Famous Macedonian Singers

Toše Proeski was a highly acclaimed Macedonian singer and songwriter who made a significant impact on the local Macedonian and Balkan music scene. His music resonated with audiences across Southeast Europe, earning him widespread popularity in multiple countries. Proeski was often likened to "Elvis Presley of the Balkans" due to his charismatic stage presence and musical talent. Tragically, his promising career was cut short when he passed away in a car accident on the Zagreb–Lipovac A3 highway in Croatia.

Kaliopi Bukle, known professionally as Kaliopi, is a Macedonian singer-songwriter who has made significant strides in her career. Beginning as a lead vocalist with her band in the 1980s Yugoslavia, she has evolved into a respected vocalist and composer in North Macedonia and the former Yugoslavia region. Kaliopi has represented Macedonia twice in the Eurovision Song Contest, showcasing her talent on an international stage with memorable performances. Her music and contributions have solidified her reputation as a prominent figure in the music industry.

Branimir "Johnny" Štulić is a renowned Yugoslav singer-songwriter, musician, and author famous for leading the influential rock band Azra. His career is distinguished by captivating stage presence and thought-provoking songwriting that blends rock poetry with insightful social commentary. Known for his charismatic performances, Štulić has garnered a cult following due to his ability to connect with audiences through his music. His impact on Yugoslav rock music is significant, solidifying his reputation as a revered figure in the music industry.

Karolina Gočeva is a renowned Macedonian singer with a diverse music career spanning various genres such as pop, R&B, rock, traditional folk, ethno, jazz, and world music. She started her career in 1991 and has released a total of nine studio albums, showcasing her versatility and talent. Her music has evolved over the years, incorporating elements of Macedonian traditional music and jazz, leading to increased popularity and acclaim. Gočeva has represented Macedonia in the Eurovision Song Contests and has received numerous awards for her contributions to the music industry. She is known for her distinct style and has been actively involved in campaigns against social issues.

Tijana Dapčević is a renowned Macedonian-Serbian pop singer known for her captivating performances and powerful vocal abilities. With a successful career spanning several years, she has released numerous hit songs and albums that have garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success. Tijana is recognized for her versatile singing style and ability to connect with audiences through her music. She has established herself as a prominent figure in the music industry, continually showcasing her talent and passion for music through her work.

Tamara Todevska, known mononymously as Tamara, is a Macedonian pop singer with a successful music career spanning nearly two decades. She gained prominence by representing North Macedonia in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2008 and 2019. Over the years, Tamara has achieved recognition through winning various music competitions and releasing multiple studio albums. She is known for her powerful vocals and memorable performances, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the Macedonian music industry.

Jana Burčeska is a Macedonian pop singer who gained recognition in 2011 after participating in Macedonian Idol. She represented Macedonia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 with the song "Dance Alone". In 2022, she served as a press assistant and jury voting spokesperson for the Macedonian Radio Television during the Eurovision Song Contest. Burčeska's professional life has been marked by her successful music career and involvement in high-profile events within the entertainment industry.

Esma Redžepova-Teodosievska was a renowned Macedonian Romani vocalist, songwriter, and humanitarian. Known as the "Queen of the Gypsies," she had a career spanning over five decades, starting in the 1950s. Her musical success was attributed to her marriage with composer Stevo Teodosievski, who managed her career until his passing. Redžepova's style was inspired by traditional Romani and Macedonian music, with influences from pop music. She was a pioneer in singing in the Romani language on radio and television, combating stereotypes and promoting Roma and women's rights.

Viktorija Loba is a talented Macedonian singer with a diverse musical background. She gained early recognition by representing Macedonia at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2003. Loba later became the lead singer of the popular Macedonian group "Tumbao Salsa Band," showcasing her versatility in Brazilian, Portuguese, and Cuban music. Her success continued with wins at music festivals and topping international charts with hits like "Summer Love." Loba's journey also includes a notable attempt to represent Macedonia at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015.

Maja Odžaklievska is a renowned Macedonian, Serbian, and ex-Yugoslav singer and songwriter with widespread popularity across Europe. She has established herself as a prominent figure in the music industry, known for her powerful vocals and emotive songwriting. Throughout her career, Maja has captivated audiences with her unique style and versatility, earning critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. Currently based in Serbia, she continues to work on various projects, showcasing her talent and passion for music on a global scale.

Vlado Janevski is a renowned Macedonian singer known for his captivating performances and powerful vocals. He gained international recognition as North Macedonia's first Eurovision contestant, participating in the 1998 Eurovision Song Contest. His song "Ne Zori, Zoro" showcased his talent and musical prowess, earning him a respectable 19th place in the competition held in Birmingham. With a successful career in the music industry, Vlado Janevski continues to enchant audiences with his soulful voice and passionate performances.

