In Tel Aviv he was one of three backing vocalists who helped Tamara Todevska win the Eurovision jury vote en route to securing North Macedonia’s best-ever finish. Now, as we look toward the 2020 song contest in Rotterdam, Vasil Garvanliev is coming into sharper focus with his new single “Patuvam” (I’m travelling).

Vasil has been on our radar since Israel when the delegation from North Macedonia first introduced us to him backstage. His voice melds the spiritual and the sensual. It would work equally well in a Gregorian chant, on an operatic ballad or even as part of a contemporary dance track. Equipped with power and control, Vasil can deploy his gift in any umber of guises.

With “Pauvam” he takes traditional Balkan sounds but builds a contemporary track — one that comes with flourishes of dance and pop. It lifts our spirit while nourishing our soul. If you watch the video, you’ll see it carries an important message whether you understand the language or not. From the male voguing to the bright face paint to Vasil’s crown to one man’s pink hair, the video suggests a hard-fought celebration.

Scroll down for full lyrics.

Vasil explained it to us like this:

“‘Patuvam’ or ‘I’m travelling’ is a song about a journey. A journey from the heart … to endless possibilities. It is a journey where color, race, religion, and politics do not matter … but love always finds a way.”

“‘Patuvam’ is a celebration of love through dance and voguing. Getting in touch with your inner child who is made of pure curiosity and love, ready to take on any challenge in the world. The lyrics go like, ‘I travel with an empty backpack but a full soul. I travel where the dream is a dream come true.'”

“In Macedonian media many critics are already reviewing this as the first brave and bold move in queer culture and freedom. Thank you to all the Wiwi readers and hope to see you in the very near future!”

Vasil Garvanliev at Eurovision 2020?

When North Macedonia’s delegation first introduced us to Vasil in Israel, they suggested explicitly that he, along with Antonia and Aleksandra, were potential Eurovision stars of the near future. In more recent conversations I’ve had with people connected to the Eurovision team and the broadcaster, it’s become clear that Vasil remains the hot favourite to pick up where Tamara left off. It seems increasingly likely that he could compete at Eurovision 2020 in Rotterdam.

During our interview in Tel Aviv, Vasil oozed a quiet confidence and self-assurance. He seemed largely unfazed by all the hoopla surrounding their entry and was focused on the music.

“Everyone keeps saying it’s a feminine song — women, women, women,” he said. “So from a guy perspective,  it’s much deeper than that. Be proud of who you are, where you come from, what you have to say. I always say if you come from truth, this truth inside of you, no one can touch you.”

His own truth has been marked by upheaval and a constant need to adapt. Vasil began inching toward celebrity as a child, having made his professional stage debut at the age of seven. But during the Balkan conflict of the 1990s his family fled to the United States. He eventually established himself as an opera singer in Canada.

Opera Canada magazine summed up his resilience like this: “Rather than be deterred by life’s crises, the Macedonian-born baritone has used his adaptability to different cultures, languages and singing genres to make himself a singer to reckon with on the Canadian opera scene.”

What do you think of Vasil’s latest song? Do you think that he’s got what it takes to stand on his own at Eurovision? What type of music do you want him to deliver? Let us know down below!

“Patuvam” lyrics in English — Vasil Garvanliev

From the Sun
I’m a warm magical captivating ray of light
From the River
I’m a clean glittery drop
Big enough to shade the sea and get you drunk.

From the eye
I’m a hot tear with a sincere story
From my hand
I’m a gentle, velvety, and soft touch
Which warms your heart and caresses you

I travel I travel
Where my night is warm and light
Yes, I’m travelling
Where my day is long and bright
Yes, I’m travelling
Where the dream is a dream come true

I travel I travel
With empty backpack – full soul
Yes, I’m travelling
Where the heart has peace and quiet
Yes, I’m travelling
Where the dream is a dream come true

From the sky
I steal flight from a falcon in flight
On a soft cloud
I lay my head to rest
Patch my soul then spread my wings

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TRENT
TRENT
4 years ago

Cool video – but dear-o-me – musically – what a anti-climax after last year’s North Macedonian triumph (and in my view the rightful winner of ESC 2019).

