The new religion of Mariana Popova

Our meeting was not long, but despite that it was very beneficial. I met a confident and strong woman who definitely knows what she wants from life. And certainly achieves it.

There are no musicians in my family.

Since when did you start making music?

I started my career very long time ago in KokoMania. The most important for me for this year is that I finally released an album in ethno style, called New Religion. The album consists of 10 songs on different languages; there are two duets – the one with Orlin Goranov and the other – with Miro. With the first performer we sing in Spanish and with the second one – in ivrit and English. The music is very romantic and gentle.

Which moment of your music career you have determined as the most important?

These moments are several – as I have not only once taken important decisions. The one of them was when I quit my work with KokoMania, the second one is my refusal to take participation in Slavi`s show and the third very powerful moment in my life that twisted upside down my idea for music is Eurovision 2006.

You mentioned Slavi`s show. In 2001 you won the competition for back vocalist, but you did not accept the offer. Why?

I refused because I decided that I want to make a solo career.

What were your impressions from Eurovision?

People do their work very well, but I was at the wrong place in the wrong time. It was so Bulgaria was taking participation for a second consecutive year and we didn’t know exactly what to do. This is why we did not achieve any success.

What made you participate in “The magnificent 6”?

Well, how come what?! The cause! When a person sees this unhappiness and mischief, there is no way to stay cold hearted?

Do you have a serious boyfriend?

I do not have.

For a general gladness of the fans…

For the joy of all that want to marry me! /she’s laughing/.

What is the quality with which a man can impress you?

The impression is complex. The man needs to be prestigious and respectfully looking; he needs to be able to take important decisions in life.

Have you met such men so far?

I have met many such men, but I have never got the chance to get to know them.

How do you keep your perfect shape?

Thank you for the compliment. The truth is that I dance. Before I used to go to salsa a lot and just recently I started doing ballet. But I have always claimed that I rely mainly on my genes.

What is the most important element in the woman’s vision in your opinion?

According to me every part, but most of all the moral baggage, the emotional capacity, the sensitivity. To me it is very crucial for a woman to be intelligent, estimable and strong.

Some examples?

Lilly Ivanova, of course, Gloria and Anelia too.

In this order of thoughts – do you accept the chalga music?

I accept all the talented people all over the world.

What do you do in your free time?

I dance and cook.

Do you have a pet?

Two dogs – Labrador and boomerang shpitc – Izzy and Cottney. They are my kids.

Do you intend to become a mother soon?

Everything with its time.

How do you think, is it easy to deliver a kid and bring it up in BULGARIA?

Generally it is not an easy think to bring up and educate children.

What can we expect from you in the future?

At the moment I am working on my second album that will completely surprise my fans, since I will appear in a totally new image. I hope that you will like it.

When it is expected to be released?

Either in October, either in the beginning of the next year.

October 2008