Boris Grey
| Boris Grey | |
|---|---|
| File:Boris Grey - Album full 10.jpgBoris Grey - Album full 10.jpg Promotional photo of Boris Grey, Sofia 2019 | |
| Born | Boris Emilov Mitov January 3, 1996 Kyustendil, Bulgaria |
| 🏳️ Nationality | British · Bulgarian |
| 🏳️ Citizenship |  United Kingdom ·  Bulgaria |
| 🏫 Education | Sofia Theological Seminary · Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” |
| 💼 Occupation | Singer · Songwriter · Producer · Musician · Performer · Actor · Television personality |
| 📆 Years active | 2015–present |
| Height | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) |
| ❤️ Partner(s) | Mihaela Ilieva |
| Signature | |
| Signature of Boris Grey | |
Boris Grey (BrE: /ˈbɒrɪsɡreɪ/ (
listen); AmE: /ˈbɔːrɪsɡreɪ/; born Boris Emilov Mitov; pronounced [bɔˈris ɛˈmilɔf ˈmitɔf]; January 3, 1996) is a London-based singer, songwriter, musician, producer, actor and television personality. His music blends elements of pop, soul, dance, R&B, and funk, characterized by a cinematic sound and a deep baritone voice with rich overtones.
Early life
Boris Grey was born on 3 January 1996 in Kyustendil, Bulgaria. He is the middle child in a family of four siblings: a twin brother, Alexander Mitov, a younger sister, Despina Rousimova, and an older brother, Lyubomir Sirakov.
His parents, Emil Mitov, a criminal investigator, and Rumyana Rousimova, a lawyer, divorced when Boris and his twin brother were eight years old. His mother’s roots can be traced to the historic region of Macedonia.
Boris’s maternal grandparents were chemical and electrical engineers, reflecting a strong family tradition in science and law. One of his great-grandfathers, Dobri Orlovski, was a distinguished judge, lawyer, and chairman of the Union of Jurists in Bulgaria. On his maternal side, a distant ancestor from the Portokalski family was among the co-founders of the Italian automobile company Fiat and has a monument dedicated to him in Italy.
Boris’s first contact with music came at the age of seven, when his mother enrolled him in guitar lessons. Although he performed at a school concert at the end of first grade, he eventually lost interest in the instrument and decided to focus on other creative activities. Soon after, he transferred to an art-focused class, where he developed a strong interest in drawing and painting.
At the same age, he joined the children’s vocal group “Sladki bonboncheta” (“Sweet Candies”), where he performed regularly at local events and school celebrations. This early stage experience helped him build confidence and sparked his lifelong love for performing.
Growing up, Boris was exposed to music at home through songs by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, B.B. King, Michael Bolton and ABBA. Later in life, his musical development and creative style were strongly influenced by George Michael, Sam Smith, Stevie Wonder, Freddie Mercury, Elton John, Dua Lipa, Harry Styles, Adele and Amy Winehouse.
In his childhood years, Boris also developed a passion for chess and played competitively in tournaments, representing his school and teaching younger children the game. He trained in football and basketball during his school years and was also passionate about drawing, which further nurtured his creativity and sense of artistic expression.
Boris grew up in a religious Orthodox environment and studied at the Sofia Theological Seminary, where his musical abilities were first recognized. His vocal mentor, Kalin Kirilov, described his voice as “a deep, low-placed, powerful baritone voice with beautiful overtones,” notable for its richness and resonance.
After completing his education at the seminary, he continued his studies in Law at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” while simultaneously pursuing music.
Career beginnings
Between 2015 and 2018, while based in Bulgaria, Boris wrote and co-wrote songs for a number of well-known Bulgarian artists, further developing his craft as a songwriter and gaining professional studio experience.
In 2018, Boris was inspired by Dua Lipa’s success with New Rules, which reached No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100. Through social media, he connected with members of her family and was invited to help organize a potential Dua Lipa concert in Bulgaria. Although the event did not materialize, this connection opened doors to the UK music industry.
Through these networks, Boris met Rita Ora’s father, who introduced him to Sarah Stennett, Rita’s long-time manager, giving him insight into the inner workings of the British music scene.
In 2019, Boris made his first attempt to relocate to London, where he spent several months filming for various Bollywood productions. During this time, he met and filmed alongside Indian actress Parineeti Chopra. Shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic, he returned to Sofia, Bulgaria.
In the summer of 2021, Boris returned to London with the intention of signing with major labels such as Sony Music or Warner Music Group, but ultimately decided to continue his career as an independent artist.
Boris has been friends with Bulgarian concert pianist Yoana Karemova, based in London, who is engaged to British singer Emeli Sandé. Boris has been a fan of Sandé since childhood, and their connection further inspired his dedication to music.
