Todor "Toše" Proeski (Macedonian: Тодор „Тоше" Проески) (January 25, 1981 –… Read Full Bio ↴Todor "Toše" Proeski (Macedonian: Тодор „Тоше" Проески) (January 25, 1981 – October 16, 2007) was a famous Macedonian singer who was popular across the entire Balkan area. He is considered a top act of the music scene of Republic of Macedonia. Proeski was known for his trademark quote "Ve sakam site" (I Love You All), and was called "Elvis Presley of the Balkans" by the BBC News. He died in an automobile accident in Croatia on October 16, 2007.
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.
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.
Zena Balkanska
Toše Proeski Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Trazim na tom' licu osmijeh
odavno ga tuga mori
saznala je sta je zivot
suze stale i ne govori
Ubile je noci hladne
tople reci ne poznaje
sad u sebi sve se kaje
sad bi da joj zivot traje
Uzalud je da se kaje
sve sto kaze istina je
i da zivot ide dalje
kako zivim navikla je
Svaki korak, okus gorak
u cetiri zida osmijeh skriva
nekom' da bi sluga bila
slomila je svoja krila
Pobjegla bi al' strah je
sav svoj zivot njemu dade
uzalud joj mahom dane
sve cetiri svijeta strane
Mislila je sutra da ce
vrijeme, reci moc' da stace
sad u sebi sve se kaje
sad bi da joj zivot traje
Eden zivot tajna e
ova Balkan, Balkan e
(2x)
odavno ga tuga mori
saznala je sta je zivot
suze stale i ne govori
Ubile je noci hladne
tople reci ne poznaje
sad u sebi sve se kaje
Uzalud je da se kaje
sve sto kaze istina je
i da zivot ide dalje
kako zivim navikla je
Svaki korak, okus gorak
u cetiri zida osmijeh skriva
nekom' da bi sluga bila
slomila je svoja krila
Pobjegla bi al' strah je
sav svoj zivot njemu dade
uzalud joj mahom dane
sve cetiri svijeta strane
Mislila je sutra da ce
vrijeme, reci moc' da stace
sad u sebi sve se kaje
sad bi da joj zivot traje
Eden zivot tajna e
ova Balkan, Balkan e
(2x)
The lyrics to Toše Proeski's song "Žena Balkanska" describe a woman who is struggling with the hardships of life. Despite the fact that she is constantly burdened by sorrow, she tries to wear a smile on her face. The woman has learned the harsh realities of life, causing her tears to well up, but she is unable to express her feelings. The cold nights have been a heavy burden on her, and as a result, she doesn't know how to be affectionate. She regrets all of the choices she made that have led her to her current predicament, and she wishes that she could make different choices. However, it is too late for her to turn back the clock. The woman tries to hide her pain, but it only results in her holding back her true potential.
The song touches on a theme that is common in Balkan music, and indeed Balkan culture - the struggle of women in society. The woman in the song is unable to escape her fate, and the song highlights the fact that women are often forced to endure pain in silence. The song is also reflective of the Balkan's traditional patriarchal society that places women in the role of a submissive servant. The woman is unable to break free from this role, and it is this that causes her distress.
Line by Line Meaning
Trazim na tom' licu osmijeh
I'm searching for a smile on her face
odavno ga tuga mori
Which has long been plagued by sadness
saznala je sta je zivot
She learned what life is
suze stale i ne govori
Stifling her tears and remaining silent
Ubile je noci hladne
Cold nights have killed her
tople reci ne poznaje
She doesn't know kind words
sad u sebi sve se kaje
Now she regrets everything inside herself
sad bi da joj zivot traje
Now she would like her life to continue
Uzalud je da se kaje
Regretting is in vain
sve sto kaze istina je
Everything she says is true
i da zivot ide dalje
And life goes on
kako zivim navikla je
She's gotten used to how I live
Svaki korak, okus gorak
Every step tastes bitter
u cetiri zida osmijeh skriva
She hides her smile inside four walls
nekom' da bi sluga bila
To be someone's servant
slomila je svoja krila
She broke her wings
Pobjegla bi al' strah je
She would run away, but is too afraid
sav svoj zivot njemu dade
She gave her whole life to him
uzalud joj mahom dane
Most of her days were in vain
sve cetiri svijeta strane
All four corners of the world
Mislila je sutra da ce
She thought tomorrow would be
vrijeme, reci moc' da stace
A time when words and power will cease
sad u sebi sve se kaje
Now she regrets everything inside herself
sad bi da joj zivot traje
Now she would like her life to continue
Eden zivot tajna e
One life is a mystery
ova Balkan, Balkan e
This Balkan, Balkan is
Contributed by Jeremiah D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Dubravka Barac
Trazim na tom' licu osmijeh
odavno ga tuga mori
saznala je sta je zivot
suze stale i ne govori
Ubile je noci hladne
tople reci ne poznaje
sad u sebi sve se kaje
sad bi da joj zivot traje
Uzalud je da se kaje
sve sto kaze istina je
i da zivot ide dalje
kako zivim navikla je
Svaki korak, okus gorak
u cetiri zida osmijeh skriva
nekom' da bi sluga bila
slomila je svoja krila
Pobjegla bi al' strah je
sav svoj zivot njemu dade
uzalud joj mahom dane
sve cetiri svijeta strane
Mislila je sutra da ce
vrijeme, reci moc' da stace
sad u sebi sve se kaje
sad bi da joj zivot traje
Eden zivot tajna e
ova Balkan, Balkan e
(2x)
Edna zena tazna e
edna silna zena
Jovica Spireski
МАКЕДОНСКИ АНГЕЛ ЗА ПЕЕЊЕ СЛАВЕЈОТ ТОШЕ ПРОЕСКИ. ВЕЧНА ТИ СЛАВА. ПОЧИВАЈ ВО МИР. АМИН. 😭😭😭🇲🇰🇲🇰🇲🇰
Iar Vasanta
Prelijepa pjesma...Kao da Toše stoji na vrhu najviše planine ,a čuje Ga sav svemir kada otpeva refren na kaju pjesme...
Kim Pettersson
Greetings from Sweden and Finland. Blagodaram Toše ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Jelena Vojvodic
"*smrt nije kraj... Živ je kroz svoja dela i ljude koje ga vole" *
Ljiljana Milovic
Zivis u nama koji te svakog dana slusamo,ne ti nisi otisao,tu si u nama sakam te
Ivan Ivanovski
Залудно е да се кае,све што вели вистина е
Zlate Cvetkovski
Тошка! Почивај во мир Ангелу! 😪😪😪
Zorica Pajovic
Заиста је велика туга за овим анђелом
Radica Savic
Bože , koliko je tesko slusati glas andjela a znas da vise nije ziv. Boze zasto ???
toni stark MK
Toše naš, jos mislu na tebe... angelu.