Tose Proeski at the age of 26 already a national icon of Macedonia. He sang for his country in 2004 Eurovision song contest and won many awards across the former Yugoslavia. His music transcended ethnic divides in the region devastated by war. His fans included Greeks, Serbs, Croats, and of course his countrymen of Republic of Macedonia. When news broke of his death as he slept in a passenger seat in a car collided with a lorry on a Croatian motorway. The shock could be felt across the Balkans.
“The whole school was crying and some students actually felt sick, so they were taken home and others left later because they couldn’t cope with this.”
“I’m a university professor and I have a huge respect for Tose. He lived for the young people. So, this tragedy stroked me deeply and I think that the classes today need to be suspended.”
The Macedonian parliament stood for a minute of silence to pay their respects and all debates were suspended for the day. His influence for the peace in the Balkans prompted the United Nations to make him a regional goodwill ambassador for the children’s charity UNICEF.
On Wednesday Macedonians will observe the day of mourning for a young man who sold his voice for joy and hope for the millions.