Loin dici
Loin dici
4 years ago

on the other hand…

DEPI EVRATESIL IS BACK!

Rasmus
Rasmus
4 years ago

I like the song. I just dont get why the gay thing is SOOOOO big on this site and in ESC? All men in the audience i thought was just weird when i was there live. ESC is for all. Its not a gay club but when i was there it felt like gay club only for for men. My friends thought so to. I hope it changes,

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
4 years ago
Reply to  Rasmus

That’s why it is so important to speak out against self-righteous wannabe opinion dictators like this insufferable, humorless Jonas person on here.

Rasmus
Rasmus
4 years ago

who is that? i hope you didnt meant me. I just think its werid with all men in the ESC audience. no children or women. just men.

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
4 years ago
Reply to  Rasmus

No, I actually agree with you on this point. Eurovision desperately needs new, fresh and diverse faces to show after the performances.

Rasmus
Rasmus
4 years ago

i see. was a litte worried haha. Im a big ESC fan, so i just dont get the all men thing in the audience. it was not like that a couple of years ago. In Israel it was 99% men.

Rasmus
Rasmus
4 years ago
Reply to  Rasmus

are they? In that case i didnt see many of them in the audience in Israel were i was. They were at home. Some guys even looked for new hookups under the show. So how ESC have become now in the audience. I hate. This is just my opinion becuade i was there.

Roy Moreno
Roy Moreno
4 years ago
Reply to  Rasmus

How do you see if one’s gay or straight?

Rasmus
Rasmus
4 years ago
Reply to  Roy Moreno

haha it was easy there. They kissed other guys and i saw 2 of them with grinder app during the songs…. horrible, just horrible. I was there for the competion.

Roy Moreno
Roy Moreno
4 years ago
Reply to  Rasmus

Welp
I don’t know why someone would use Grindr during Eurovision but ok xD

Rasmus
Rasmus
4 years ago
Reply to  Roy Moreno

Exactly. they were there for wrong reasons. and its why i didnt like it there.

Rasmus
Rasmus
4 years ago
Reply to  Rasmus

i suppose. but still to many many men i felt. i was a little shocked.

Jonas
Jonas
4 years ago
Reply to  Rasmus

I agree. When the slogan is “Celebrate Diversity” and then they show the least diverse audience on television, something is wrong. I think the general audience is actually a more varied demographic – it’s just the standing fan area at the front, which is literally the same faces every year. It’s past time for a change.

Ignore whatever Mr. Vanilla Bean says – he is starting to become obsessed. I hope he seeks help.

Jonas
Jonas
4 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

Having said that, this article never once mentions anything to do with being gay, so I don’t know know what you are referring to. He may be gay (?) but that in itself is a non-issue. Can’t he just be?

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
4 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

Oh, I do wish you could ignore whatever I say, so there’d be no pathetic and pointless responses on your part anymore, of which there have been many. Time to take your own advice because dealing with you is no fun and has no value. People like you are the reason why Trump happened. So I do hope you seek help. 🙂

Toinousse
Toinousse
4 years ago
Reply to  Rasmus

If you don’t like seing gay men in the audience, then just ask your hetero besties to buy more tickets. That’s just it, it’s not eurovision shoving gay people in the public, it’s just that gays love eurovision and buy more tickets, and it’s their right to do so. I see straight people everywhere in the street and don’t complain, you’ll survive.

Jonas
Jonas
4 years ago
Reply to  Toinousse

You are so right, Toinousse. My issue is more with the fans being rammed into a separate section up front, while the local (more diverse) crowd are seated at the back and sides, and get no camera-time.

Thomas
Thomas
4 years ago

I dont get why having a gay may represent an eastern European country would be stereotyped? Everyone is saying below “no ESC doesn’t need more sterotypes!” But Vasil’s song isn’t a gay song? Like he soungs grest an I just don’t get why he getting the backlash. Its not like hes coming out in a pink feather boa an glitter.

Jonas
Jonas
4 years ago
Reply to  Thomas

Homophobia.

