Bosnia year 2021 Music Sevdalinka greats, Musicians stamps MNH
In 2021, BH Pošta (the postal service for the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina) released a highly celebrated set of stamps titled “Greats of Sevdalinka” (Velikani sevdalinke).
Sevdalinka is the traditional urban folk music of Bosnia and Herzegovina, often called the “Balkan Blues” for its emotional depth and melancholic themes. This issue arrived just as global efforts were peaking to have the genre recognized by UNESCO.
1. The 2021 “Greats of Sevdalinka” Set
The series consists of 5 stamps, each featuring a legendary performer who helped define and preserve the genre in the 20th century.
| Artist | Lifetime | Why they are famous |
| Safet Isović | 1936–2007 | Often called the “Father of Sevdalinka,” known for his powerful voice and technical mastery. |
| Himzo Polovina | 1927–1986 | A doctor and singer who collected and popularized many “lost” traditional songs. |
| Zehra Deović | 1938–2015 | Known for her crystal-clear soprano and elegant interpretation of traditional lyrics. |
| Nada Mamula | 1927–2001 | A legendary alto singer who performed thousands of Sevdalinkas for Radio Sarajevo. |
| Beba Selimović | 1939–2020 | Often called the “Lady of Sevdah” for her refined style and immense popularity. |
2. Technical Details
- Release Date: November 2021.
- Designer: The set was designed by Tamer Lučarević, a prominent Bosnian stamp designer.
- Format: Issued as a strip of 5 stamps and also in a sheetlet format.
- First Day Cover (FDC): The official FDC features a composite image of the artists and a special commemorative cancellation mark from Sarajevo.
3. Cultural Context
This issue was particularly significant because Sevdalinka was officially inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity shortly thereafter (confirmed in late 2024). The stamps served as a precursor to this global recognition, honoring the “bards” who kept the tradition alive through the era of radio and television.
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