Fazla: Bosnia & Herzegovina's Eurovision 1993 singer remembers journey from Sarajevo to Millstreet

Опубликовано 13 апреля 2022, 17:00

Bosnia & Herzegovina's Eurovision 1993 singer Fazla ("Sva bol svijeta") endured a perilous journey to get to the song contest in Millstreet, Ireland. During the Siege of Sarajevo, which lasted for nearly four years, residents endured near constant shelling and bombardment. For Fazla — full name Muhamed Fazlagić, the only route out involved running across an airport runway and up a mountain while evading sniper fire from above.

The struggles involved much more than that single journey. "It was hell at every possible level," he says of daily life during the Bosnian War. "We didn't have windows, we didn't have water, we didn't have food, we didn't have electricity....all we were seeing at that time was death and struggle."

Yet amid the horror — with his nation fighting for its very existence — a new-found solidarity emerged. "People in tough situations have a tendency to breathe as one. We learned that part and it was amazing to see how much solidarity can be among the people to help each other stay alive. Every single screw and engine was working like that. In one way it was hell. But mentally and soul-wise, it was something fantastic that I've never seen afterwards."

In our 45-minute interview, Fazla recounts the backstory of his entry "Sva bol svijeta" (All the Pain in the World), an autobiographical number addressed to loved ones who had fled the war. Written in conjunction with Eurovision legend Dino Merlin and lyricist Fahrudin Pecikoza, it was born of personal experience. "It's about the desperation of the male person who is defending in Sarajevo and sending all of his love to his wife, girlfriend, or somebody who was forced to flee the country," he says. "But he's saying given the choice between you and defending the country I have to stay here."

He also recounts his emotional performance at Eurovision, the kind reception he had in Ireland, how his family managed to watch his performance despite the lack of electricity, what it was like hearing the audience applaud for him and his nation and much more.

We recorded this interview in October 2021. We're publishing it now as a reminder of how Eurovision can unite and inspire — a timely message as Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra represent war-torn Ukraine in Torino.

Featuring:
William - instagram.com/williamleeadams

#Eurovision #ESC1993 #BosniaAndHerzegovina

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