He was one of the best and most popular performers of traditional Bosnian sevdalinka songs, as well as songwriter, composer, a great poet and doctor – neuropsychiatrist.
He was born on the 11th of March 1927 in Donja Mahala, Mostar. As a boy, he gained his first singing knowledge from his father Musan, who knew to play sargija (chordophone instrument used on Balkans) very well.
“… It is not enough just to sing a song correctly. There is something more. You must get into the inner tissue of the song. Every song has its layers. Every, including the worst song, has its womb as you and I have. You should know how to get inside that womb. You should want to get inside. When you deal with this ‘geology’ and this ‘anatomy’, and when you get into the song and the song gets into you, and when you sing that song to others, then the others will understand that this is not just a song because of the song, but something much more.” (Dr. Himzo Polovina)
During his singing career, he finished medicine studies and became a doctor specialist – neuropsychiatrist. In practice, he successfully applied methods of psychiatry, socio-therapy and music therapy. His scientific works in these areas were published in professional publications, and they are known to the inner circle of medical specialists. He was a respected doctor in the hospital for mental rehabilitation Jagomir in Sarajevo until his death.
Collection and interpretation of the old (malovaros) songs is characterized as an authentic musical heritage of BiH. His deep understanding and knowledge of spirit of sevdalinka left a big mark in the Bosnian culture.
Himzo Polovina received many awards for his art, including the Estradna award of BiH and the former Yugoslavia. His cabinets are filled with silver, gold and diamond plates, diplomas and many recognitions that he received.
He died on the 5th of August 1986, in Sarajevo.
(Source: hayat.ba)