Muharem Serbezovski is a talented Muslim Roma singer, writer, translator, and former politician from former Yugoslavia. He gained fame in the 1960s as a singer, releasing numerous albums and singles. He is known for his Romani activism and cultural contributions, having translated the Quran into Romani language. Serbezovski has also delved into various music styles, including Turkish music. In the 2000s, he briefly served as a member of the Bosnian parliament. He continues to be a prominent figure in the music and cultural scene.

Goce Nikolovski was a renowned Macedonian singer known for his hit song "Biser Balkanski." He gained popularity in 1990 when the song won 1st prize at the Folk Fest Valandovo 1990 Song Festival. Following this success, he released several other hits but none matched the acclaim of "Biser Balkanski." Nikolovski also participated in the Canberra '92 Festival with the song "Od Majka Nema Pomila." Despite his initial success, his popularity declined over the years, leading to his tragic death by suicide in 2006.

Kanita is a talented Albanian singer from North Macedonia. She is known professionally as Kanita. With a captivating voice and impressive vocal range, Kanita has made a name for herself in the music industry. Her unique style and powerful performances have garnered her a dedicated fan base. Kanita has released several successful singles and has collaborated with renowned artists. She continues to showcase her musical talent through her work, gaining recognition and appreciation for her contributions to the music world.

Blagica Pavlovska is a renowned Macedonian singer known for her impressive career in the music industry. With a strong and captivating voice, she has captured the hearts of many fans. Throughout her professional life, she has released numerous albums and singles, showcasing her versatile talent and vocal abilities. Blagica has performed at various concerts and events, both nationally and internationally, earning recognition for her captivating performances. She continues to inspire audiences with her music and remains a respected figure in the Macedonian music scene.

Elena Risteska is a Macedonian singer who gained recognition for representing Macedonia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 with the song "Ninanajna". She achieved a 12th place finish, which was the country's highest until 2019. Risteska is also a talented songwriter, having penned tracks for various artists. Her musical versatility was showcased when she participated in the Serbian version of Your Face Sounds Familiar, finishing as the runner-up by impersonating Beyoncé. Elena Risteska continues to make waves in the music industry with her vocal prowess and songwriting skills.

Bojan Jovanovski, known as Boki 13, is a Macedonian television personality, political activist, and entrepreneur. He gained fame in 2010 as a contestant on Celebrity Big Brother. Jovanovski released his debut album "Ne plaši se ogledala" in 2012. He later became the president of the International Union for Civil Society and Socially Vulnerable in North Macedonia. In 2018, he launched the national television network 1TV, which was shut down in 2019. Jovanovski faced legal issues in 2020 related to "illegal influence" and "money laundering" as part of the "Racket" investigation.

Tuna, also known as Altuna Sejdiu, is a prominent Macedonian-Albanian singer and songwriter. With a successful career in the music industry, Tuna has established herself as a versatile artist known for her captivating vocals and compelling songwriting. She has garnered a strong following both in Macedonia and Albania, showcasing her talent through various musical projects. Tuna's contributions to the music scene have earned her recognition as a skilled performer with a unique artistic style that resonates with audiences across different cultures.

Ljupka Dimitrovska was a Macedonian-born Croatian singer who gained international recognition for her performance of "Adio" at the 1970 Athens pop song festival. Her rendition of the song, written by Nikica Kalogjera and Ivica Krajač, won the first prize at the festival. Dimitrovska's version of "Adio" was released in Greece on the Music Box label. She had a successful professional career as a singer, showcasing her talent and passion for music to audiences around the world.

Vaska Ilieva was a legendary Macedonian leading folk singer known for her versatile and popular repertoire of over 800 songs. She started her career as a dancer and singer in the State Ensemble Tanec in the early 1950s. Her style of singing and the songs she performed brought her wide popularity throughout Macedonia, the former Yugoslavia, the Balkans, and the worldwide Macedonian diaspora. Ilieva was referred to as the "Queen" of traditional Macedonian music and received various honors from European countries.

Vlatko "Lozano" Lozanoski is a renowned Macedonian singer known for his impressive career in the music industry. He gained international recognition by representing Macedonia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2013 in Malmö, Sweden alongside Esma Redžepova. With a powerful voice and captivating stage presence, Vlatko has established himself as a talented performer with a diverse musical repertoire. Throughout his career, he has showcased his vocal abilities and passion for music, earning him a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.