Jonas
Jonas
4 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

Yes, it is. You lack the self-awareness to realize it.

Peter
Peter
4 years ago

Why push this gay/drag music all the time, William? No problem with the occasional gay/drag act, but survival of ESC is more likely when it is in essence mainstream.

Jonas
Jonas
4 years ago
Reply to  Peter

Peter. Being gay is mainstream. This is the 21st century. Get used to it, or retreat to your cave. No problem with the “occasional” gay act? How nice of you. I have no problem with the “occasional” hetero act. Nobody is pushing anything on you, they’re just existing. If you don’t like it – tough.

Toinousse
Toinousse
4 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

It’s crazy how people are intolerant here. 99,99% of straight basic white men and women? No problem! 1 gay act? OMGGG they’re shoving them in our faces.

Jonas
Jonas
4 years ago
Reply to  Peter

What emphasis? Being gay is never mentioned in this article. You are imagining things.

Generalen
Generalen
4 years ago
Reply to  Peter

“All the time”? Most articles published on wiwibloggs are not about gay acts or topics. Why do the few gay-related posts stand out so much for YOU?

Richard
Richard
4 years ago

Nice song, a traditional feel with a tongue in cheek pastiche of all those silly dance moves and voguing. Fun

Tom
Tom
4 years ago

Yes i gonna like it, yes i gonna like it,lets break the rules ……
(No i don’t like it, this song needs to go and bring Jana Burceska!!)

Escaddict
Escaddict
4 years ago

I love the song. Vasil has the vocals, the moves & the look. I hope he goes to Rotterdam.

Loin dici
Loin dici
4 years ago

He got potential, And if he Is selected, it’ll be interesting to see how the tables will turn. However, it’s a matter to find and produce a good song. This one is honestly a bit uncomfortable.

(anyways, I remixed ‘Proud’ :https://youtu.be/N1A39zUSMeU)

Jo.
Jo.
4 years ago

I’m expecting Vasil to be selected. I hope he sings in their language, in case he goes to Rotterdam,

esc1234
esc1234
4 years ago

the song is interesting and it would be a bold move from North Macedonia to send him but lets be real, they got their best ever result due to Tamara. They dont know how to stage a perfomance and a dance song perfomed by Vasil can end up a hot mess on stage

Fionn
Fionn
4 years ago

Your point?

Fionn
Fionn
4 years ago
Reply to  Fionn

Gay is good. It is Eurovision after all.

Jonas
Jonas
4 years ago
Reply to  Fionn

They’re not sterotypes, they’re actual human people.

Gorilla716
Gorilla716
4 years ago

“In Macedonian media many critics are already reviewing this as the first brave and bold move in queer culture and freedom.”
Based on this statement, I’m a bit skeptical as to whether Macedonia would be willing to send Vasil given the fact that it is a pretty conservative country that isn’t particularly friendly towards the LGBT community compared to Western Europe. But then again, Montenegro (another conservative Eastern European country) sent Slavko to Eurovision a few years ago so who knows.

Rasmus Bording Irlind
Rasmus Bording Irlind
4 years ago

imma say it’ll be him for north macedonia in 2020 bcus backing vocalists tend to end up representing their countries the year after

Thomas
Thomas
4 years ago

I feel he would be a great choice, great sense of music and style! I think this would be a great step in the right direction.

Trash KAN
Trash KAN
4 years ago

Nooooooo. I want Lozano or Daniel Kajmakoski to return.

Frenkc
Frenkc
4 years ago

How to appear in a Wiwibloggs article in two steps.
Step 1 : be homosexual
Step 2 : say the word «Eurovision» once in an interview

Thomas
Thomas
4 years ago
Reply to  Frenkc

He was a backing vocalist for Tamara at ESC, amd along with her other two backing vocalists are highly tipped BY THE BROADCASTER themself! You do know that the owner an chief editor of the blog are LGBT right? If you have an issue, pleas take a seat about an LGBT artist being at Eurovision.

(Btw Duncan Lawrence is Bi so please your comment is based in ignorance.)

