Belgrade's Festival Južnog vetra draws emotional tributes to music legends

The Festival Južnog vetra concerts in Belgrade attracted large crowds and several emotionally charged moments. At the Music Week stage, performer Đekson kissed singer Indođija on‑stage, a scene captured and widely shared. Veteran singer Suzana Jovanović returned to the stage for the first time in 27 years, performing her classic hits after the recent death of her husband, Saša Popović, to an enthusiastic audience.

In Sarajevo, Željko Joksimović paid homage to the late folk legend Halid Bešlić, playing the harmonica while video tributes displayed Bešlić’s career, prompting a strong emotional response. Earlier in the evening at Tašmajdan, artists honored another folk icon, Sinan Sakić, with a group performance that lit the venue with phone lights and united thousands of fans in song.

Overall, the festival showcased a blend of contemporary pop, nostalgic folk reverence, and heartfelt performances that resonated across the region.