Milan Mladenović Award Returns to Belgrade; Festival Continues in Makarska

The Milan Mladenović Award, established to honor the influential musician, is returning to Belgrade for its eighth ceremony on September 21, coinciding with Mladenović's birthday. This move signifies a symbolic return to the city where his band Ekatarina Velika created a lasting impact, closing a circle after three previous award ceremonies were held in Makarska.

Makarska, the birthplace of Mladenović's mother, Danica, has hosted the "Modro i zeleno" festival for three years, celebrating the artist's enduring legacy. While the award ceremony shifts to Belgrade, the festival's spirit of celebrating creativity and artistic freedom, core tenets of Mladenović's work, remains unchanged. The award aims to foster a platform for artists from across the former Yugoslavia.

This year's award carries significant weight, offering the winner not only prestige but also crucial career support. Beyond a unique statue designed by Futro Design Studio and a €3,000 cash prize, the laureate will receive invitations to perform at major regional festivals, including Arsenal Fest in Kragujevac, SHIP Music Festival in Šibenik, and next year's "Modro i zeleno" in Makarska.

The competition has narrowed down from 173 initial submissions to 12 semi-finalists and subsequently to five finalists. These finalists represent the diverse talent on the contemporary music scene. They include ZHIVA with "Atom," Pocket Palma with "Boli me," Roba bez greške with "Bez tebe," Dolores and Retrospektiva with "Ko gasi svetlo," and Lelee featuring Jelena Petošević with "Igra Bela mečka."

A five-member regional jury, comprising musicians Pavica Čabrijan and Lada Furlan Zaborac, among others, will decide the winner. Their selection process is designed to ensure impartiality and expertise in evaluating the nominated works.