Frenkc
Frenkc
4 years ago
Reply to  Thomas

I don’t care if a singer is gay lmao, I’m just pointing out the fact that articles here are made about some singers BECAUSE they are what could be called stereotyped gay acts.
I know Duncan Laurence is bi, and so am I. So to say I don’t say it out of homophobia.

Meme
Meme
4 years ago
Reply to  Frenkc

And then again, even when you know the formula of how to… you never did

Rasmus
Rasmus
4 years ago
Reply to  Frenkc

Its like the opposite now. if you arent gay you cant like Eurovsision at all, It feels like this now a days……

Dawid
Dawid
4 years ago
Reply to  Frenkc

Honestly, I’m shocked people haven’t attacked you that much. It’s sensitive topic here apparently.

Generalen
Generalen
4 years ago
Reply to  Frenkc

You’re cherry picking. If you were a regular wiwibloggs reader you would have noticed so far this year NONE of the other acts rumoured for 2020 are gay. Unless Kalomira isn’t telling us something. Why did the one gay act stand out for you?

Frenkc
Frenkc
4 years ago
Reply to  Generalen

There was an article about British drag queens like three days ago Generalen

Erasmus
Erasmus
4 years ago

I do not like his voice unfortunately …

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
4 years ago

Lozano is the number one pick for Macedonia, no doubt.

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
4 years ago

Not impressed. When it comes to Macedonian expats, they should aim way higher and fish in Australia – Bella Paige and Bobby Andonov. Now with those two, they could actually go for gold.

Erasmus
Erasmus
4 years ago

Bobi*

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
4 years ago
Reply to  Erasmus

My apologies to King Bobi.

Gorilla716
Gorilla716
4 years ago

I’m pretty sure Bella and Bobby would much rather represent Australia than Macedonia if either of them were to participate in Eurovision.

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
4 years ago
Reply to  Gorilla716

Both of them represented Macedonia in JESC already. If Macedonian tv made a real effort, who knows. Anja Nissen represented Denmark, too.

Daniel
Daniel
4 years ago

Bella Paige represented Australia.

Thanos
Thanos
4 years ago

Well he seems like a good choice from what I have read, although I have not listened to any of his songs yet. The fact that he is also an opera singer means that he is able to deliver a great song to us! Let’s see if he will get selected!

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
4 years ago
Reply to  Thanos

Mrs. Ernman is also an opera singer.

Thomas
Thomas
4 years ago

With a lame popera song that was giving us a terrifying expression of pain. The song used in an article i think is great.

pepe
pepe
4 years ago

The guy with the leather crown who was in the green room. I wondered who that was.

Joe
Joe
4 years ago

Yes! This would be an excellent way to keep the momentum going and keep Tamara from being a fluke.

Joe
Joe
4 years ago
Reply to  Joe

And hey, with Bozo Vreco not being an immediate possibility due to Bosnia’s budget issues, it’s nice to have some Balkan LGBT realness finding its way to Eurovision.

Gorilla716
Gorilla716
4 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Maybe Tamara might be a fluke.

Polegend Godgarina
4 years ago

oh wow macedonia is the most homophobic country west of the ex soviets in europe, that’d be groundbreaking if he got selected!

Joe
Joe
4 years ago

If you send a song called “Proud,” regardless of what it’s actually about, it indicates a move in the right direction.

Joe
Joe
4 years ago
Reply to  Joe

And Tamara performed at Skopje Pride so it’s even more direct than that.

Idan Cohen
Idan Cohen
4 years ago
Reply to  Joe

do me a favor. “million voices” rings a bell for you?

Polegend Godgarina
4 years ago
Reply to  Joe

yuh they also outlawed anti-gay discrimination this year (sumthin some european union members still don’t have) so they’re clearly goin in the right direction…. there’s a long way to go but things are clearly gettin better for the gays there. ‘proud’ was about female empowerment tho

Milan
Milan
4 years ago
Reply to  Joe

I don’t see why. Dignity, yes. But being proud of something that one has (arguably) been born with to me has always seemed rather stupid. Pride should be about something that you have achieved. I’m just saying that to me it’s a wrong choice of word, nothing more.

