Zarina Prvasevda at Public Room

Zarina Prvasevda
Public Room
Skopje Design Week
Skopje, Macedonia
November 7, 2024

On a packed night at Public Room, Macedonian vocalist Zarina Prvasevda stepped onto the stage with a glowing smile, draped in a flowing white gown that seemed to add a celestial quality to her presence. Fresh off a performance at WOMEX in Manchester, Prvasevda radiated both warmth and vitality, her performance delivering an unforgettable experience to everyone in the room.

The moment she opened with "Stojne Bre Mome," the audience fell silent, entranced. Her voice, a uniquely bright and velvety tone, filled the room with a sense of depth and intimacy. As she moved from one song to another, shifting between conversational delivery and soaring, melodic passages, Prvasevda's vocals remained crystal clear, every word and every feeling effortlessly conveyed. The dark purple backdrop on stage enhanced the moody atmosphere, contrasting with her bright presence as she journeyed through a repertoire that felt both deeply rooted and fresh.

Her set was nothing short of ambitious, including selections from her debut album Eho (Jugoton Croatia Records, 2022) with traditional Balkan songs infused with her distinct flavors. But Prvasevda's cosmopolitan spirit extended beyond Macedonia, with songs like the Serbian "Ah što ti je mila kćeri?" and the Albanian "Tumankuqe," which she performed with equal beauty and sensitivity. This wide range of traditional pieces showcased her versatility, the subtle jazz influences adding texture without overshadowing the folk roots.

Supported by an outstanding band, Prvasevda's performance was truly elevated. Toni Arslan on violin, Filip Mihajloski on qanun, and Marko Lazoroski on guitar brought a rich, traditional flair, while jazz-scene regulars Andrea Mirchevska on double bass, Slavcho Kocev on drums, and Ratko Dautovski on percussion added a vibrant interplay that brought each song to life. The group's tight rhythm created a pulsing foundation, while Prvasevda's voice danced over it like a radiant thread, connecting each element of the music into something deeply cohesive and powerful.

Highlights from the evening included "Stojana majka ucheshe," "Kaj Sal Ti Le Se Najde Babo," "Fidan Velo," and the energizing "Mitra Delija." But it was the popular favorite, "Sedna Baba da Vechera," that truly brought the house down. The song is one of those spirited Macedonian folk songs with a funky 13/8 Balkan rhythm. The room buzzed with energy as the intricate beat drove the performance, and the audience erupted into applause as the last notes faded.

The set closed with a series of encores, Prvasevda graciously returning to the stage with beloved songs like "Vanja" and "Jadi Jadi -Cayelinden oteye" Her openness and connection with the audience felt genuine, dancing freely and gesturing toward the crowd, her voice reaching out like open arms. By the end, she had built an intimate bridge between the music and everyone present, making the room feel like one unified body, celebrating together.

As Prvasevda took her final bow, the audience was on its feet, caught up in a rare sense of elation and togetherness. For a moment, the room felt less like a venue and more like a gathering of kindred spirits, connected by her music's resonance and warmth. With each encore, Prvasevda seemed as thrilled as the crowd, extending the night a little longer, each song a final gift to her listeners.

It was a night that showcased the heart of Macedonian music in all its complexity and soul. The entire performance flew by, leaving the audience eager for more. By the end, the applause rolled on, not just in admiration but in genuine appreciation for an artist who knows how to invite everyone into her world. As the final notes faded, there was a quiet sense that something special had just unfolded, something the audience would remember long after.

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