Mef and Marina Martensson Win 45th Melodije morja in sonca Festival

The 45th Melodije morja in sonca (Melodies of Sea and Sun) festival concluded with Drago Mislej Mef and Marina Martensson claiming the grand prize for their song "Drugačna je le noč" (Only the Night is Different). The event, held at the Avditorij in Portorož, saw the music group Ranr honored with the Danilo Kocjančič award for the most promising musician, as well as the award for musical future. The festival's grand prize was determined by a combined vote from a professional jury, radio stations, the live audience, and public telephone voting. "Drugačna je le noč" secured the highest total points, earning 12 points from the jury and 12 from radio stations, supplemented by eight points from the hall audience and seven from public voting. Special professional recognitions were also awarded. Oto Pestner received the MMS Legend award, while Drago Mislej Mef was recognized as the MMS Author. The young group Ranr also received the MMS Future award. Berti Rodoš, the festival's ideator, introduced a new award, the Berti Rodoš special award, presented to performer Lean Kozlar Luigi by the festival band. Fourteen acts competed for the grand prize, performing with a live band. The festival's organizers introduced a strict ban on artificial intelligence and author platforms in music creation for this jubilee edition, aiming to safeguard human creativity. Regional RTV center Koper-Capodistria offered the Danilo Kocjančič award winner a live concert performance in the "Radio Live" program instead of studio hours.