Vlatko Stefanovski awarded for lifetime contribution to Croatian music

Vlatko Stefanovski (Photo: Veni Markovski/CC BY-SA 4.0)

ZAGREB, 30 January 2026 (Hina) – The Porin Award for Special Contribution to Croatian Music has been awarded this year to internationally renowned Macedonian guitarist Vlatko Stefanovski, recognising a career that has profoundly shaped the regional music landscape and left a lasting mark on Croatian culture.

The award, announced by Unison – the Croatian Music Union, honours Stefanovski’s exceptional artistic legacy, creative consistency and cross-border influence.

Widely regarded as one of the most important musical figures in South-East Europe, Stefanovski’s work has transcended national boundaries, establishing him as a unifying force in the region’s contemporary music history.

Throughout a career spanning several decades, Stefanovski has developed a distinctive and instantly recognisable sound. His music seamlessly blends ethno-jazz, instrumental rock, jazz fusion and blues, all deeply rooted in the complex rhythms and traditions of Macedonian folk music.

Stefanovski’s musical journey began in 1965, when he received his first acoustic guitar. During his secondary school years, he began performing, composing and forming bands.

By the time he completed his education, his group Leb i sol had already emerged as a serious musical force. The Skopje-based band would go on to become one of the most influential ensembles in the history of regional music.

Between 1978 and 1991, Leb i sol released 13 albums, gaining international recognition for their innovative fusion of jazz, rock and Balkan folk traditions. Albums such as Live in New York and Live in Macedonia remain landmarks, with Stefanovski’s virtuosic guitar work at the heart of the band’s signature sound.

Following the group’s dissolution, Stefanovski embarked on a highly successful solo career. He released numerous albums, composed music for film and theatre, and collaborated with some of the world’s most respected musicians, including John McLaughlin and Allan Holdsworth.

His album Sarajevo stands out not only artistically but also humanitarianly, with all proceeds donated to children without parental care.

Stefanovski has maintained a particularly strong connection with Croatia throughout his career. He has collaborated with many of the country’s most celebrated artists, including Gibonni, Arsen Dedić and Oliver Dragojević, as well as performing with the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra.

His contributions feature on numerous albums that have gone on to win Porin awards.

The significance of this year’s honour is further underlined by its timing. The Porin recognition follows the release of Guitar Sings, an album in which Stefanovski interprets ten evergreen compositions by Croatian composer Đorđe Novković.

Recorded with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at London’s iconic Abbey Road Studios, the project symbolically bridges Stefanovski’s international stature with his enduring connection to the music of this region.

With this award, Stefanovski joins a distinguished list of Porin recipients that includes Stephen Kovacevich, Sting, Roger Waters, Johnny Winter, John Lydon, Arturo Sandoval, Jean-Luc Ponty, Ron Carter and Lee Konitz.

According to the Croatian Music Union, Stefanovski’s contribution is reflected not only in his lasting musical influence and artistic excellence, but also in his frequent and warmly received performances in Croatia, which continue to enrich the country’s cultural life.

The 2026 Porin Awards ceremony will take place on 27 March at the Gripe Arena in Split.