Kjell Inge Brovoll Receives the 2026 Notodden Blues Festival Award

One of the highlights of the opening day of the 2026 Notodden Blues Festival was the presentation of the prestigious Notodden Blues Festival Award to Kjell Inge Brovoll, recognizing his outstanding contribution to the Norwegian and international blues community.

A leading figure in the European blues scene, Kjell Inge Brovoll serves on the board of the European Blues Union and is the driving force behind Blues in Hell, one of Norway’s most respected blues festivals, held every September near Trondheim. Through his long-standing commitment to promoting blues music, fostering international collaborations, and supporting artists across Europe, he has played a key role in strengthening Norway’s position on the global blues map.

Kjell Brovoll and Jostein Forsberg – photo by Aigars Lapsa

The Notodden Blues Festival Award honors individuals who have made a lasting impact on the blues genre. Previous recipients include renowned artists and industry figures such as Jostein Forsberg, Vidar Busk, Sven Zetterberg, John Mayall, Pinetop Perkins, Christoffer “Kid” Andersen, and Knut Reiersrud.

With the 2026 award, Kjell Inge Brovoll joins this distinguished group of blues ambassadors. The recognition celebrates decades of dedication, leadership, and passion for blues music, making him a truly deserving recipient of one of the festival’s highest honors.