Mostar Sevdah Reunion(BiH)

Mostar Sevdah Reunion is not just a band – they are an institution in the Bosnian music scene and masters at conveying the depth and diversity of traditional sevdah music. Through their interpretations of sevdalinka, they blend genres such as rebetika, flamenco, fado, salsa, jazz, blues, pop, funk, and even schlager. This ancient, often melancholic music is performed with a gentle sincerity that strikes straight to the heart. The group, currently promoting their twelfth album, has become an international sensation.

For Mostar Sevdah Reunion, sevdah is not just a music genre – it’s a way of life, a feeling of deep melancholy and longing, reflected in every note they play. With their dynamic interplay and skill, they invite the audience into an emotional experience where each melody tells a story of love, sorrow, and life’s fragility.

The band was formed in the city of Mostar during the dark days of the Bosnian war in the 1990s. Amidst the siege, musicians gathered in a basement, creating music by the light of candles as a way to survive and find hope. After the war, they reunited, and their first album was released in 1998, laying the foundation for their success on the world music stage.

Over the years, the band has collaborated with legendary artists such as Šaban Bajramović, Ljiljana Buttler, and Esma Redžepova. Their music, rich in cultural diversity and virtuosity, has made them unique, and every performance is an unforgettable experience.

Mostar Sevdah Reunion offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation, where each member contributes their musicality to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Their latest album, Lady Sings The Balkan Blues (2022), was praised by critics worldwide and reached the top of several world music charts, including the prestigious Songlines in the UK, where it was labeled as "Top of the World."

On stage:
Antonija Batinić – vocals
Senad Trnovac – drums
Marko Jakovljević – bass and backing vocals
Milić Petrović-Mišo – guitar and backing vocals
Sandi Duraković – guitar and backing vocals
Ivan Radoja – Vanja – violin and backing vocals
Gabrijel Prusina – piano and keyboards