ФOMO Festival returns to Belgrade with a powerful new edition bringing together some of the most influential names in electronic music, contemporary underground artists, and a dedicated art programme — all set against a spectacular panoramic view of the Serbian capital.
Beyond its carefully curated music programme, visitors will be able to explore an Art segment featuring contemporary art exhibitions and installations, creating a festival environment where music, visual culture, and the city come together. Conceived as a daytime festival, ФOMO offers an experience in which electronic music and contemporary art merge into one distinctive atmosphere in the heart of Belgrade.
Kevin Saunderson: The Detroit Pioneer Who Helped Start a Global Techno Revolution
One of the festival’s major highlights is Kevin Saunderson, co-founder of Detroit techno and one of the most influential figures in the history of electronic music.
As a member of the legendary Belleville Three, alongside Juan Atkins and Derrick May, Saunderson played a fundamental role in shaping the sound that would become Detroit techno and eventually develop into a global cultural movement.
Under the name Inner City, together with vocalist Paris Grey, he achieved worldwide success with dance classics including “Big Fun” and “Good Life.” Their landmark album Paradise helped define an era, contributing to more than six million records sold worldwide and 12 UK Top 40 singles.
More than three decades later, Saunderson remains celebrated not only for his historical influence but also for the energy he continues to bring to dance floors around the world. His DJ sets combine powerful selections, technical precision, and the unmistakable spirit of Detroit.
His appearance at ФOMO offers the Belgrade audience a rare opportunity to experience one of techno’s true originators — an artist whose vision helped transform electronic music forever.
Carl Craig: Detroit Techno Legend and Electronic Music Visionary
Joining him is Carl Craig, another defining figure of Detroit techno and one of electronic music’s most respected innovators.
For more than three decades, Craig has continuously pushed the boundaries of techno, moving far beyond the traditional club environment and exploring the intersections between electronic music, contemporary art, performance, and experimental sound.
His career includes the acclaimed audio-visual installation “Party/After-Party,” an artist residency at Michigan State University, and performances at internationally renowned venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Barbican, and Carnegie Hall.
As the founder of the influential label Planet E Communications and the global Detroit Love project, Craig has spent decades supporting new artists while carrying the musical legacy of Detroit around the world. His career has also been documented in Desire: The Carl Craig Story.
At ФOMO, audiences will have the opportunity to experience an artist whose constant experimentation has made him one of techno’s most important international ambassadors.
Tomoki Tamura: Contemporary Underground House
Representing the contemporary underground house scene, Tomoki Tamura arrives with a distinctive sound combining the soulful roots of American house with a sophisticated European club sensibility.
Tamura established himself on Japan’s club scene in the early 2000s before moving to London in 2004 and developing an international career. There, he launched the now-cult Holic event series, while appearances at institutions such as Fabric and Ministry of Sound further established his reputation.
In 2012, he founded Holic Trax, which developed into a respected international house label. Throughout his career, Tamura has released more than 50 records and collaborated with artists including Satoshi Tomiie, Mr. G, and Tuccillo.
Now based in Berlin, he continues to perform internationally with meticulously selected, energetic DJ sets. Under his A Time Traveller alias, he also explores jazz, ambient, downtempo, and other musical territories through carefully constructed listening sessions.
His ФOMO appearance brings the sound of an artist who has spent two decades consistently contributing to international underground club culture.
Richy Ahmed: Modern House with Underground Roots
Richy Ahmed joins the programme as one of the established names of contemporary house music.
Over the past 15 years, Ahmed has evolved from a promoter and passionate follower of rave culture into an internationally recognised DJ, producer, and A&R figure associated with Hot Creations, where he has contributed to the development of emerging talent.
Known for dynamic and versatile sets, he has appeared at major clubs and festivals including Panorama Bar, Space Miami, Glastonbury, and Tomorrowland. His production career includes the club hit “The Drums”, alongside collaborations and remixes connected with artists such as New Order and Groove Armada.
As founder of the Four Thirty Two label, Ahmed continues to champion underground house and new talent while maintaining a busy international touring schedule.
NO VIP. NO BACKSTAGE. FOCUS ON MUSIC ONLY.
At the heart of ФOMO is a simple philosophy: everyone shares the same dance floor.
There are no divisions, no privileged areas, and no hierarchy between festivalgoers. Instead, ФOMO promotes a collective experience centred on music, sound, and the connection between artists and the audience.
This approach has helped make ФOMO one of the recognisable names on Belgrade’s electronic music scene, with each edition creating an atmosphere rooted in club culture rather than exclusivity.
This year, the festival expands its programme even further, combining Detroit techno history, contemporary underground house, visual art, and the panoramic urban landscape of Belgrade.
With Kevin Saunderson, Carl Craig, Tomoki Tamura, Richy Ahmed, contemporary art exhibitions, and a concept built around music rather than VIP culture, ФOMO is set to deliver one of the standout electronic music experiences of the season.
No VIP. No backstage. Just music, art, the city, and the dance floor.
Writer. Blogger. Traveler. Researcher. Electronic Music Lover.
