Concept of the band came through an urgent need to voice the problematic issues in Bosnian society. The band has been questioning the government by taking a fresh approach on various musical genres
His childhood was starkly different. Mirth of gay abandon drowned in gunshots that reverberated in his ears constantly. Pristine white cover of snow often turned deep red, a gory testimony that his country was in turmoil.
Vedran Mujagic hated being grounded at home due to frequent curfews, the rebellious teen in him struggling to break free. But there was nothing he could do as from a peaceful nation, Bosnia became synonymous with conflicts that arose from communal and racial hatred.
“The war of 90s left a deep impact on our psyche, more so because we were in an impressionable age. The right wing faction was trying its best to indoctrinate us so that we hate people who belong to another ethnicity,” recalls Mujagic, founder member of music band Dubioza Kolektiv, whose compositions are all about peaceful coexistence of different religions and races.
Founded in 2003, this seven-member band has countries like Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia finding their voice in the songs. “Music was the only way we could raise our voice against the populist movement of the 90s. The atmosphere had become vitriolic and we wanted to tell our countrymen that the rise of nationalist right wing is anathema for us,” says Sanad Suta, drummer of the band.
The concept of the band came through an urgent need to voice the problematic issues in Bosnian society, while also showing the rest of the world that life in the Balkans exists outside of the overused media stereotypes.
Taking a fresh approach on hip-hop, reggae, dub, rock and Bosnian folklore, the band has been questioning the government, at the same time egging the young generation to learn lessons from their scars. Unpredictably so, the songs are not cacophony of angst and pain but refreshing whiff of humour and irony.
“A lot of people wanted us to depict anger because that’s how we challenge the set norm. They also expected us to be preachy. But we decided to weave black humour to mock the establishment,” smiles Mujagic, who candidly remarks that the US is walking the same trajectory as Bosnia did in 1990.
As he does sound check and cues his colleagues to get ready for a trial gig before the final performance, Suta asks as a matter of fact, “Why do we have to teach others to live as one brethren? Should it be a natural course of living?”.
Understandably, many of Dubioza Kolektiv’s lyrics revolve around peace, understanding and tolerance, alongside an extreme criticism of nationalism and injustice. Having been recognised as a legitimate voice of Bosnia, the group has been nominated for IMPALA’s Best Independent Album of 2011.
BAND SCHEDULE
The band will be performing at the upcoming 10th edition of Sula Fest on February 3 at Sula Vineyards in Nashik, Maharashtra.
Post Nashik, the Band will perform in Pune on February 5 at High Spirits, ABC Farms, North Main Road.
The band is out with their latest album called ‘Happy Machine’ and is free for download on dubioza.org.
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