Druga godba is a world music festival organized yearly in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Druga godba is one of the most important music festivals in Central Europe. Its concept, variety of new approaches and enthusiasm for less well-known music from across the globe is unique to this part of the world.
History
Druga godba Festival was established in 1984 in Ljubljana. Its programme was primarily concerned with different kinds of varieties in music: alternative rock, rock in opposition, adventurous new jazz, improvised music and experimental music, as well as rediscovered Slovenian folk music. Druga godba was the first festival in the former Yugoslavia to introduce popular musics and styles from the Third World, including reggae and various styles of African music. In 1990 the Druga Godba organisation became a member of the European Forum of Worldwide Music Festivals. This is a network of 43 festivals and 13 associate council members from 20 European countries, and incorporates a wide range of European world music festivals of the very highest quality. Druga godba won a Župančič Award in 2006 for an original festival concept. In May 2008 Druga godba worked with the Slovenian Tourist Board on a campaign to promote Slovenia in the United States. Two special musical events were organised in New York City in collaboration with National Geographic Traveler – the first in Joe’s Pub, the legendary jazz venue, which played host to the group Godalika and guests, as well as Fake Orchestra, and the second at the Town Hall, with a concert which featured Laibach, Bratko Bibič and Guy Klucevsek, Vasko Atanasovski, Marc Ribot and Greg Cohen, Brina, Zlatko Kaučič, Silence and Katalena. Every year since 2011, Druga godba has been selected as one of the 25 best international festivals in the world by the British world music magazineSonglines. In 2015 Druga godba Festival will be organized from 28–30 May on various locations in Ljubljana -- Cankar Hall, Kino Šiška, Metelkova and Stara Mestna Elektrarna.
