Jordan Mitev posts old gradebook and a message about merit

Folk singer Jordan Mitev has once again become the focus of attention on social media — not with a new single or concert footage, but with a deeply personal post that resonated with many followers.

In a Facebook post he shared a photograph of his school gradebook from the fourth year at the music high school in Shtip (academic year 2003/2004), showing top marks across practical subjects: Solfeggio, Harmony, Counterpoint, Kaval, Conducting, Piano and Music Folklore, along with a note for exemplary behavior.

From a student’s notebook to a message about values

Mitev — who recently celebrated his 40th birthday in his native village of Podaresh surrounded by his wife Slavica and their children Kristina and Kristijan — used the image to send a pointed remark about merit and roots. He wrote:

“When you accidentally find your school record book and turn back the years and memories, and from a 25‑year distance you tell yourself: Hey kid, child of a worker, you were good, you learned many things, but you did not learn one important thing… and that is that this book of yours, without a party card, is worth – 50% or more.”

The post drew warm responses from fans and colleagues, who praised his humility, consistency and the idea that genuine talent and the public’s support are earned through hard work rather than political connections.

Although he had the opportunity to live in Australia, Mitev chose to remain and create in North Macedonia and in Podaresh. With decades of steady work, sold‑out halls across the country and the diaspora and a long list of hits, he has repeatedly underlined that audience affection is won with honest effort and song.

Photo: press material from the event