Thousands of tearful mourners filled the streets of Sarajevo on Monday to pay their final respects to Halid Beslic, the beloved Bosnian folk singer who passed away at the age of 72. Beslic, known for his heartfelt music and humanitarian efforts, was remembered as a "man of the people" whose songs transcended ethnic divides in the Balkans.
Key Takeaways
- Tens of thousands gathered in Sarajevo for the funeral of folk singer Halid Beslic.
- Beslic was celebrated for his music, humanitarian work during the Bosnian War, and his ability to unite people.
- Memorials were held globally, with over 20,000 people singing his songs in Sarajevo alone.
- The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Brcko District declared a day of mourning.
A Voice That United a Divided Region
Beslic, who began his career in 1979, released 19 studio albums, leaving behind a legacy of evergreen hits that resonated with audiences of all ages. His music, often performed at weddings and celebrations, became a staple across the region. He was particularly lauded for his unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes, especially during the 1992-95 Bosnian War, where he organized over 500 concerts across Europe to aid refugees.
A Life of Modesty and Generosity
Born in Sokolac, Beslic maintained a modest lifestyle, largely free from scandals, earning him the image of a true "man of the people." His friend, actor Emir Hadzihafizbegovic, described him as the "personification of Bosnia and the former Yugoslavia," someone who taught him to live without prejudice. The Muslim cleric Muhamed Velic noted that Beslic’s voice "reached people’s hearts and his goodness broke barriers and crossed various borders."
Global Tributes and a Day of Mourning
In the days leading up to the funeral, memorial gatherings took place in over 150 locations across four continents, with more than 20,000 people singing Beslic’s songs in unison in Sarajevo. The Federation entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Brcko District officially declared Monday a day of mourning. A commemoration held at the National Theatre saw emotional tributes from friends and fellow artists, including a poignant remembrance from singer Dino Merlin, who shared a lighthearted moment from his last visit to Beslic in the hospital.
Beslic’s passing marks the end of an era for Balkan music, but his enduring melodies and the spirit of unity he embodied will continue to live on.
