Dubioza kolektiv and the viral single "Balkan Boys"CEFR A2
14 Mar 2025
Adapted from Metamorphosis Foundation, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Brett Jordan, Unsplash
A Bosnian band released a new single called "Balkan Boys" in English. The music video became a regional hit and got over four million views on social networks in a few weeks.
The song mocks regional stereotypes, including Flat Earth ideas. The YouTube version has subtitles in several languages. The band delayed the planned release by three days to show support for a general strike in Serbia. They also posted a statement in English saying the group includes people from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia and that they support protests for dignity and a better life.
Difficult words
- regional — about a specific part of a country
- stereotype — a simple idea about a group of peoplestereotypes
- subtitle — written translation shown under a videosubtitles
- strike — workers stop working to demand change
- protest — public action to show disagreement or demandprotests
- dignity — the state of being respected and valued
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think subtitles in many languages help a song reach more people? Why or why not?
- What do you think about artists delaying a release to support a strike or protest?
- Do you think mocking stereotypes in a song is helpful? Why or why not?
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