Blagoja Grujovski fills Izmir with Macedonian music: zurna, drums and folk dances
The folk star performed in Altındağ and Çamdibi for Macedonian emigrant communities, with traditional zurna and drum accompaniment.
Blagoja Grujovski recently traveled to Turkey and put on a series of lively shows for the Macedonian diaspora in and around Izmir, drawing large crowds and emotional reactions from attendees.
Clips and photo stories from the performances have circulated widely on social networks in recent days, capturing a night-long atmosphere of singing, dancing and applause.
Shows in Izmir
The concerts took place in the Altındağ and Çamdibi neighborhoods of Izmir, where Grujovski was invited as the main guest to a large traditional sünnet düğünü — a customary circumcision celebration — and other communal gatherings attended by many expatriates from North Macedonia.
Musical backing for the events came from the local ensemble Ersan Hürman & Grup ENA, whose use of zurna (high-pitched reed instruments) and large frame drums gave the performances a distinctly festive, traditional sound.
In videos shared by the hosts and by Grujovski himself the final moments of the concerts were punctuated with a shared message: "You were wonderful... Ajırlıja!" — a line posted alongside the recordings and greetings to the hosts.
The crowd repeatedly broke into Macedonian oros and joined in singing the singer's best-known songs; after nearly every number the hall erupted in cheers and sustained applause. Attendees told friends and family the shows left strong impressions and sweet memories.
Photo: press material from the event