Over the years, Boris has collaborated with various fashion brands and participated in multiple campaigns. He has modeled and promoted clothing items such as T-shirts, shirts, and sneakers for Armani Exchange. In addition to his work with Armani, he has also taken part in promotional campaigns for Bulgarian Male, one of the largest menswear stores in Sofia, showcasing their seasonal collections and contributing to their brand visibility.
Through these collaborations, Boris has built a recognizable public image in the fashion industry, appearing in brand photoshoots, digital marketing campaigns, and in-store promotional events. His involvement has positioned him as both a performing artist and a lifestyle figure. In 2024, he expanded his participation in fashion initiatives by supporting several local designers and concept stores, promoting emerging labels through social media and event appearances.
Boris is frequently invited to exclusive fashion events and launch parties in Sofia and London, where he engages with both established and independent creators. His presence at these events reflects a growing crossover between his artistic career and the fashion industry. In interviews, he has often described fashion as “a natural extension of music and stage performance,” emphasizing how style plays a key role in building an artist’s identity.
Debut single: Make Us Whole
After returning to London in 2021, Boris began working on his debut single Make Us Whole. The project was initially produced with London-based producer Duncan Hamilton and later finalized with Chris Porter, known for his work with George Michael, Elton John, Tina Turner, Pet Shop Boys, Robbie Williams, and Take That.
Earlier, the demo was sent to Rob Kirwan (producer of Hozier), who encouraged Boris to find a pop-oriented producer. When the song reached Chris Porter, he personally congratulated Boris on his strong songwriting skills and praised the quality of his voice, describing it as “exceptional” and “deeply expressive.” Porter also shared valuable professional advice regarding vocal performance and song structure, which helped shape the final version of the single.
The track features vocals by Shirley Lewis , George Michael’s long-time backing vocalist, who has also worked with David Bowie and Rod Stewart. Make Us Whole was mixed by Jacob “Biz” Morris (known for Daylight by David Kushner) and mastered by Randy Merrill (Adele, Taylor Swift, Harry Styles). The single was officially released on January 14, 2024, receiving radio airplay in France, Germany, Italy, Greece, the USA, the UK, and Bulgaria.
Music video
The official music video for Make Us Whole was filmed at St. Margaret Lee Church in London, the same location where Sam Smith recorded Lay Me Down. The concept explores themes of love, faith, and redemption.
Mentorship and recognition
In 2022, Boris Grey connected online with renowned British music manager and author Simon Napier-Bell, a close friend and former manager of George Michael. As a lifelong admirer of George Michael’s music and legacy, Boris had followed Napier-Bell’s work for years.
Their shared passion for the artist eventually led to personal communication, and Napier-Bell personally invited Boris to the launch of his book The Business in Soho, London. The event gathered figures from the British and international music scene, industry professionals, and dedicated fans. This meeting marked Boris’s first in-person encounter with Napier-Bell and became an important moment in his artistic journey.
Around the same period, Boris was invited by Andros Georgiou, George Michael’s cousin and long-time collaborator, to visit George Michael’s private home and give an interview for a documentary project he was producing. The film focuses on how George Michael’s life and music have impacted fans around the world. This meeting gave Boris the unique opportunity to learn more about George Michael’s personal world, his artistic legacy, and his influence on generations of listeners directly from one of the people closest to him.
Napier-Bell also showed support for Boris’s early artistic steps by sharing his cover performance of “Careless Whisper” on social media, before Boris released his debut single with Shirley Lewis or began working with producer Chris Porter. This early encouragement became a strong source of inspiration for him as an emerging artist.
He also built a friendship with Andros Georgiou, George Michael’s cousin and long-time collaborator, who invited him to visit George Michael’s private home and take part in an interview for a documentary project about the artist’s global impact on fans. At the time, Boris was in the studio with Shirley Lewis, recording their first song together while she was working on the backing vocals, which made it impossible to attend in person. Georgiou then offered Boris the opportunity to give the interview remotely via Zoom. This gesture gave Boris a meaningful personal connection to one of the people who had been closest to George Michael, deepening his understanding of the artist’s legacy and influence.
GRAMMY consideration
In 2024, Make Us Whole was officially submitted for consideration in the “Song of the Year” category at the Grammy Awards. This milestone marked a significant step in Boris Grey’s career, positioning him among emerging international artists seeking recognition in one of the most prestigious music award ceremonies in the world.
Alongside the submission, Boris applied for membership in the Recording Academy, supported by recommendation letters from acclaimed vocalist Shirley Lewis and producer Duncan Hamilton.
The Grammy campaign focused on showcasing the emotional depth and vocal quality of the single, supported by carefully curated visuals and fashion imagery. It aimed to highlight Boris’s crossover appeal between pop, R&B, and contemporary ballads, genres that have strongly influenced his artistic direction.
