TROBOZANKE, LOPOVI, MITO MATIJA & BABASEKA (HR)

The group’s point of departure is the traditional and folk music of eastern Croatia. The two leading figures of the group are Babaseka – artist and stand-up comedian Tomislav Livaja – and Mito Matija, the frontman and singer who performs with the band Lopovi. Babaseka brought together other female and male singers who cultivate one of the oldest styles of village singing, known as Trobozanke. Their repertoire most often includes traditional instruments such as bagpipes (gajde) and samice, and they are known for their archaic, powerful sound, free of embellishment or polish. Together with Lopovi, they have worked on blending folklore with contemporary band music, so some arrangements include, alongside the unusual use of tamburas, modern instruments such as guitars, drums, or keyboards. Their performances often incorporate acting, experimentation, stand-up moments, audience participation, chance elements, and theatre of the absurd.