Blagica Kaleva invites public to unveiling of memorial for Dzoko Gjorgiev

Folk singer Blagica Kaleva has publicly invited citizens to attend the unveiling of a memorial for drummer Dzoko Gjorgiev and the other victims of the Kočani nightclub fire.

Details of the ceremony

The ceremony is scheduled for 5 September 2026 in Strumica. The programme begins with a March of Remembrance at 17:30, proceeding from Goce Delchev Boulevard to the city park by the House of the Army (Dom na ARM). The main event and the unveiling of the memorial will take place at 19:00.

Kaleva posted an emotional appeal on Facebook alongside the event poster: "In honor of our golden child, our Dzoche and all the angels who have flown away! Come in as large numbers as possible, in their honor!"

The musical programme will feature the Summer Guitar School "Dzoko Gjorgiev", Blagica Kaleva, Ivan Kukic, Ivana Vasileva, Jovche Pandev and the ensemble "Za Bato Joce".

Dzoko Gjorgiev, a 23-year-old drummer from Strumica who was widely regarded as an exceptional musical talent and a beloved colleague, lost his life in the catastrophic fire at the Pulse nightclub in Kočani during a DNK concert.

Remembrance of Dzoko has been kept alive by his family, friends and fellow musicians. His younger brother Dimitar, also a drummer, paid tribute by performing with fellow drummers in Strumica and tattooed Dzoko's likeness on his arm together with the title of the well-known song "Zhivote brate".

For Kaleva — who previously experienced the deep personal loss of her husband and daughter — taking part in the event is another emotional gesture of support for the family and a way to preserve the memory of the young lives lost.

Photo: press material from the event