Macedonian folk songs aren’t just music—they’re a living legacy. Passed down through generations, they’ve shaped the roots of the country’s vibrant musical culture and continue to inspire new creative directions. Whether you’re a contemporary musician experimenting with genres, sounds, or styles, diving into these traditions sparks fresh ideas, deepens musical experience, and connects you to something timeless. By keeping this heritage alive, both creators and listeners can experience it now and in the future.

Mirko Popov, one of Macedonia’s most influential music minds, co-founder of PMGJazz, and a force of creativity as a composer, performer, songwriter, and publisher, recognized the exceptional value of music rooted in tradition, brought by the ensemble “Raspeani Valandovčani”. (The Singing People of Valandovo). His vision to produce and release a LP featuring their most compelling songs was warmly embraced by the ensemble and backed by the Municipality of Valandovo.
Together with his collaborator, PMGJazz co-founder, and one of the country’s leading jazz musicians- Vladan Drobicki, Mirko traveled to record and produce this release, selecting some of the ensemble’s most renewed songs, including “Mori čupi kosturčanki”, a beautiful Macedonian folk song from the Aegean region.

Now, the digital version is here—eight tracks that bring essence of Macedonian folk culture into the present. Seven timeless folk songs, plus one original composition arranged by local masters, make this release a snapshot of musical history, suited for modern ears.

This is the second vinyl release by Raspeani Valandovčani, five decades after their first LP with PGP RTB. It’s more than an album—it’s a living, breathing piece of Macedonia’s musical soul, ready to inspire a new generation of music lovers. Available now as a free digital download!

Big thanks to the whole team that made this release happen.

For Mirko Popov, always in our hearts, forever in the music.

all songs are traditional, except “Himna na Valandovo”
(composer and lyricist: Leonid Manchev, arranger: Petar Rizov)

Ensemble: Raspeani Valandovčani
 / President: Zoran Stojčev
 / Music Director: Petar Rizov

Selection of Compositions: Mirko Popov

Recording Engineers: Vladan & Pavel Drobicki


Recorded in Valandovo (Goce Delčev High School – December 2023 and House of Culture “25 Maj” – January 2024)
Mix and mastering: Vladan Drobicki

Executive producer: Mirko Popov

Cover Design: Kostadin Tančev-Dinka


Graphic Design: Hari Dudevski

Project manager: Violeta Kachakova
Supported by: Municipality of Valandovo