The upcoming GODUM awards ceremony, set to take place on October 14, 2026, at the Ustanova kulture ‘Vuk’ in Belgrade, will honor significant contributors to Serbia’s music scene. This year’s event will recognize the achievements of the rock band Galija, jazz musician Maksim Kočetov, and pop artist Dejan Cukić. A highlight of the ceremony will be the presentation of the lifetime achievement award to Lazar Tošić, a veteran jazz musician whose career spans over seven decades.
Lazar Tošić, who began playing drums at the age of 12, has been a pivotal figure in the Serbian jazz scene since 1959, when he moved to Belgrade from Kraljevo. His early dedication to jazz music saw him become a renowned name in the domestic jazz community. Over the years, Tošić has played with the Jazz Orchestra of Radio Television Serbia (RTS) and collaborated with numerous international jazz luminaries. In 1987, he founded the Lazar Tošić Quintet, and during the challenging 1990s, he was instrumental in sustaining the jazz scene in Serbia, organizing jam sessions at Plato that featured globally recognized musicians. Reflecting on his journey, Tošić remarked, “I like to say that I came on stage in 1953. Since then, many things have changed,” highlighting the enduring nature of jazz despite various challenges.
The GODUM awards, established in 2018, celebrate outstanding achievements in jazz, pop, and rock music. They have previously honored notable figures such as Duško Gojković and Đorđe Marjanović with lifetime achievement awards. This year’s recognition of Tošić continues the tradition of honoring artists who have significantly shaped Serbia’s music history.
In addition to the main awards, the ceremony will feature special recognitions from organizations such as SOKOJ and PI (Organization for Collective Management of Performers’ Rights), acknowledging the most broadcasted interpretations of 2026. The event will conclude with performances by the Big Band RTS, showcasing songs by this year’s awardees.
The GODUM awards ceremony is open to the public, with free entry, and will be followed by a cocktail reception. This annual event not only celebrates individual achievements but also underscores the cultural impact and vitality of Serbia’s music scene.