Vasil Garvanliev, known mononymously as Vasil, is a Macedonian singer with a successful career in the music industry. He gained international recognition as the representative of North Macedonia at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2020 and 2021. Vasil was set to perform the song "You" in 2020, which unfortunately got canceled, and he returned in 2021 with the song "Here I Stand." His powerful vocals and captivating performances have earned him a dedicated fan base and solidified his reputation as a talented artist.

Elena Velevska is a prominent Macedonian turbo-folk and popular music singer known for her strong presence in the yellow press of the successor states of Yugoslavia. Often compared to Ceca due to her dress and musical style, she has earned the nickname "the Macedonian Ceca." In 2007, she embarked on a world tour, attracting large diaspora audiences. In 2008, she announced a break from music due to expecting a baby and got married in Ohrid at the beginning of the year.

Andrijana Janevska is a renowned Macedonian singer and musician known for her captivating performances and soulful voice. With a successful career spanning several years, she has established herself as a prominent figure in the music industry. Janevska's versatile talent is showcased through her ability to perform various music genres with ease, garnering admiration from audiences and critics alike. Her dedication to her craft and passion for music have solidified her reputation as a respected artist, earning her a loyal fan base both locally and internationally.

Jonče Hristovski was a renowned Macedonian singer and composer of folk music who gained widespread recognition for his exceptional talent and captivating performances. Throughout his career, he established a special reputation as a communicative and gifted singer. His most popular song, "Makedonsko Devojče," composed in 1964, remains a timeless classic. In addition to his successful solo career, he collaborated with CA Tanec and served as a director for a show on national Macedonian Television. Hristovski's musical legacy includes a diverse repertoire of notable songs that continue to resonate with audiences.

Lambe Alabakoski is a prominent Macedonian singer known for his captivating performances and soulful voice. With a successful career in the music industry, he has released several hit songs and albums that have garnered widespread acclaim from audiences and critics alike. Alabakoski has performed at numerous concerts and music festivals, showcasing his talent and passion for music. His distinctive style and powerful vocals have established him as a respected figure in the Macedonian music scene, earning him a loyal fan base and critical recognition.

Jašar Ahmedovski is a renowned Serbian-Macedonian folk singer with a successful career spanning several decades. He has released numerous albums on various record labels, including Jugodisk, Diskos, and Grand Production, as well as three albums with Južni Vetar. Known for his powerful vocals and emotive performances, Ahmedovski has captivated audiences with his soulful music. His contributions to the folk music scene have solidified his reputation as a respected and talented artist in the industry.

Mesut Kurtis is a Turkish-Macedonian singer signed to Awakening Records, known for his captivating vocals in Islamic nasheeds. With four albums including "Salawat," "Beloved," "Tabassam," and "Balaghal Ula," as well as the mini album "Azeem Al-Shan," he has gained recognition in the Islamic music industry. Mesut's powerful voice and spiritual lyrics have resonated with audiences worldwide, earning him a dedicated following. Through his music, he continues to inspire and uplift listeners with his devotion to faith and artistry.

Vlatko Ilievski was a Macedonian pop rock singer and actor known for his participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. He achieved the runner-up position for the Macedonian entry in 2010 and represented FYR Macedonia in 2011. Prior to his solo career, he was a member of the rock band "Moral". Ilievski also pursued acting, graduating from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Skopje. His professional life was marked by his musical achievements, stage performances, and dedication to his craft.

Zoran "Zoki" Vanev is a Macedonian pop-folk singer who started his music career in 1993 in Macedonia. After initial success in his home country, his popularity waned by the early 2000s. In 2003, he transitioned to the Serbian music industry and found success in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Known for songs about Belgrade and other cities, some of his popular hits include "Lila," "Monika," and "Južna pruga." Vanev eventually left his music career and now resides in Switzerland, where he works in health insurance.

Dragan Vučić was a prominent Macedonian composer, singer, bass guitar player, philanthropist, and TV host. Throughout his career, he composed numerous popular songs, including hits like "Nika Nika" and "Odlazim (Nikom nije nocas kao meni)". He was a member of the bands Tavce Gravce and Koda, and he also represented Macedonia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2005 with the song "Make My Day". Additionally, Vučić ventured into television hosting, presenting various TV shows across Macedonian channels from 1996 until his passing in 2020.

Shpat Kasapi is a talented Albanian-Macedonian singer and songwriter who gained recognition for his participation in Festivali i Këngës 47 for the Eurovision Song Contest 2009. With a successful music career, he has captivated audiences with his unique style and powerful performances. Kasapi has established himself as a prominent figure in the music industry, showcasing his creativity and passion through his impressive body of work. His contributions to the music scene have solidified his reputation as a respected artist with a bright future ahead.