For a quick rundown of the band’s history, their self-entitled first album “Dubioza Kolektiv” was released in 2004, and was instantly met with an enthusiasm not seen on the Bosnian scene since pre-war times. Next came the ep “Open Wide”, this time featuring dub poet Benjamin Zephaniah and Mush Khan from Fun-da-mental. Then, their second full length cd: “Dubnamite”… and this is when their popularity began to spread beyond borders. By 2008, with the release of “Firma Ilegal”, their bold and uncompromising stand against their nationalist establishment elevated them to fame across the entire Balkan region. One of their most popular songs even made it to the big screen with “Blam”, opening Berlin Golden Bear winner Jasmila Žbanić’s film “Na Putu”. Album number four followed along this logical path as “5 do12”. And, in an open snub to ultra-capitalist music labels and as an expression of commitment to their fans, Dubioza made the album available for free on www.dubioza.org.
It was around this time that Faith No More’s Bill Gould, found the same inspiration from Dubioza Kolektiv. Their fifth album, “Wild, Wild East” was picked up by his label Koolarrow Records and introduced DK on the international stage with worldwide distribution. This was followed by, “Apsurdistan”: released in 2013, was a huge success with more than 300,000 downloads. The video for the featured track “Kažu” was viewed 15 million times on YouTube and their Western Balkans tour sold-out every single venue (and we are talking about large venues here). All of this, along with a relentless approach to touring, has brought DK’s sounds to every corner of Europe.
Which brings us finally to their newest release, “Happy Machine” – aka, the next step forward. As always, the subject matter might be confrontational and challenging, but the music is always catchy as hell, now more than ever. Inspiration developed over two years, largely inspired by events that unfolded over that time – from Istanbul’s Gezi park protests (“All Equal”), the jailing of the founders of The Pirate Bay (“Free.mp3”), the Syrian refugee crisis and Europe’s shameful response to it. More kindred spirits in the music world have jumped on board, with guest appearances by Manu Chao, Benji Webbe from Skindred, Roy Paci, Punjabi singer BEE2, Catalan ska-rumba band La Pegatina and trumpet player Dzambo Agusev from Macedonia. Songs are in English, Spanish, Italian and Punjabi.
By now it’s probably clear that 2016 will be a very productive year for Dubioza Kolektiv: a new album, tours across Europe, including their North American debut at SXSW and tour dates scheduled across the country-and this is just a starting point, because as their history has shown, these guys don’t stop until they achieve their objectives. They were considered No.1 band at this year’s Eurosonic festival, per european festivals votes.
If you’re looking for macho, money-and-ego driven posturing, you won’t find it here; no MTV “rude boy” gangstas, no strippers or bling, no corporate endorsements from the international fashion industry. Rather, they take on traditional musical forms with their unique perspective, shaped by a war that changed their lives forever, and delivered with a level of positivity that hits you like a blast of fresh air. If you are open to the experience, it could change your life too.
PRESS ABOUT DK
“There’s fiery polemic in the lyrics, but it’s all wrapped up in a frantic joie de vivre that’s as infectious as it is unique.” Kerrang! – Paul Travers
“Kick-ass from start to finish, Dubioza Kolektiv marries power and positivity…” PopMatters
“Yeah, the Dubioza Kolektiv really are that good. Damn… Just…Damn…” Mass Movement Magazine
“For those who want a message combined with someof the catchiest beats this side of the Adriatic Sea, look no further than Wild Wild East. The upbeat grooves mixed with traditional melodies make for something truly different and, well, wild.” Consequence Of Sound
“Paaspop 2014: Dubioza Kolektiv is the energy shot that Paaspop needed… the band performs with enthusiasm, energy and humor. The audience is eating out of their hand, and this show should be called a great success… “ 3voor12
“EXIT 2013 Records: Fusion Stage’s attendance record was broken during the performance by Dubioza Kolektiv…“ exitfest.org
“The best thing at Paléo is coming across a band you’d never heard of before, and get totally blown away. This is what happened to me yesterday with Dubioza Kolektiv… “ livinginnyon.com
Tranzicija
Dubioza Kolektiv Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Kako vjetar puše mjenjaju se dresovi
bile su petokrake sad moderni su fesovi
Kratak je put od druga do gospodina
traje dok se nije uhljebila rodbina
Hej, brate dragi
Reklamne kampanje za neko novo sranje
neku novu kremu što otklanja dilemu
Teško je odlučit' kad je širok asortiman
dal' je bolje biti Srbin, Hrvat il' musliman
Hej, brate dragi
vidi šta se radi
Tranzicija
Svima prija
Na plakatu osmijeh, a u džepu figa
uvijek stare face od kojih ti se riga
Jer ljevica se ponavlja ko' pokvarena traka,
a desnica još samo za onaniju je šaka
Hej, brate dragi
Vidi šta se radi
Tranzicija uspjela, pacijent je podleg'o
ostao je izjeban ko god nije pobjeg'o
Stari sistem nije valj'o došao je novi
samo ne kapitalizam, već feudalizam
The song "Tranzicija" by Dubioza Kolektiv is a commentary on the post-Communist transition in the Balkan region, focusing on the political and economic changes that occurred in the wake of Yugoslavia's disintegration. The opening lines describe how the wind of change blows through society, prompting even symbols of the old regime like the five-pointed star to be replaced by new symbols like fezzes. The lines "traje dok se nije uhljebila rodbina" (It lasts until the family has found employment) refer to the corrupt nepotism that pervades much of the region's politics, whereby people use their connections in power to secure jobs for their relatives.
