Siniša Džavić, acclaimed accordionist from Mačva, has died
He was 67 and died after a long illness; colleagues, friends and fans mourn his decades-long contribution to folk music.
Siniša Džavić, a respected accordionist who made a long career in the regional folk scene, has died at the age of 67 after a prolonged illness. News of his passing prompted an outpouring of grief from fellow musicians, friends and fans who praised his talent and professionalism.
Among those who paid public tribute was singer Aleksandar Aca Ilić, a close friend and longtime collaborator. Ilić recalled a friendship that stretched back decades and said their joint performances began in 1986, when the two traveled to Australia together. On social media he shared an emotional message and a photograph taken two years ago in Brisbane, adding that a consolation is that Džavić spent his final moments in Serbia surrounded by his closest people.
Career and collaborations
Džavić was born in Mačva and took to the accordion from an early age, eventually building a reputation as an accomplished and seasoned instrumentalist. A defining chapter of his professional life was his role as lead accordionist in the orchestra of Žarko Josipović Škula, with which he performed on stages around the world and worked alongside major names in folk music such as Predrag Živković Tozovac and Lepa Lukić.
Over the years he also maintained long-term collaborations with singers Miloš Bojanić and Mitro Mirić, and he was active not only on stage but in studios as well—as a session musician, composer and arranger. Because of his experience, musical knowledge and professional demeanour, colleagues often called him "maestro."
Although he lived and worked in Australia for the past 17 years, Džavić remained connected to Serbia and his native Mačva. In May of this year he released the single "Mačvansko slatko," recorded in collaboration with Siniša Tufegdžić—one of his last musical projects.
With his death the regional scene loses an experienced accordionist, composer, arranger and studio musician who had been part of the folk tradition for decades. He leaves behind numerous recordings, performances and collaborations, and the memories of colleagues and friends who are now saying their farewells.
Photo: press material from the event
