These days, Sarajevo is living in the spirit of one of the biggest musical events in the region. Ahead of the first concert evening at the Koševo stadium, Dino Merlin was a guest in a BHRT “Jutro za sve” show (Morning for All), where he spoke about preparations, emotions and expectations ahead of the spectacle which will attract tens of thousands of visitors to the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Although he has a decade-long career behind him and a few big concerts at Koševo, Merlin admits stage fright has never disappeared.
As he said, he doesn’t sleep much before the performance; he takes care of his diet and tries to stay fully focused.
“You should be hungry for the stage. It takes respect and fear, as these two things help for the concert to turn out just like you imagined it,” Merlin said.
A Historic Weekend Expected in Sarajevo
Speaking about a large number of guests arriving from the region, Europe, and the world, Merlin emphasized he is overjoyed that Sarajevo will host an event of this magnitude.
According to him, it is one of the greatest gatherings the city has ever hosted, which is why, in addition to excitement, he also feels responsible for everything to run smoothly.
Merlin reveals that each night will feature different guests and certain repertoire changes, but that all attendees will have an equally qualitative experience.
“I don’t separate my audience. Everyone who comes to my concert and loves my songs – they are my person,” he said.
New Songs Emerge from Different Experiences
Speaking about his single “Zbog tebe” (Because of You), Merlin said he never writes songs to satisfy the audience, but out of a need to express his own emotions and life experiences.
He added that art often emerges from difficult periods in life, which is why many listeners find personal stories and feelings in his songs.
It makes him especially happy that those who were not even born when he released his first albums are listening to his songs.
As he said, messages he receives from families in which his songs are connecting parents, children, and grandchildren represent one of the greatest recognitions in his career.
BHRT Is the Institution That Gathers Citizens
In a talk to BHRT, Merlin spoke about the significance of the public broadcasting service of Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasizing that this very house had followed him throughout almost his entire career.
“BHRT gathers us all, all those who love Bosnia and Herzegovina and see it as our homeland. This is a house that needs to live, Merlin said, emphasizing that public service must remain objective and contribute to the development of critical thinking in society.
“Keep that Light in You”
At the end of the conversation, Merlin sent a message to the audience attending concerts.
He said that, “although individuals cannot change great global events, everyone can keep “the light in them” and spread goodness.
“Keep that lamp lit, that light, for us, our children and generations to come. The better days must arrive one day,” Dino Merlin concluded.
