Dubioza Kolektiv

Dubioza Kolektiv are a band from Bosnia and Herzegovina, founded in 2003. by Adis Zvekić and Almir Hasanbegović (former members of Gluho doba against Def Age from Zenica) and Brano Jakubović and Vedran Mujagić (former members of Ornamenti from Sarajevo). The band was later joined by guitarist Armin Bušatlić, drummer Senad Šuta, sound engineer Dragan Jakubović, and in 2011. by saksophonist Mario Ševarac as well. DK are known for their fresh take on hip-hop, reggae, dub, rock and Bosnian folklore. Initially, 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 familiar and overused media stereotypes. Understandably then, many of Dubioza Kolektiv’s lyrics revolve around themes of peace, understanding and tolerance, alongside an extreme criticism of nationalism and injustice; but what gives these lyrics weight is that they speak with the authority of direct experience. However, outside “The West”, the group has already established itself as among the best and most popular live outfits in Eastern Europe, and notorious leaders in the fight for social change. They are also nominees for IMPALA’s “Best Independent Album of 2011.” Their musical skills forged in basement shelters during the siege of Sarajevo, these guys know more than anyone how to use music as a weapon against the forces of negativity.