Elena Jovcheska kneels with gaida at wedding as guests throw money

Folk singer and multi-instrumentalist Elena Jovcheska shared a clip from a recent wedding performance that quickly drew attention on Instagram: she and her colleague Tijana Ilova knelt on the floor while Elena played the gaida as guests showered the pair with banknotes.

Birthday surprise that turned into a party highlight

The clip shows the upbeat atmosphere: Ilova energetically hitting a drum while Jovcheska played the gaida — an instrument seldom seen in female hands on stage. The appearance was part of Tijana Ilova’s birthday celebration, and the musicians used the moment to congratulate her from the platform.

At a certain point, both women knelt before the bride and groom, and the gathered guests began throwing money from all sides, but the musicians carried on without pause. The video captured a high-energy moment that many followers praised for its spontaneity and emotion.

Jovcheska has been active on the Macedonian music scene for more than a decade. She debuted in 2010 with the song "Atlantida", performed at Ohrid Fest and won the prize for best debutant. Her career took a decisive turn with the 2012 hit "Gorda Prilepchanka", which became an anthem for her hometown and opened touring opportunities across Australia, Canada, America and Europe.

She is known for playing four instruments — gaida, zurla, accordion and piano — and, despite being self-taught on the gaida, she stresses deep dedication to every performance. "I don't do it to get any points or popularity; I already have that and the popularity came by itself without any plans. When I perform with the gaida, it feels like I live for that very moment; I don't think about anything else at the moment except to give my all," she said on one occasion in an interview for Glamur magazine.

Beyond music, Jovcheska recently drew attention for a physical transformation: through diet and exercise she lost 23 kilograms. She also runs her own cosmetic salon and is preparing to celebrate the first birthday of her daughter, Talia. The Instagram video remains the central piece of the recent buzz around her work and personality.

Photo: press material from the event