Music used to educate, now it leads to drugs and alcohol

Musician Pašo Šabanović (70) will entertain tourists in Ferhadija, Sarajevo's busiest street, starting this spring. For some it might be insignificant, but for Pašo, he says, it's a great contribution to bringing quality music back to people.

Playing old hits from the '70s and '80s on his electric guitar, Pašo evokes memories of a period when, he says, music was considered art, and musicians were gentlemen.

- I avoid commenting on today's musicians and the music they produce. Everyone has the right to play and sing what they want. Tastes differ. But it is a fact that music used to educate people, and today it leads them to alcohol and drugs – Pašo told the BiH news agency Patria.

Pašo earned his pension at the Zenica Ironworks, but music is his eternal love. Thanks to his guitar, he has traveled all over Europe. And met many people. He shared good and bad times with them. To this day, he remains faithful to evergreen music.

- Although I am 70 years old, I don't feel old. I can still work and earn, and I want to take advantage of that. Besides, interacting with people cheers me up every day. I am also happy because I am contributing, at least a little, to quality music not dying out – says Pašo.

He explains that he wasn't forced onto the street by hardship. He plays because he loves it. And if anyone wants, they can also buy music CDs with instrumentals of "eternal melodies" from him.

- I was surprised by how many people have no ear for music. Many think I am begging and give me loose change. One girl gave me a sandwich. I took it, only because it would have been rude to refuse her – says Pašo for NAP.