Bosnian accordionist Almir Mešković and Serbian violinist Daniel Lazar received the 2026 “Vojin Mališa Draškoci” Award on 25 September at Karmakoma Club in Belgrade, as part of the 14th “Todo Mundo” Festival. The award was presented by the World Music Association of Serbia (WMAS).

The award ceremony took place on the second day of the 14th “Todo Mundo” Festival, immediately before the duo’s concert. It was a warm and intimate occasion, with a well-filled hall and many of the laureates’ friends among the audience, particularly Daniel’s. Born and raised in Ovča, Daniel has deep personal roots in the neighbourhood, giving the encounter with a home audience a special dimension.

The award was presented by World Music Association of Serbia representatives Oliver Đorđević and Marija Vitas, together with Branislav Radojković, a member of Naked, last year’s award recipients.

As part of the ceremony, Marija Vitas spoke with Almir and Daniel about their shared musical journey — from the Norwegian duo they formed during their studies to an internationally recognised act and one of the more distinctive live presences on the European scene. The conversation also touched on Daniel’s personal story: how, with an international career behind him, he now looks back on his beginnings and on the life and professional roots he has in Ovča and Belgrade.

The “Vojin Mališa Draškoci Award” was created in 2013 in memory of professor, composer and double bassist Vojin Mališa Draškoci (1945–2000), with the aim of encouraging, developing and promoting world music in Serbia and the region, particularly the work of artists inspired by traditional music. The award was initiated by the World Music Association of Serbia in cooperation with members of the Draškoci family.

Daniel and Almir met while studying for their master’s degrees in classical music at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo. Their work brings together classical training, Balkan musical heritage, improvisation and original music.

The duo’s repertoire encompasses traditional and original compositions inspired by the musical traditions of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Romania, alongside influences from the musical and cultural milieu of Scandinavia, where they have lived and worked for many years.

Following the award ceremony, Almir Mešković and Daniel Lazar gave a powerful concert to close the “Todo Mundo” Festival, presenting the audience with their distinctive blend of virtuosity, improvisation, original music and inspiration drawn from musical traditions.

LINKS:

World Music Association of Serbia >>  ǀ  Almir Mešković & Daniel Lazar >>  ǀ  Todo Mundo Festival >>