Branko Golubovic Golub is the recipient of the “Mikica Zdravkovic” award
Branko Golubovic Golub, the legendary frontman of the punk rock band Goblini and a long-time humanitarian worker, is the fourth recipient of the traditional “Mikica Zdravkovic” award. This award is given by Kragujevac’s Arsenal Fest to individuals from Serbia and the region for their contributions to the music scene.
The award was received on his behalf by Goblini’s guitarist, Alen Jovanovic, at the Youth Center of Kragujevac on June 21, World Music Day.
Previous recipients of the award include Nenad Kuzmic, music editor of Radio Belgrade 202, renowned photographer Brian Rasic, and producer and musician Vojislav Voja Aralica.
The award is given in memory of Mikica Zdravkovic (1974-2020), one of the founders of Arsenal Fest, an employee of the Youth Center of Kragujevac, and bassist for the bands CBS and Vesele osamdesete.
Branko Golubovic Golub was among the founders of the famous Sabac band Goblini in 1992. With the group, he recorded six studio albums and two live albums. Goblini continue to be one of the biggest concert attractions in the region, despite Golub living abroad for many years. He has worked in peace missions in Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Jordan, and is currently in Beirut.
He is the author of the book “Pisma iz Avganistana” (Letters from Afghanistan, 2009) and “Izguzvane misli” (Crumpled Thoughts, 2018), which covers the period from the formation of Goblini to his departure abroad in 2003.
Regarding the award, Golub stated: “I am honored. I find myself alongside such figures in Serbian rock ‘n’ roll as Mr. Aralica, Rasic, and Kuzmic. I don’t know how I ended up here.”
Goblini will close the Main Stage program at Arsenal Fest this year, performing on the final night, June 29.
“We can’t wait, we haven’t seen each other in two years. There are many of us,” Golub announces in his typical style.
The award ceremony for the “Mikica Zdravkovic” award to Branko Golubovic Golub was part of the accompanying program of the 14th Arsenal Fest, which will be held from June 27 to 29 at Knezev Arsenal in Kragujevac.
A record number of visitors are expected to enjoy performances on three stages by celebrated artists such as Goblini, Zdravko Colic with a symphony orchestra, Bijelo Dugme, Keanu Reeves and Dogstar, Asian Dub Foundation, Circa Waves, Palaye Royale, Sivert Hoyem, Nouvelle Vague, Lil Pump, Nik West, Partibrejkers, Brkovi, and many others.