BANJALUKA CONFIRMS ITS STATUS AS HOST OF ONE OF THE REGION'S TOP MUSIC EVENTS

Banjaluka has once again proven itself as the epicenter of regional music events, as the second night of the Freshwave Festival delivered world-class production, diverse music genres, and unforgettable performances at the historic Kastel Fortress.

The evening on the Live Stage kicked off with a dynamic set by Kosnik, followed by the electrifying return of the legendary Belgrade underground group Prti Bee Gee. Their raw, distinctive sound instantly energized the crowd, setting the tone for an explosive night. But the true eruption came with the appearance of Vojko V, whose every lyric – from "Pasta Italiana" to "Mamacita" – was sung in unison by a roaring audience. The energy both on and off stage was nothing short of euphoric.

Vojko V, last year’s crowned king of Freshwave, shared his thoughts after the show with his signature humor:

“Everything was great, my synthesizer broke, but the crowd was amazing and Banjaluka is a bomb! I was surprised by the king title last year, but I’m glad… I’ll be back next year for sure – to the festival and hey, call the man – call Dodik!”, he laughed, referencing lyrics from one of his popular tracks.

After the powerhouse performances on the Live Stage, the Main Stage transformed into a techno haven. Siniša Tamamović masterfully elevated the vibe, paving the way for the dark, retro tones of Pablo Bozzi. Pavel Petrov and Ilija Đoković followed with a powerful finale that shook the fortress walls.

Meanwhile, on the Energy, Nirvana, and Funk You stages, a mix of DJ sets and live performances offered something for every taste – from psychedelic journeys paired with stunning visuals, to deep grooves, funk, and hard-hitting electronic beats that kept the crowd in a trance. Each stage told its own unique story.

The second night confirmed what was already clear from day one – this year’s Freshwave edition is pushing the limits and redefining the standard for music festivals in the region. Whether you were in front of the Main Stage, lost in the trance of Nirvana, or soaking up the vibes in the cozy Funk You zone, the atmosphere was equally powerful and charged with positive energy.

Now, all eyes are on the grand finale. The final night promises a sonic explosion with Live Stage performances from Hiljson Mandela and the impactful Beogradski Sindikat. The Main Stage will be ruled by Nebs Jack and Mladen Tomić, culminating in a show-stopping set from none other than global techno queen Nicol Moudaber.

Festivalgoers can expect a night to remember – because Freshwave saves the very best for last.