” said ILINCA.

The track featured a blend of Balkan-rock and pop influences and was the first English-language song from ILINCA & Gadjo Dilo. The artists aimed to create a sound that was both accessible and authentic.

During the creative process, Ilinca faced a block, feeling that something was missing. Inspiration struck when she came across a speech by the Albanian Prime Minister, in which he said, “Sorry for being so Balkanic.” This phrase brought out the essence of the song and became a humorous apology for the characteristic “tough love” of the Balkans. The Prime Minister’s statement inspired the song’s bridge, a key moment that tied all the ideas together.

About ILINCA & GADJO DILO

The project ILINCA & Gadjo Dilo blended traditional Romanian folk music with rock, blues, and jazz. The group’s founder and leader, Ilinca Băcilă, initially gained recognition for her unique yodeling technique. In 2015, she reached the semifinals of The Voice of Romania, and in 2017, she represented Romania in the Eurovision Song Contest, finishing 7th in the Kyiv final.

In 2022, Ilinca established the “Ilinca & Gadjo Dilo” project. In just two years, the band performed dozens of concerts, went viral for their creations, and launched new music, including this single.