Kaffe

Formation and Early Success

Kaffe (Каффе) is a Bulgarian band known for its jazz and pop style. The group’s origins date back to 1999 when it was founded under the name Badu. The project was put on hold for a couple of years due to members pursuing other projects, but in 2001 it was revived with a new lineup and renamed Kaffe.

All members of Kaffe were professionally trained musicians – notably, two members even studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in the USA. The band’s talent and musical skill quickly translated into commercial success. In the early 2000s, Kaffe became one of the most popular bands in Bulgaria. They produced hit songs such as “There Again,” “Isn’t It Love,” “No More,” and the chart-topping “Instead Of Me,” which became a number-one bestseller. Their widespread popularity earned Kaffe the honor of being crowned “Band of the Year” in Bulgaria in 2004.

Kaffe’s rise was also marked by international recognition. The band performed at the Golden Stag international music festival in Romania in August 2003, where they won third place. This achievement brought them broader exposure. Soon after, MTV’s European division invited Kaffe to film a special music video for the channel. Around the same time, the group released their debut album titled “Alone”, which turned out to be a big seller in Bulgaria. By 2004, Kaffe’s blend of smooth jazz vibes and pop appeal had solidified their reputation as a leading band in the Bulgarian music scene.

Eurovision Song Contest 2005

Thanks to their national success, Kaffe was chosen to represent Bulgaria’s debut in the Eurovision Song Contest. In 2005, Bulgaria participated in Eurovision for the first time, and Kaffe was the act that took the stage. The group performed the song “Lorraine” at the Eurovision Song Contest 2005. This opportunity put Kaffe in front of an international audience and is a key highlight of their career. However, the contest results did not match their earlier successes at home. Kaffe finished 19th in the semi-final and did not advance to the final round. 

Disbandment and Legacy

Following their Eurovision venture, Kaffe continued for a short time but ultimately disbanded in 2006, the year after the contest. The members decided to pursue their careers individually, and each went on to various projects in music and entertainment. The lead vocalist, Orlin Pavlov, for example, launched a successful solo career as a singer and actor in Bulgaria after Kaffe’s breakup. 

Years later, the impact of Kaffe was formally recognized. In April 2024, the members of Kaffe reunited to receive a special award honoring their overall contribution to Bulgarian music. This lifetime achievement recognition (“награда за цялостен принос”) highlighted that even nearly two decades after their peak, Kaffe’s influence endures.