Cafe De Anatolia LIVE at Suli An
In a harmonious fusion of culture, history, and music, Cafe De Anatolia presents its latest live set, filmed amidst the ancient walls of Suli An in Skopje’s Old Bazaar. Collaborating with the Faculty of Fine Arts, this special performance brings together renowned artists Majnoon, Billy Esteban, A. Jovevski, and Emrah Kanturovski for an unforgettable auditory experience. Set against the backdrop of one of Skopje’s most iconic landmarks, this live set is more than just a performance—it’s a celebration of tradition, innovation, and the universal language of music.
Suli An, a 15th-century caravanserai, stands as a testament to Skopje’s rich history and cultural heritage. Originally known as an “aquatic inn” due to its proximity to the Serava River, Suli An served as a vital hub for travelers and traders passing through the region. Over the centuries, it has witnessed the ebb and flow of history, evolving from a bustling marketplace to a center for cultural exchange. Today, it remains a symbol of Skopje’s enduring spirit, attracting visitors from far and wide who seek to immerse themselves in its storied past.
Nestled within the walls of Suli An lies the Faculty of Fine Arts, a beacon of creativity and artistic expression. Established in 1980 as part of Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, the faculty offers a comprehensive range of courses in fine and visual arts, nurturing the talents of aspiring artists and scholars. Its presence within Suli An further underscores the intersection of tradition and innovation, as students and faculty alike draw inspiration from the rich architectural and cultural heritage that surrounds them.
Against this backdrop of history and creativity, Cafe De Anatolia’s live set unfolds, weaving together a tapestry of sound that transcends boundaries and genres. From the haunting melodies of the ney flute to the pulsating rhythms of the darbuka drum, each note resonates with the spirit of Skopje, echoing through the ancient corridors of Suli An. Majnoon, Billy Esteban, A. Jovevski, and Emrah Kanturovski bring their unique talents to the stage, infusing traditional Anatolian music with contemporary flair.
As the music fills the air, the audience is transported on a journey of the senses, enveloped in the sights and sounds of Skopje’s Old Bazaar. The cobblestone streets, adorned with centuries-old architecture, provide a picturesque backdrop for the performance, enhancing the overall experience for viewers both near and far. It’s a testament to the power of music to unite people across cultures and continents, bridging the gap between past and present.
As the final notes fade away, the echoes of Cafe De Anatolia’s live set linger, leaving an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to witness it. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a newcomer to the world of world music, this performance is sure to leave you spellbound. So, sit back, relax, and let the melodies of Suli An carry you away on a journey of discovery and delight. And remember, the music never truly ends—it simply awaits the next moment of inspiration, ready to captivate and enchant once more.
Cafe De Anatolia is a Macedonian production and publishing company founded in 2017 by Monika Ilieva, Nikola (Nickarth a.k.a. Rialians On Earth), and Zoran Iliev (Billy Esteban). It has existed since 2009 as a concept and represents one of the founders of the new genres “Organic House”, “Oriental Deep House”, and “Ethno House” on the global music scene. With over 4,000 artists-DJs performing globally, their catalog contains over 6,000 musical compositions (the largest global catalog in the “Organic House” genre). Cafe De Anatolia is the most awarded music publisher on YouTube with 31 Creator Awards, the first Macedonian brand promoted in New York City’s Times Square, and collaborates with global brands such as Forbes, Giorgio Armani, W Hotels, Four Seasons, and GoTurkiy. Many magazines such as Forbes, Billboard, Entrepreneur, Gulf News, Gothic Magazine, Influencive, The Jerusalem Post, CDA Mag, and many others have written about the growing trend of the Cafe De Anatolia brand worldwide. Nikola Iliev and Monika Ilieva are members of the Forbes Business Council and attended the Forbes Under 30 and Forbes 30/50 Summits by exclusive invitation from Forbes, the organization for the most successful young entrepreneurs and business leaders worldwide, for the years 2022/23/24.
Credits for the Project:
➤ Faculty of Fine Arts ➤ Stojko Mitkovski – FA “Kitka” Istibanja ➤ Cafe De Anatolia ETHNO PROJECT Orchestra: Majnoon; Billy Esteban; Aleksandar Jovevski; Emrah Kanturovski ➤ Dancer: Anastasija Dancevska ➤ Directed by Nikola Iliev ➤ Organised by Monika Ilieva ➤ Camera: Kristian Gorgiev ➤ Decoration: Dajana Jovanovska, Rozeta Ilieva ➤ Technique & Equipment: Daniel Gorgiev