Fronta are back with a new single, “Bella ciao”, continuing the original, politically charged musical path they started with their previous singles “Moša Pijade” and “Ljubav i revolucija”. The new single delivers a powerful reinterpretation of the well-known antifascist anthem, set in a modern social and musical context.
The music and arrangement were written by Alan Bjelinski, with lyrics by Sandra Sagen. Bjelinski also handled production and recording. All the instruments were recorded in his studio, while the vocals were laid down in Katarina Peović‘s home studio, which gives the song its distinctive emotional edge.
“Bella ciao” in this version is an original Croatian translation that draws its theme from the Italian antifascist song of World War II, while speaking clearly to the present day. As Katarina Peović points out, the song was created in collaboration with Sandro Sagen and Alan Bjelinski and works as a warning about the dangers of our times, marked by rising violence, discrimination, intolerance and new forms of exclusion. In that sense, “Bella ciao” is not just a musical reinterpretation of a historical motif, but also a warning and a call for social responsibility.
Extra interest in “Bella ciao” was sparked by a clip of Katarina Peović, performing the Christmas song with a guitar, which more than a hundred thousand people have watched on social media. That strong audience response confirmed the song’s relevance and reach, and gave an extra push to the decision to release “Bella ciao” in a studio version.
The single came out on February 20, World Day of Social Justice, ahead of the European Commission’s decision on protecting abortion rights in Europe and amid the ongoing protests in Sarajevo over the tragic accident that killed young people. On February 25, the European Commission will make its final decision on the European citizens’ initiative My Voice, My Choice (MVMC), which calls for safe and accessible abortion across Europe. World Day of Social Justice was established by the United Nations to raise awareness of the fight against poverty, social exclusion, unemployment and discrimination, and to promote equality, dignity and equal opportunities for all. The choice of date further underlines the song’s message and its connection to today’s social challenges.
The video for “Bella ciao” was directed by Vuk Ćosić, and it complements the song’s powerful message visually with a minimalist, symbolic approach, keeping the music and lyrics front and center.
With the new single, Fronta confirm their consistency in combining music and social engagement, and keep building a body of work that speaks plainly and without reservation to the past as well as to the challenges of the present.
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