Following the release of the music videos for “Rijekama” and “Domovina”, which introduced audiences to the sonic world of Radio Sevdah, Divanhana’s acclaimed new studio album, the band now presents a new visual and musical release. This time, it is the timeless ballad “Voljelo se dvoje mladih”, performed in a special collaboration with
legendary Slovenian singer-songwriter Vlado Kreslin.
While Radio Sevdah offers a refreshed and contemporary approach to traditional music alongside new original compositions, “Voljelo se dvoje mladih” marks a deliberate return to a more traditional sound and the raw, authentic emotion of the classic sevdalinka.
“With Radio Sevdah, we placed tradition in a new context. This song, on the other hand, represents a return to the classic form of sevdalinka — the kind people in this region instinctively recognize and deeply feel. We recorded it together, in a single take, just as it was once done at Radio Sarajevo, in order to preserve the spirit and intimacy of collective music-making,” said Divanhana’s vocalist Selma Droce.
Divanhana’s ability to balance innovation and tradition, remaining true to sevdah while opening space for new interpretations, is what drew Vlado Kreslin, one of the most prominent singer-songwriters in the region, to this collaboration. His contribution adds a distinct artistic signature and further deepens the emotional resonance of the ballad, which tells a story of forbidden and tragic young love — a narrative that continues to speak powerfully to contemporary audiences.
“My reference point was the legendary performance by Himzo Polovina, while Vlado Kreslin — our friend and one of the great figures of regional popular music — brought a different, perhaps more soulful approach to the song. Vlado is someone whose life has been defined by music, and his experience and energy were a perfect match for this piece. His sevdah is personal and unique, and we hope it will resonate with listeners in just that way,” Selma Droce added.
The song was recorded at Metro Studio in Ljubljana. Alongside Divanhana and guest vocalist Vlado Kreslin, the arrangement is enriched by Slovenian musician Rok Nemanič (trumpet) and Emir Ibrakić (guitar). Production was led by renowned Slovenian producer Janez Križaj in collaboration with Bosnian-Herzegovinian producer Borjan Milošević. The accompanying music video was directed by Divanhana’s long-time creative collaborator Sallex Perić, continuing the distinctive visual identity established with the Radio Sevdah album.