Polegend Godgarina
4 years ago
Reply to  Milan

it’s more bout being able to celebrate sumthin that until a few decades ago was considered hellish n disgusting in almost all developed countries. it’s like, ‘thank goodness i can freely be myself n i hope more ppl will accept that gays deserve equal rights with time’ got it?

Milan
Milan
4 years ago

I’m perfectly OK with people celebrating it – so call it celebration, whatever – just “pride” is a really wrong choice of word. I (had) “got it” perfectly, thank you, no need to be rude.

Jonas
Jonas
4 years ago
Reply to  Milan

You don’t get it. The opposite of pride is shame – something that many gay people have been conditioned to feel over the course of their lives…the word “pride” is the perfect choice to overcome that. Surviving homophobia is an achievement.

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
4 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

You don’t get it, either. Something you were born with that is completely natural is neither something to be proud of, nor to be ashamed of. It just is. And a big part of this so-called pride culture is actually furthering homophobia, as well as promoting a gay stereotype. I refuse. Being into dudes doesn’t mean I have the least bit in common with any other guy who happens to be into dudes.

Jonas
Jonas
4 years ago

Ah, so it’s not just the actual word “pride” that you take issue with. It’s what it represents. That’s a different argument. If they were called Self Respect Parades, you would still hate them.

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
4 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

Case in point. I am certainly glad I do not seem to have anything in common with a tiresome, self-important SJW such as yourself. Hallelujah for that. I reject your accusations of hating anything and once again putting words in my mouth. But that is of course how people like you operate. I do not hate, my energy is way too precious to hate on anything. I argue for my views and reject agendas I disagree with, as opposed to forcing a “one size fits all” mindset on everyone.

Jonas
Jonas
4 years ago

People like me? I see…it’s only you that is a special individual, one that resents the implication they might have something in common with others – and yet has no problem categorizing others with such broad brushstrokes. Such hypocrisy. Also, I take SJW as a compliment. Thank you. It’s for sure preferable to being a fatuous FPÖ flunky.

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
4 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

No hypocrisy, I’m just giving you a taste of your own medicine. Since you seem to be so fond of dishing it out. Also, I am nobody’s flunky and your continuous insults are just making my point about you. Frankly, I cannot imagine anyone enjoying your company. All those so-called minorities you love to play the self-important martyr for are probably the first ones to run away from you. And not that it’s any of your business: I didn’t vote for anybody. All options sucked. Not as much as you suck, though. Watch the news. Obama just cancelled you like… Read more »

Milan
Milan
4 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

I must say I actually agree with this point, I hadn’t looked at it that way at all. I still think that “pride” as a choice of word is an unnecessary poke in everyone else’s eye (and it is quite likely furthering homophobia), but at least I see now where the achievement is. Thank you for explaining it politely.

Jonas
Jonas
4 years ago
Reply to  Milan

You’re welcome!

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
4 years ago
Reply to  Milan

100% correct. People in general don’t seem to understand language anymore.

Jonas
Jonas
4 years ago

Consult a dictionary. The word has deeper meaning than that one narrow definition.

Mr. Vanilla Bean
Mr. Vanilla Bean
4 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

True. It can also mean arrogance and hubris. But look who I am telling – you are the authority on those things, after all. Consult your mirror.

Per Zoso
Per Zoso
4 years ago

Stonewall Riots

Gigii
Gigii
4 years ago

Macedonia wasnt even in the Soviet Union… it was in Yugoslavia

Polegend Godgarina
4 years ago
Reply to  Gigii

who ever said that lmao learn how to read “west of the ex soviets”

Gigii
Gigii
4 years ago

I read the rest of ex soviets.. xD my bad..

KESC
KESC
4 years ago

Ex soviets? You mean Yugoslavia right?!

Katariina
Katariina
4 years ago
Reply to  KESC

What are you not understanding? “West of the Ex-Soviets” = not Soviet, to the West of the Soviets.

Thomas
Thomas
4 years ago

Tijana (2014 Macedonia) is also LGBT? So it wouldn’t be groundbreaking.

James
James
4 years ago
Reply to  Thomas

Netherlands 2016 and 2019?