Rave against the regime: Serbia’s club scene is helping to fuel a revolution

“This is the first time since 1999 that I felt like someone would help me in the streets. They made us bark at each other for decades.” During the Yugoslav War, politics caused neighbours to turn against one another, fueling nationalism, and leaving wounds that never fully healed. The breakup of Yugoslavia wasn’t just about war—it was about decades of distrust, political manipulation, and a generation raised in division. The scars of that time still show, whether in ongoing tensions between Serbia and Kosovo, the denial of the genocide in Bosnia, or nationalist rhetoric that continues to surface across the region.

But today, Edin continues, “The students are showing us that they are not afraid. They are rejecting the imposed divisions of the past, refusing to inherit the conflicts of their parents. We need to start saying sorry to each other—not in empty words, but in real acknowledgement of the pain and harm inflicted. Because despite borders, grievances, and history, we are all one.”

“In nightlife, that unity has always been there. On the dancefloor, those divisions don’t exist. There are no nationalities, no old disputes—just people moving together, sharing space, energy, and rhythm. We all drink water from the same fountain. Even though we may not think the same, we dance to the same music. It’s bigger than us.”

As a result, artists and key industry figures are being called upon to use their platforms to support the protests — with those who are seen as forgoing an active enough role receiving criticism. “In today’s climate, social media presence is essential, but artists also feel immense pressure—everyone is waiting for them to make a mistake,” booking agent Aleksandra Nastić explains. “However, we are witnessing a historic moment in Serbia, and the student movement is gaining momentum. It’s important for artists to be brave and rise to the occasion, to speak truth to power, because in the end, we all want to live in a free society.”

Criticism has been levelled at Serbia’s biggest festival, EXIT — which receives financial support from Vučić’s government. Having started itself as part of student protests in 2000, the festival has been accused of working in conjunction with pro-government protestors in Serbia, an allegation owner Dušan Kovačević has strongly denied. In a statement to Mixmag, EXIT said it “unwaveringly supports” the student movement and recognises that “in the midst of recent confusion and misunderstandings, it’s important to clarify our position and the actions we’ve taken.”

“Our commitment to the students and their movement has never wavered, and we want to ensure that our support is fully understood and acknowledged. EXIT fully respects the students’ wish to keep their movement independent of political and organizational influences, and we have supported them in the way they’ve asked, without any external branding or attempts to influence their cause.” A spokesperson for EXIT went on to detail that the festival is joining calls for the resignation of Minister of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure, Goran Vesić, and is donating to fund essential supplies for protesters and to support families of the victims of the Novi Sad Train Station collapse.