Biography of boban markovic

Known and recognized for their appearances in Emir Kusturica's films (Arizona Dream and Underground), the Serbian brass band led by Boban Markovic, consisting of 13 musicians and a unique style that blends jazz and Balkan folklore, has established itself as one of the best brass bands in Central Europe for the past decade. In Gypsy music, more than anywhere else, life is short and the nights are long, filled with stories. This one tells the tale of a promise fulfilled. Boban Markovic, "The King of Balkan Brass."

In the fascinating saga of Serbian brass bands, Boban Markovic has made an indelible mark. Utter his name, and heads bow respectfully as tongues loosen. Hailing from Vladicin Han in the depths of southern Serbia, he is descended from a family of horn players and was raised in the tradition of Romani music. While many ponder what can or cannot be done to preserve musical authenticity, Boban continues on his path. He ventures into uncharted territories, guided solely by his desires, instincts, and inspiration, merging and infusing Romani traditions into the clamor of the world.

One can easily refer to the unparalleled successes of the Boban i Marko Markovic Orkestar. Foremost among them is the story of Guca, the most significant annual gathering, a festival and competition that brings together the finest brass bands from the Balkans. Boban i Marko and their Orkestar have won so many awards there (Boban himself has received the title of best trumpeter five times in a row) that they now participate as honorary guests, giving others a chance.

In the era of the booming "balkan beats" scene on dancefloors, fueled by a handful of international DJs, young admirers such as DJ Shantel, Zach Condon, the leader of Beirut, and Balkan Beat Box, now emerge. They refer to and cite, sample and dedicate songs to the "master."

It’s a family affair! Boban i Marko – father and son. The former the most highly decorated superstar of the Balkan Brass trumpet, the latter following hot on his heels. They’re the old and the young leaders of one of Balkan brass’ most highly acclaimed and successful ensembles – and the old and the young enfants terribles of trumpet!



The annual brass band festival ‘Dragacevski sabor u Guci’ in Guca, Central Serbia, is the benchmark competition for brass bands the world around. Boban Markovic is its undisputed king. When – after habitually triumphing as the winner for years – he became the first artist in the history of the festival to win “The First Trumpet” with the highest possible score of all jury members in 2001, he finally decided not to compete anymore.

The Guca Festival awards are not the only proof of the orchestra’s status as the world’s premiere Balkan brass band. Established by the Serbian Boban Markovic (born 1964), the Markovic Orkestar – “9 brass brutes”, as Los Angeles-based Flaunt magazine quite lovingly called them – could already look back on a highly successful career of touring the world for some 20 years and nine albums under its founder’s artistic direction before Markovic Sr., as per tradition, handed over the leadership of the ensemble to Markovic Jr. on Marko’s 18th birthday. It’s needless to say that Marko, who had been playing the trumpet almost since day one, had long been a full-fledged and experienced artist in his own right by then.

The background of the Orkestar’s sound is the family’s gypsy heritage, the musical foundation the Balkans – but underneath, sneaking through and on top of it all we get klezmer, jazz, latin, funk and heavy helpings of dancefloor, too. When the pedal is put to the metal, it will be Balkan brass staccato all over, just like you’d think it would. But at times, it might also be smooth and moody in a manner that approaches the lounge and the chill-out – what is t

In a small town in Central Serbia called Guca, the "Festival of Brass Music" takes place since 1961. It's a competition to determine the best Brass musicians on Earth. Over 300.000 people a year grab the chance to listen to more than 30 bands. And Boban Markovic Orkestar used to be among the winners every time, receiving the "best orchestra" award in 2000 as well as "best trumpet" for the maestro himself in 2001 - his 5th personal win all in all. It was the first time ever that a musician got the highest mark from every jury member. Since then, Boban decided not to compete any more. He now leaves it at being the special guest in Guca, performing full time concerts - also a special honour, as brass bands at the festival mostly perform just three to four songs in a row rather than complete concerts. The reason for Markovic's continuing success is evident: reinventing traditional brass music with injections and adaptations of sounds from around the globe, the reigning king of Balkan Brass is the best trumpeter in Serbia! With his music strongly influenced by the old traditions of the Roma - just listen to his version of the Jewish classic Hava Naguila and you'll understand - the band's repertoire includes Gypsy grooves, �o�eks and other dances and tunes from the movies of Emir Kusturica as well as new material composed exclusively for the band. With his mix of archaic Jazz and light and sweet Balkan brass, Markovic became a king of the Balkans and is now one of the ultimate VIPs of the region. Always performing full power like a stadium Rock act, the band is a surefire highlight for your wedding and open-air-festival, music academy and classical concert alike. Since Emir Kusturica's notorious Balkan film "Underground" (1995), the Serbian brass tradition - single-handedly kept alive by the Gypsies from the times of the Ottoman Empire through Tito's communist regime, right into Slobodan Milosevic's infamous reign - enjoys