Early years
Proeski, was born in Prilep, Macedonia, to Dominika and Nikola Proeski from Kruševo, his hometown, where he spent most of his childhood. After his musical talent was discovered, at the age of 12 he was chosen to perform at the popular children's song festival "Zlatno Slavejče" in Skopje. This was his first public music performance; however, his successful career began in 1996 when he participated in the teenage music festival "Makfest" in Stip.
Following this public exposure, he was awarded for his strong vocal capabilities. This led to his rise to fame when he participated in the music festival Makfest in Štip with the song "Pusti me"("Let me go") in 1997. His fanbase quickly grew and he continued to make use of festivals, such as SkopjeFest and OhridFest, as a platform for promotion and publicity. Proeski collaborated with one of Macedonia’s acclaimed lyricists and composers, Grigor Koprov, to produce some of the greatest hits of his career such as "Usni na Usni" ("Lips on Lips") and "Sonce vo Tvoite Rusi Kosi" ("The Sun in Your Golden Hair"). In 1999, he released his debut album, Nekade vo Nokta ("Somewhere in the Night"), which contained eleven tracks. In the summer of the same year, Proeski performed his first solo concert in Skopje.
In 2000, Proeski participated in the Eurovision pre-selection for Macedonia in SkopjeFest. He sang "Solzi Pravat Zlaten Prsten" ("Tears make a golden ring"), which won the televoting from the public but he finished third overall, behind Karolina Gočeva and the winners XXL. During that period, he began recording the tracks for his second album, Sinot Božji ("The Son of God"), which was promoted by the end of June 2000. The album brought some great hits, like "Nemir" ("Restless") (a duet with Karolina Gočeva), "Vo Kosi da ti Spijam" ("Sleeping in Your Hair"), "Izlaži me Ušte Ednaš" ("Lie to Me One More Time"), as well as "Iluzija" ("Illusion") (Grand Prix at the festival Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk ) and "Tajno Moja" ("Secret of mine"). Two songs are composed by Kire Kostov (winning second prize at the festival Sunčane Skale, held in Herceg Novi, now Montenegro).
The Serbian production house BK Sound purchased the rights to release Proeski's latest album in the other former Yugoslavian republics, which led to his victory of the Oscar of Popularity in those former republics for the year of 2000, and his sell-out shows in Skopje and Belgrade. Proeski embarked on an Australian tour along with other Macedonian singers in 2001.
After spending his time in recording studios in Athens, Greece, Proeski released his third album "Ako me pogledneš vo oči" ("If You Look Into My Eyes") in Macedonian and Serbian. After the release, Proeski went on a tour throughout Macedonia doing intense promotion. He also went to Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Bulgaria for further promotion. Proeski won "Beovizija" in Belgrade on April 2003, with "Čija si" ("To whom do you belong?"), a song which became a huge hit in Macedonia and the other former republics.
Superstardom
To improve his singing, Proeski took classes in New York from maestro William Riley, who was also coach to famous maestro Luciano Pavarotti. When he returned, Proeski held humanitarian concerts throughout the Republic of Macedonia. He was awarded with the Mother Theresa Humanitarian Award and in 2003 he became a Regional UNICEF Ambassador.
In 2004, MKTV chose Proeski to represent Macedonia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2004 in Istanbul, Turkey, and in February, he performed eight songs, where a jury, televote, and his own opinion chose the song. The song "Angel Si Ti” ("You’re an Angel”) was chosen by all three. In April, Proeski released his album "Den Za Nas" ("A Day For Us"), which was two CDs featuring the eight songs from the Eurovision selection. In May, Proeski finished 14th with the song "Life", which was the English version of "Angel Si Ti”. Prior to the contest he was popularised by reporters due to his tremendous opera singing ability, at his press conferences.
In 2004 Proeski was named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, and recorded the song "This World" which became the UNICEF anthem. Proeski signed a contract with Dallas Records so his next album could be released in Croatia and Slovenia. To establish himself in these countries, Proeski recorded "Krajnje Vreme” with Slovenian singer, Anja Rupel. In 2005, Toše’s fifth album Po Tebe ("After You”) was released all over ex-Yugoslavia. Po Tebe, was one of the most successful Balkan albums ever. It topped music charts for months in the Republic of Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Božilak (Rainbow), was a compilation of 14 selected traditional Macedonian songs. The artist was backed up by a symphony orchestra on the album.
His latest album 'Igri bez granici' (Macedonian title)/'Igra bez granica' (Croatian title) ("Game without borders") was released all over ex-Yugoslavia in August 2007.
