FIRST "KANTARION" FESTIVAL OF SINGER-SONGWRITER MUSIC TO TAKE PLACE IN TREBINJE

Trebinje is set to host its inaugural singer-songwriter music festival titled "Kantarion" on May 16th and 17th. Among the performers gracing the stage in Southern Herzegovina will be Dado Topić, Srđan Marjanović, Slobodan M. Kovačević (founder of the band More), Marko Govorčin (member of the Mostar-based band Rondo), Ekrem Softić, Aleksandar Saša Kabiljo (singer-songwriter from Šibenik), Peca Popović (journalist, music critic), Ranko Slijepčević, Goran Duka (singer-songwriter), Vedran Limić (singer-songwriter from Split), and Davor Mucić (one of the pioneers of telepsychiatry worldwide).

The festival's main initiator is singer-songwriter, composer, and producer Brano Likić, whose BLAP studio, operational from 1978 to 1992, saw the creation of over 500 albums, including hits by Dino Merlin, Plavi orkestar, Bombaj štampa, Đino banana, and songs by Toma Zdravković and Hanka Paldum.

- We aim to draw attention to creativity, individuals who create music, those who are not just part of the mainstream entertainment industry, who do not seek to impress but rather to express themselves, said Likić. 

- This year, the festival will be non-competitive, showcasing creativity. Next year, we plan to organize a competition for singer-songwriters. Partnering with Croatia Records, everything will be documented in video and audio formats, with CMC Television as one of the partners. Our goal is to leave a mark and ensure these songs endure as lasting artistic treasures.