Bulgarian Show Takes Over Chicago’s United Center (VIDEO)

For the first time in history, a Bulgarian pre-game show took over the iconic United Center in Chicago — just before the NBA game between the Chicago Bulls and the Sacramento Kings.

The 12-minute live performance, entirely dedicated to Bulgaria, filled the arena with folk rhythms, powerful vocals, and the colors of the Bulgarian flag. Fans in the stands waved red, white, and green banners as more than 30 performers took the stage — including singer Diana Jay and her band Jersey Girls, violinist Svet Radoslavov, saxophonist Zhivko Zhekov, and young dancers from The Little Bulgarian School and the Royal Dance Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy.

The music was produced by Lil Sha, the son of rapper Misho Shamara, who created a vibrant mix of Bulgarian folk motifs and classic NBA themes. The show featured Michael Jordan’s signature tune, the Bulls anthem, and even a Bulgarian-style remix of Titanium by Sia, performed on electric violin.

“The emotion was incredible — for the first time in Bulls history, Bulgarian music echoed through the arena before tip-off,” the organizers said.

The project took three weeks to prepare, aiming to create a fusion of Bulgarian and American culture that both communities could recognize as their own.

Behind the scenes, the youngest participants — children from Chicago’s Bulgarian diaspora — carried the national spirit with pride.

“We’re proud to share a little piece of Bulgaria with people who may have never heard of it,” said some of the young performers.

The Bulgarian community once again filled the stands, just as it did last year when the United Center first hosted a “Bulgarian Night.” But this time, the spotlight was entirely on Bulgarian talent — on one of America’s biggest and most famous sports stages.