Apart from songs in Macedonian and the Croatian language, he also recorded one song in Slovenian, "Moja" (Mine) (2007)and one in the Italian language, "Aria" ("air"), with Italian superstar Gianna Nannini. List of artist who collaborated with Proeski include Anja Rupel, Antonija Šola, Bora Čorba, Karolina Gočeva, Esma Redžepova, Gianna Nannini, Goca Tržan, Grigor Koprov, Jeff Beck, Tony Cetinski, Željko Joksimović and other notable musicians. Prior to his death, he was a student in his final year in the solo singing department of the Skopje Music Academy.
Songwriting
Proeski also established himself as a songwriter. He wrote several hits for himself including "Ima Li Den Za Nas" (Is There A Day For Us), "Slusaš Li" (Can You Hear), "Malečka" (Little One) and "Polsko Cvekje" (Field Flower). In 2004, Proeski composed "Muza" (Muse) which was a huge hit for Martin Vučić (Macedonian Eurovision Song Contest Representative, 2005), and went on the become the title track for the young artist's second album. In interviews, Proeski stated that he has written over 100 songs but was waiting for the right moments to record them as they were still in demo form.
On October 15, Proeski gave his final interview to the Macedonian Television Station Kanal 5. He talked about his intention to finish his Musical Academy studies, his search for his soul mate, and his new album in the works.
Tose's last concert was held October 5, 2007 for the Primary Education Project for USAID. The concert raised tens of thousands of euros for the primary schools of Macedonia. The concert was attended by over 20,000 people and viewed all over the world.
Death
During the early morning of 16 October 2007, around 6:30 am, Proeski died in a car accident on the Zagreb–Lipovac highway near Nova Gradiška, Croatia. He was a passenger along with his manager Ljiljana Petrović in a Volkswagen Touareg driven by Gjorgji Gjorgjievski. The Touareg crashed into the back of a truck and then into the median barrier, killing Proeski instantly, crushing the third vertebrae of the neck, although the truck sustained no damage. Proeski was asleep in the front passenger seat at the time of the crash.[6] Of the other two passengers, only the driver suffered serious injuries (head trauma).
Proeski's body arrived at midnight in Skopje by helicopter of the Macedonian army, and was transported by car to his home town Kruševo. Grieving citizens gathered to pay their last respects at the airport and also in Skopje's city square. The Embassy of the United States of America, the USAID and the Diplomatic mission of the European Union published official statements on the death of Toše Proeski. October 17 was pronounced a national day of mourning in Macedonia. The three days following his death were pronounced days of mourning in the City of Kruševo.
After his death, the government of the Republic of Macedonia, gave him the title "Honorable citizen of Macedonia"
State funeral
The government organized an official state funeral[11] for Proeski, which was held 17 October 2007 in his home town of Kruševo, including military honour ceremonies by the Macedonian army and the National guard, such as a honor guard, a military orchestra and a honorary rifle salute. The funeral, which was broadcasted by the national Macedonian TV was attended by many domestic and foreign delegations, including the president Branko Crvenkovski, the prime minister Nikola Gruevski, members of the Macedonian Parliament and its president Ljubiša Georgievski and other high-ranking officials, the US and the EU ambassadors Gillian Milovanovic and Erwan Fouéré and other diplomats, representatives of the Red Cross, the USAID and other organizations, sport clubs etc. Also, the funeral was attended by many notable musicians from Republic of Macedonia and other countries, including: Karolina Gočeva, Kaliopi, Vlado Janevski, Lambe Alabakoski, Elena Risteska, Jovan Jovanov, Martin Vučić, Adrian Gaxha, Tijana Dapčević and her sister Tamara Todevska, Aki Rahimovski (the frontman of Parni valjak), Toni Cetinski, Ceca Ražnatović, Željko Joksimović and many others. The religious service was held by the Macedonian Orthodox Church led by the Archbishop Stephen of Ohrid, as Proeski was a declared Orthodox Christian.
Numerous websites, blogs and internet forums are filled with the last messages from his fans and friends (example). A petition is available on-line[13] for Toše Proeski to be remembered by naming educational facilities, like the local Center for Music Education in Bitola, where he had studied to carry his name. Also this petition is to promote an annual humanitarian concert, carrying his name "Tose Proeski" for the poor and disabled and those of desperate need of medical attention. Also, a page for condolences can be found at the Kruševo municipality official website.
