Klemen

Klemen Slakonja, born on June 3, 1985, in Brežice, Slovenia, is a multifaceted Slovenian entertainer renowned for his work as an actor, comedian, television host, musician, and impersonator. He pursued acting at the Academy of Theatre, Radio, Film, and Television in Ljubljana, graduating in 2010.

Slakonja’s career commenced in the early 2000s at Radio Energy in Krško, where he served as a radio anchor and hosted various local events. His talent for impersonations gained recognition in 2007 when he performed at a homecoming event for hammer throw champion Primož Kozmus, parodying Slovenian musicians. This performance caught the attention of radio host Edi Štraus, leading to an invitation to the satirical radio show “Radio Ga Ga” by Sašo Hribar. His national breakthrough occurred on October 5, 2007, with an impersonation of singer Rok Kosmač. 

In November 2007, Slakonja made his television debut on the satirical show “Hri-bar,” further establishing his reputation for impersonations. By February 17, 2008, he became a national television host, co-presenting the family show “NLP” on RTV Slovenia.

Slakonja’s association with the Eurovision Song Contest began in 2011 when he hosted Slovenia’s national selection, EMA, and performed “16 let skomin,” a medley of past Slovenian entries. He continued to host EMA in 2012, 2016, and 2020, often incorporating musical impersonations into his performances. 

In 2013, he launched his own comedy shows, “Zadetek v petek” and “Je bella cesta,” showcasing his musical parodies. His 2013 parody “JJ Style,” satirizing the Slovenian government, became a viral hit.

Slakonja gained international acclaim in 2016 with the release of “Putin, Putout,” a parody music video impersonating Russian President Vladimir Putin. This was the inaugural video of his “TheMockingbirdMan” project, followed by impersonations of Donald Trump in “Golden Dump (The Trump Hump)” and Angela Merkel in “Ruf mich Angela.”

Beyond television, Slakonja was a member of the Ljubljana Slovene National Theatre Drama ensemble from 2010 to 2018. He has also performed live with his musical group, the Small Band, blending various genres and showcasing his vocal and impersonation skills.

In December 2024, Slakonja entered EMA as a contestant with his song “How Much Time Do We Have Left,” winning the national selection on February 1, 2025. He represented Slovenia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel, Switzerland. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it to the grand final.

Slakonja’s personal life includes his marriage to actress Mojca Fatur in 2010, with whom he has two children.