Meet Ustata – Bulgaria’s Most Outspoken Rap Star

Ivan Dinev Georgiev, better known by his stage name Ustata, is a Bulgarian rapper, singer, and even actor. He emerged on the hip-hop scene in the 1990s and has since entertained Bulgarians with a unique mix of rap, humor, and pop. Ustata – whose name literally means “the mouth” in Bulgarian – certainly lives up to it: he’s outspoken, quick-witted, and always ready to put on a show. From breakdancing as a teenager to becoming a household name, Ustata’s journey is as colorful as his music videos. In this article, we take a playful dive into his life and career – from the origin of his name and early hits to surprise duets and his impact on pop culture. Sit back and get to know Bulgaria’s rapping chatterbox – an artist guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

The Name “Ustata”

What does “Ustata” mean? In Bulgarian, ustata is the definite form of “mouth.” It’s a fitting alias for someone who makes a living from words – Ustata built his career on quick rhymes and clever lyrics. Even in school, he was known as “Ivan Rapa” (Ivan “Rap”), and when he decided to take music seriously, he chose a name that reflected his personality: loud, sharp, and never short of things to say. Over time, Ustata has become synonymous with a rapper who is as entertaining as he is talkative.

Musical Career Highlights

Ustata’s path to fame began long before he topped the charts. Already in sixth grade, he was turning his history homework into rap verses. At 15, he became Bulgaria’s breakdancing champion in 1992. He formed his first group, XXL, in 1995 and released two albums. In 1998, he moved to Sofia to pursue music full-time, working with DJ Stancho and rapper Lady B. But it wasn’t until 2003 that his solo career took off. In December 2004, he released his debut album Ot usta na usta (“From Mouth to Mouth”), featuring the breakout single “Vsichki drehi mi prechat” (“All Clothes Are in My Way”) – a cheeky, catchy tune that quickly became a hit.

Ustata soon became known for blending genres and pushing boundaries. His duet “Tochno sega” with pop-folk icon Azis in 2005 shocked and delighted fans. In 2007, he returned to Bulgaria’s Eurovision pre-selection with “Ja tvoya” alongside Sofi Marinova, taking third place. That same year, he released a greatest hits album featuring six duets with Sofi Marinova and two with Azis.

With his 2008 album Face to Face, Ustata added more hits like “Male, male” and solidified his place as a national star. He toured extensively, often performing with Slavi Trifonov & Ku-Ku Band or the comedy group Komitsite. Over the years, he’s experimented with reggaeton, oriental sounds, and even Latin pop, releasing tracks like “Cuba Libre” and “Baila Morena.” His style remains fearless and always surprising.

Style and Image

What sets Ustata apart is his humorous style and showmanship. He’s not your typical “gangsta rapper” – he’s a playful entertainer who’s just as likely to wear flashy outfits or pull faces in videos as he is to deliver a sharp rhyme. His music videos often feel like comedy sketches, packed with self-irony and absurd fun. He blends rap with Bulgaria’s chalga scene and isn’t afraid to touch on current issues, often with a satirical twist. Whether he’s moonwalking like Michael Jackson at school events or poking fun at politics, Ustata always brings his full personality to the stage.

Fun Facts About Ustata

• Breakdancer Extraordinaire: At 15, Ustata was Bulgaria’s national breakdance champion.

• Economist on the Side: He holds a degree in economics from Sofia’s UNWE University.

• Rap as Homework: As a child, he rewrote history lessons into rap lyrics!

• Ad Jingle Master: He’s behind popular commercial jingles in Bulgaria – including a well-known ice cream ad.

• Eurovision Close Calls: He reached Bulgaria’s national Eurovision final twice but never quite made it to the international stage.

Ustata in Bulgarian Pop Culture

Ustata has bridged the gap between underground hip-hop and mainstream pop. His bold style helped normalize genre-blending in Bulgarian music, bringing rap to audiences who’d never touched the genre before. His collaborations, humor, and media appearances have made him a beloved figure. He’s more than just a rapper – he’s a cultural icon, with catchphrases and song titles that have become part of the national vocabulary.

Conclusion

Despite all the fame, Ustata remains down-to-earth. Married since 2006 and a proud father, he balances stardom with fatherhood – proving that “The Mouth” also knows how to listen. With humor, rhythm, and an unforgettable stage presence, Ustata has carved out a unique spot in Bulgarian music history. As long as he has something to say, we’ll be listening – because when Ustata speaks, Bulgaria laughs, dances, and remembers.