The campaign also emphasized his unique artistic identity, combining expressive vocal performance with modern visual storytelling. Promotional materials were distributed to voting members, industry professionals, and international media, strengthening his presence on the U.S. and European music scene.
Alongside the submission, Boris applied for membership in the Recording Academy, supported by recommendation letters from acclaimed vocalist Shirley Lewis and producer Duncan Hamilton.
The Grammy campaign focused on showcasing the emotional depth and vocal quality of the single, supported by carefully curated visuals and fashion imagery. It aimed to highlight Boris’s crossover appeal between pop, R&B, and contemporary ballads, genres that have strongly influenced his artistic direction.
The campaign also emphasized his unique artistic identity, combining expressive vocal performance with modern visual storytelling. Promotional materials were distributed to voting members, industry professionals, and international media, strengthening his presence on the U.S. and European music scene.
Collaboration with Eric Wortham
Following the release of Make Us Whole, Boris connected with Eric Wortham, pianist for Adele, who expressed interest in collaborating and offered to perform during future sessions at Abbey Road Studios.
Upcoming projects
Boris Grey has visited Abbey Road Studios in London, one of the most legendary recording spaces in the world, and has drawn deep inspiration from the legacy of the many iconic artists who have recorded there, including The Beatles, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Queen, George Michael, Sam Smith, Stevie Wonder and Robbie Williams. Standing outside the studio, Boris felt inspired by the powerful musical history created within its walls and envisioned one day bringing his own voice to the same iconic space. For him, Abbey Road represents not only a historic venue but also a place where timeless music continues to inspire new generations of artists.
This inspiration will soon become reality: Boris Grey is set to perform a showcase at Abbey Road Studios in London, where he will present original songs from his upcoming EP The Power to Desire It, alongside Shirley Lewis, the legendary backing vocalist for Sam Smith, and other vocalists. The session will feature live performances of “Make Us Whole” and covers of songs by some of the world’s most celebrated artists, marking a symbolic moment that connects his own artistic journey to the legacy of the stars who have shaped the history of modern music.
Through this upcoming project, Boris also hopes to pay tribute to the artists who have influenced him over the years, while building his own story in a place that has witnessed countless legendary recordings. For him, Abbey Road is not just a studio, it is a dream, a milestone, and a source of endless creative inspiration.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Майка ми, баща ми, сестра ми (Маймуна) | Supporting role | Bulgarian TV series (filmed in Sofia) |
| 2018 | Meteor Garden | Supporting role | Indian film (filmed in London) |
| 2019 | Jaago Mohan Pyaare | Supporting role | Indian film (filmed in London) |
| 2019 | Victor | Supporting role | Indian film (filmed in London) |
| 2019 | 83 | Supporting role | Indian film (filmed in London) |
| 2019 | BFF | Supporting role | Indian film (filmed in London) |
| 2019 | Suruli | Supporting role | Indian film (filmed in London) |
| 2019 | Traash | Supporting role | Indian film (filmed in London) |
| 2021 | Heropanti 2 | Supporting role | Indian film (filmed in London) |
| 2021 | The Return | Supporting role | Indian film (filmed in London) |
Discography
| Year | Title | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Make Us Whole | Single | Debut original single |
| 2021 | Love Yourself | Cover | Originally by Justin Bieber |
| 2021 | Watermelon Sugar | Cover | Originally by Harry Styles |
| 2021 | Somebody to Love Me | Cover | Originally by Mark Ronson |
| 2022 | Faith | Cover | Originally by George Michael |
Commercial and fashion work
| Year | Campaign | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Early modeling work | Visage Model Group |
| 2024 | Autumn Collection Campaign | Armani Exchange |
| 2024 | Brand Ambassador Campaign | Bulgarian Male – Men’s Grooming Salon |
Philanthropy
Boris Grey is the founder of the online foundation Pomosh za detsata na Bŭlgariya (Help for the Children of Bulgaria), an initiative that promotes the use of music as a therapeutic tool for a better future for children.
Genres
Pop · Soul · Dance · R&B · Funk
External links
References
- ↑ "От песен с беквокала на Джордж Майкъл до разглеждане за „Грами"". Dir.bg. 2024-03-20. Retrieved 2025-10-18.
- ↑ "Борис Грей – от духовната семинария до Лондон и световните поп чартове". BG Voice. 2025-03-20. Retrieved 2025-10-18.
- ↑ "Борис Грей – от Кюстендил до световния музикален бизнес". Struma.bg. 2025-03-21. Retrieved 2025-10-18.
- ↑ "Interview with Boris Grey". The Antidote Radio. 2024-03-20. Retrieved 2025-10-18.
- ↑ "Interview with Boris Grey – The Culture News". The Culture News (iHeart Radio). 2024-03-25. Retrieved 2025-10-18.
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