Dervoz: "My Land" is not a national anthem, but a song everyone can identify with

The Pan-European Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina will officially launch an initiative for the song “My Land” to become the new anthem of Bosnia and Herzegovina. As stated by Vanja Gavran, president of the Pan-European Union of BiH, this song was written by Kemal Monteno, and in the mid-70s it was made famous by Ambasadori and Ismeta Dervoz.
- The lyrics are completely neutral, as they sing about a person's love for their homeland and are therefore universal, so everyone can accept it as such. The melody, to be truthful, does not have the classic form of an anthem, but that should not be a hindrance. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a special country, why shouldn't it have a special and unique anthem. After all, with a good arrangement and a symphonic performance, I think that 'shortcoming' can be overcome. Everyone is saying that we are now at a turning point towards a better future. Let this be a good start on which we can show our commitment to building a happier future together. We should not forget that the current anthem was not adopted by the representatives of the authorities, but the anthem, if I may say so crudely, was imposed. For years, attempts have been made to devise lyrics for the current anthem, but without success. So, here is an opportunity for BiH politicians to vote for a new anthem together, which will also be better accepted in that way - said the president of the Pan-European Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Vanja Gavran, adding that this initiative will be sent primarily to the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as soon as the new convocation is constituted.

However, on the other hand, Ismeta Dervoz said in an interview with the BiH news agency Patria that she is honored that a song has lived for 40 years.

- We performed it in 1975 at the Schlager of the Season, and for Kemo (Monteno, editor's note) as the author and for us performers, it is something that cannot be replaced by any other award or gold record we received for it. That is the most important thing for us. This song was created as a love song without any other connotations. It later acquired certain connotations precisely because it was recognized as a song with which everyone could identify and find what they wanted, what they liked, what they needed. I don't think "My Land" is an anthem, I think it is a beautiful song that has been alive for 40 years and I hope it will continue to have its own life - said Dervoz.

She also added that BiH should get an anthem that will not be an Intermezzo as is currently the case.

- I think we have enough brilliant authors and performers who can strive to create something that will be the common anthem of BiH. When I say common, I mean an anthem that will not be rejected in any way by anyone in this country - said Dervoz.