Life
Toše Proeski Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It was someone else's identity
Why do I need to prove myself
Who is the judge of my sanity
Roaming through my old emotions
I find new feelings of misery
I bet with my soul to get back the truth
Life is a book and you gotta read it
Life is a story and you gotta tell it
Life is a song and you gotta sing it
You got to know how to live it
Life is a book and you gotta read it
Life is a story and you gotta tell it
Life is a song and you gotta sing it
You got to know how to live it
Walking around with some thoughts on my mind
I've searched for a place where I'll be free
From all that I said and all that's been done
It'll be hard to find it inside of me
Life is a book and you gotta read it
Life is a story and you gotta tell it
Life is a song and you gotta sing it
You got to know how to live it
Life is a book and you gotta read it
Life is a story and you gotta tell it
Life is a song and you gotta sing it
You got to know how to live it
I know that I've gotta try
Noone can see me cry
I can't take it any more
I must find a way to let myself go
Life is a book and you gotta read it
Life is a story and you gotta tell it
Life is a song and you gotta sing it
You got to know how to live it
Life is a book and you gotta read it
Life is a story and you gotta tell it
Life is a song and you gotta sing it
You got to know how to live it
Life is a book and you gotta read it
Life is a story and you gotta tell it
Life is a song and you gotta sing it
You got to know how to live it
The lyrics to Toše Proeski's "Life" explore themes of identity, self-discovery, and the journey toward authenticity. The opening lines describe a moment of confusion and disorientation, as the singer realizes that their identity does not match up with the official document in front of them. This experience leads them to question the need for external validation and the authority of those who judge their sanity.
The song then shifts to a more introspective tone as the singer reflects on their emotional journey. They describe the search for meaning and the struggle to find a sense of inner peace in the face of past mistakes and regret. The repeated chorus emphasizes the importance of life as a "book," a "story," and a "song" that we must actively engage with in order to truly live.
Taken together, the lyrics suggest a profound recognition of the complexity and ambiguity of human existence. The singer acknowledges that life is often difficult and messy, but also affirms the need to keep searching for truth and meaning. Ultimately, the song encourages listeners to embrace their own unique journeys and to strive for authenticity and self-expression.
Line by Line Meaning
I saw my ID, and it wasn't me
Upon looking at my identification card, I realized that the person depicted on it was not the true reflection of who I am as a person.
It was someone else's identity
The picture on my ID card depicts someone else and does not fully represent my true self.
Why do I need to prove myself
I question why I should have to constantly provide validation or justification for who I am.
Who is the judge of my sanity
I am uncertain of who holds the power to dictate whether or not I am mentally stable.
Roaming through my old emotions
I find myself revisiting past feelings and experiences.
I find new feelings of misery
Although I am examining previous emotions, I am also discovering new sentiments of sadness and despair.
I bet with my soul to get back the truth
I am willing to risk a significant part of myself in order to uncover the honest and unvarnished reality of a situation.
Where I will face reality
I anticipate facing the unadulterated truth of a certain situation, which I perceive as daunting and difficult.
Life is a book and you gotta read it
The concept of life is analogous to a book, in that it is a story that one must read and understand.
Life is a story and you gotta tell it
Life is a narrative that one must actively participate in, contributing their own unique experiences and perspectives.
Life is a song and you gotta sing it
Life is like a song that one must sing with their own voice, harmonizing with the unique rhythms and melodies of their existence.
You got to know how to live it
The key to a fulfilling life lies in knowing how to actively live and engage with it to the fullest extent.
Walking around with some thoughts on my mind
I am preoccupied with certain thoughts and ideas that are continuously playing in my mind.
I've searched for a place where I'll be free
Amidst my mental preoccupation, I have been searching for a physical or mental space where I can be free from certain intrusive thoughts.
From all that I said and all that's been done
In my search for freedom, I am trying to distance myself from certain past words and actions that have been weighing me down.
It'll be hard to find it inside of me
I recognize that achieving the mental freedom I desire will be difficult and will require a significant amount of introspection and reflection.
I know that I've gotta try
Regardless of the difficulty of my task, I am aware that I need to put in effort and actively work towards my goal.
No one can see me cry
I am undergoing a difficult time but know that it is something I must face alone.
I can't take it any more
The internal struggles that I am dealing with have become too heavy for me to bear alone.
I must find a way to let myself go
In order to find peace and release myself from my internal struggles, I need to find a way to let go and free myself from certain mental restraints.
Contributed by Micah R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@d4ncoo
Actually the best voice Eurovision ever heard. A truly legend. If he would be alive today he could easily win Eurovision. No doubt.
@Darko_Milosevski03
Probably but we will never know
Because he's no longer with us
We still miss him to this day
@sozialsinn-derinfokanal8515
One should never exaggerate.
@DuxDrive
He won Eurovision the next day when he sang opera for fun in the press conference.
IF he was alive, he would've won the hearts of millions around the globe, and without a single doubt, he would've been as successful as Elvis, Jackson or Pavarotti in their genres and I am not exaggerating in the slightest.
@davinn8985
@Sozialsinn - Der Infokanal
Him with a traditional balade in his language = TOP 5
R.I.P
@hristijandimitrovski8664
Not just that, but he would have world - class career.
@akkaranovac1812
I cant believe that he is dead . He was the best singer on Balkan
@d.a.visual
In the world.
@arrowman2619
In the world
@irishfromengland7224
How did he die?