The Balkan Soundscape:
The Balkan Soundscape:
Unveiling the Soul of Balkan Music - Part 1.
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In todays post I’d like to start looking at the music from the western Balkans. I personally find it electrifying (with some exceptions, that I might rant about in the future).
My main “loves”, if I can use that expression, are Sevdah, which, in my opinion is the true heart of Balkan music, and the genre that is now referred to as “Ex YU” rock.
It's extremely difficult for me to say which songs are my favourites, or in fact which ones are better than the others.
There are (of course) more genres within genres, which throughout this occasional series, I will try and tell you more about, as well as highlighting some of my favourite artists as well.
Hello I’m David, and this is my Blog/Vlog/Podcast about my life and experiences in a rural village in North-West Bosnia and Herzegovina. I’ll be giving you a unique look, through the eyes of an immigrant (me), of this much misunderstood country. My goal is to replace the many negative perceptions of both the country and its people, that you’ll be served by international media outlets. Thank you so much for dropping by.
First a Question. To help me consider curating local music for you to listen to.
So let’s get started.
Before arriving in the Balkans, and in particular, Bosnia and Herzegovina, I had absolutely no idea of what the local music sounded like. My first exposure to it was through the sound system of an old 52 seater coach, designed for maximum discomfort, and packed with fellow British troops, on a 6+ hour cross country ride from Split (Croatia) to Banja Luka.
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I had grown up on 60’s pop and progressive rock. Where had I come to?
Within a short space of time, getting together with a team of locals, I started to get introduced to what they said was more “normal”. It was most listenable, but still distinctly different to my “western” ears.
At the same time, I was also getting used to being among the different ethnic groups who lived in the country, as well as trying to work out who these people were who looked a lot like Indians, with similar dark skin were, and seemed to be either begging or pestering for something. I quickly found out they were Roma.
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Around that time I heard for the first time, the song Ðelim Ðelim. It just hit me. It sounded amazing. The singer I was told was, extremely famous. His name was Šaban Bajramović, and he was a Roma.
That song you can listen to below.
Šaban Bajramović and the Mostar Sevdah Reunion ⬇
There are embedded links in this post to the story of Šaban and his less than conservative lifestyle.
But lets delve more into why this song became what it is, and some background to it being written.
The History
There have been Romani people in Bosnia and Herzegovina for more than 600 years. Roma are deemed to have arrived in the territory of today's Bosnia and Herzegovina by the 14th–15th centuries, and to have adopted Islam as the majority confession during the times of Ottoman Bosnia and Herzegovina, and did not paid Tax by the order of Selim II.
However, Roma were stigmatised and had to live in settlements outside city boundaries.
The exact number of Roma persons in Bosnia and Herzegovina today, is uncertain. Due to the social stigma attached to the label, many members of the community refuse to self-identify as such in official surveys and censuses. Their number is therefore consistently underestimated, although the 2013 census recorded 12,583 Bosnian-Herzegovinian residents of self-declared Romani ethnicity.
The Roma Anthem
“Djelem Djelem,” often spelled “Đelem Đelem,” (I went I went), written by Žarko Jovanović in 1949, and set to a traditional melody is a song that has transcended its origins to become an anthem for the Romani people worldwide.
Jovanović was born in Batajnica, a suburb of Belgrade in 1925. During World War II he was imprisoned in three camps. After that he joined the Yugoslav Partisans. During the war, Jovanović lost most of his family
The title has been adapted in many countries by local Roma to match their native orthography and spoken dialect of the Romani language.
The lyrics speak of the trials and tribulations faced by the Roma, echoing their journey through history marked by persecution and marginalisation. Yet, it’s also a song of pride, celebrating the enduring spirit and cultural richness of the Romani community.
The chorus, “Djelem, djelem lungone dromensa,” which translates to “I have traveled over long roads,” encapsulates the nomadic essence of the Roma and their journey through life. It’s a call to remember their ancestors’ struggles and to preserve their unique heritage.
The Lyrics
I went, I went on long roads I met happy Roma O Roma, where do you come from, With tents happy on the road? O Roma, O Romani youths! I once had a great family, The Black Legion murdered them.
Come with me, Roma from all the world. For the Roma, roads have opened. Now is the time, rise up Roma now, We will rise high if we act. O Roma, O Romani youths! Open, God, White doors So I can see where are my people. Come back to tour the roads And walk with happy Roma. O Roma, O Romani youths! Up, Romani people! Now is the time. Come with me, Roma from all the world. Dark face and dark eyes, I want them like dark grapes. O Roma, O Romani youths!
This version is from the late Esma Redjepova, acknowledged as the Queen of Gyspy Music ⬇️
The song was first adopted by delegates of the first World Romani Congress held in 1971.
Ðelim Ðelim performed in Beograd by the Barcelona Gypsy Balkan Orchestra - 2018
Roma Trubači
“Roma Trubači” are Roma brass bands, which are a significant part of the musical tradition in the Balkans, particularly in Serbia. They are known for their vibrant and energetic performances at various events, including festivals and weddings, as discussed in my “Note” below:
So thats my first music post, (I think).
I have plans for many more, where I’ll explore, (taking you along with me,) the rich musical tapestry of both Bosnia and Herzegovina and her immediate neighbours.
I hope that you’ll want to come along for the adventure.
📈 The Survey 📊
I have a short survey designed to improve my Substack. It would be super helpful if you could find under 5 minutes to complete it. Thanks so much in advance.
And Finally
Don’t forget that you can read back editions of the newsletter, listen to previous podcasts (we have quite an archive now), or catch other content, all this is available on the web interface, just like a regular blog.
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Tamara and I appreciate your faithful readership, your comments, and your generosity!
Until our next post.
THANKS SO MUCH ❤️
As ever stay safe wherever you are.
Bests
David and Tamara.