The chorus chants "Tranzicija, Svima prija" (Everyone likes the transition), satirizing the idea that people believe the transition to capitalism and democracy has brought progress and prosperity to the region. The second verse focuses on the consumerism that the new economic system has brought about, with a proliferation of commercials selling new products and treatments to the public. The line "dal' je bolje biti Srbin, Hrvat il' musliman" (Is it better to be Serbian, Croatian or Muslim) highlights the continued ethnic divisions and tensions that persist in the region despite the promise of a new democratic order.
The final verse describes how the new system has failed to bring genuine change, with many of the old faces of power and corruption remaining in positions of influence. The left and right-wing parties are derided as equally ineffective, with the left-wing repeating the same failed policies and the right-wing being interested only in enriching themselves. The line "ostao je izjeban ko god nije pobjeg'o" (Whoever didn't escape was screwed) suggests that the transition has only benefited those who have the means to leave the region.
Line by Line Meaning
Kako vjetar puše mjenjaju se dresovi
As the wind blows, jerseys are changing
bile su petokrake sad moderni su fesovi
Once five-pointed stars were in, now turbans are cool
Kratak je put od druga do gospodina
It's a short path from being a comrade to becoming a gentleman
traje dok se nije uhljebila rodbina
It lasts until your relatives get their slice of the cake
Hej, brate dragi
Hey, dear brother
vidi šta se radi
See what's going on
Reklamne kampanje za neko novo sranje
Ad campaigns for some new crap
neku novu kremu što otklanja dilemu
Some new cream that solves your dilemma
Teško je odlučit' kad je širok asortiman
It's hard to choose with such a wide variety
dal' je bolje biti Srbin, Hrvat il' musliman
Whether it's better to be Serbian, Croatian or Muslim
Tranzicija
Transition
Svima prija
Everyone enjoys it
Na plakatu osmijeh, a u džepu figa
A smile on the poster, but nothing in your pocket
uvijek stare face od kojih ti se riga
Always the same old faces that make you sick
Jer ljevica se ponavlja ko' pokvarena traka,
Because the left keeps repeating like a broken record
a desnica još samo za onaniju je šaka
And the right is only good for masturbation
Tranzicija uspjela, pacijent je podleg'o
Transition succeeded, the patient succumbed
ostao je izjeban ko god nije pobjeg'o
Whoever didn't run away got screwed over
Stari sistem nije valj'o došao je novi
The old system was no good, so the new one came
samo ne kapitalizam, već feudalizam
Not just capitalism, but feudalism
Contributed by Charlie C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@H4mmerfall
Dakle, glazba zabavna, spdračina i veselje - a svaka riječ toliko na mjestu da boli.
Svaka čast dečki, da vas nema stvarno bi vas trebalo izmislit!
@dranahouse
Meni je fascinantno kako oni uvijek u 4 minute kažu cijelu ISTINU ovog našeg jadnog društva. Svaka čast momci! hej brate dragiii vidi šta se radiiii
@0805DIno
Na početku pjesme : "Novi Dubiozin album skinite za džaba" Skinem ja burazeru svaki za džaba.
@OgiStz
Уникална !!! :) 23 години измамен преход ... В Mixtape 5 я свирихте също ... Тогава я чух за първи път ... :)
@mislavklescik5826
Jedan jedini razlog je dovoljan da svi znaju da je Dubioza naj:
Pisu pjesme o sranjima u drzavi i sprdaju se od toga i opet pjesma ima smisla
@senasupica6231
slazem se sa tobom
@dusicadautovic
@@senasupica6231 zz
@Akmotoref
Ste super kapela, ste super kolektív. :-) Поздрав из Словачке.
@TheEpicGamer68
I'm polish and I love this
@TheSlagjan
Najbolji DUBIOZA KOLEKTIV Pozdrav iz Skopje