Makfest 41: Six songs from opening night advance to the final; big Macedonian names return tonight

The 41st edition of Makfest continues tonight in Shtip after a strong opening night that brought fresh songs, solid vocal performances and positive audience response. Organizers say the festival will present a richer programme this evening with artists spanning several generations of the Macedonian pop scene.

From the first night, six entries secured a place in the final based on combined votes from the in‑hall audience and the expert jury. The acts that advanced are Arte‑Fakt, Tamara Grujeska, Elena Naumova, Tea Zlateva, Anastasia Spasevska and Dragana Jovanovska — each of them will have another opportunity to present their songs to the Macedonian public.

Tonight’s billing: 18 songs, many familiar names

Artistic director Robert Sazdov said at a press conference that the opening night was successful and that the team is prepared for another memorable festival evening. In total the programme tonight includes 18 compositions: the six qualifiers from the first night plus 12 new songs written for this edition.

What gives tonight special weight is the presence of a string of established Macedonian names whose songs and interpretations have left a mark on the domestic music scene. Returning performers on the Makfest stage include Agni Avshar, Natasha Malinkova, Marija Daneva, Viktorija Loba, Jovan Jovanov, Toni Zen, Tea Trajkovska, Marija Spasovska, Risto Samardžiev, Elvir Mekić, Vrcak, Simona Popovska, Ognen Zdravkovski and David Temelkov.

Musical director Ilija Kosevski announced a varied programme intended to offer something for every fan of Macedonian music, and he urged the audience to give strong support to the debuting performers. The opening night, organisers say, offered notable vocal interpretations and tonight brings a new chance to enjoy quality music.

Last night’s special moment was a showcase performance by Antonia Gigovska. In an intimate, emotional set she performed a selection of well‑known Makfest hits that have long outgrown their festival premieres and become national evergreens, delivering them with powerful vocals and heartfelt interpretation.

The evening begins at 20:30 and will be broadcast live on Macedonian Radio Television (MRT). With 18 compositions on the bill, six already qualified and a dozen new songs, Makfest 41 promises a celebration of both tradition and contemporary sounds on the Shtip stage.

Photo: press material from the event