Divanhana Launches European Tour with New Album ‘Radio Sevdah’

The Sarajevo-based band Divanhana has embarked on a significant European tour, officially kicking off in Montenegro with performances on October 22, 2023, at the Cultural Centre in Pljevlja and the following day at the KIC Budo Tomovic. This tour marks the promotion of their sixth studio album, titled ‘Radio Sevdah’, which is described as a musical journey blending tradition with contemporary rhythms.

The album draws inspiration from traditional Bosnian music, known as sevdah, and aims to connect past emotions with modern sounds. Following a vibrant concert in Podgorica, Selma Droce, the vocalist of Divanhana, shared her thoughts on the importance of preserving tradition while exploring innovative interpretations.

“Honestly, the impressions are beautiful,” Droce remarked about the audience’s reaction in Montenegro. “People truly appreciate sevdalinka here. The energy from our performances has been wonderful, and we are thrilled to have started our tour in our beloved Montenegro.”

The title ‘Radio Sevdah’ serves as an homage to the former Radio Sarajevo, a cultural hub that recorded a wealth of sevdah music throughout the 20th century. Droce explained that the album reflects their desire to honor the legacy of renowned artists from that era, such as Safet Isovic and Zehra Deovic, while also venturing into new musical territories.

“The basic idea was to evoke the spirit of sevdah, tell a story, and preserve the essence of our music,” she noted. “This album is a fusion of emotions, showcasing all aspects of life in the Balkans.”

Incorporating elements from various genres like hip-hop, jazz, and electronic music, Divanhana continues to redefine sevdah. When asked how they maintain authenticity while embracing contemporary styles, Droce highlighted that tradition is a shared heritage that belongs to everyone and can be interpreted in unique ways.

“It would be overly pretentious to claim that our approach is the only right one,” she stated. “What matters is the respect and awareness of our cultural history. We aim to reach younger audiences by blending genres, which keeps sevdah vibrant and alive.”

The creative process behind ‘Radio Sevdah’ was described by Droce as both a musical and spiritual exploration. She emphasized the challenges of interpreting traditional music in a contemporary context, given that the group does not live in the same conditions as past generations.

“Traditional music is complex in its vocal and interpretative aspects,” Droce explained. “We strive to understand the historical context of sevdah and recreate its essence through our music.”

Droce also acknowledged that while sevdah is not mainstream, it holds significant value and should be preserved. She recalled an interaction from a previous visit to Montenegro, where a local remarked that Divanhana represents an alternative to the mainstream music scene.

“Sevdah may not be the most popular music right now, but it’s important, and we must keep it alive,” she said. “There is an element of elitism involved; it resonates with those who can truly feel it.”

The album features 14 tracks, with nine original compositions and five interpretations of classic sevdalinki. This diverse collection encapsulates the band’s experiences over the past four years, reflecting a cohesive vision and artistic growth.

Droce expressed pride in creating an album that represents a cycle of different phases in their journey as a band. “We have successfully woven together our ideas and experiences into a meaningful whole,” she concluded. “Our music is a testament to our collective journey.”

Founded in early 2009 by a group of students from the Music Academy of the University of Sarajevo, Divanhana has consistently delivered traditional Balkan music through modern arrangements influenced by jazz, pop, and classical elements. With their latest release, they continue to contribute to the rich tapestry of Balkan musical heritage while appealing to new generations of listeners.