Dunjaluk is a band from Zagreb that performs songs from the sevdah tradition. It was founded at the end of 2019 by Dunja Bahtijarević (vocals) and Luka Čapeta (electric guitar). Dunjaluk seeks the universal within tradition that still resonates today and translates it into a modern musical expression. Sevdalinka songs speak of love and longing, home and distance, and the relationship between the individual, the community, and social constraints. Dunjaluk has immersed itself in the rich network of lyrics and melodies of these songs and offered its own response to them. Sevdah has evolved many times throughout history, and Dunjaluk aims to make the most of this space for change.
Dunja Bahtijarević sings traditional songs and explores musical contexts that breathe new life into them. In addition to Dunjaluk, she finds space for this exploration in the collective Chant Electronique, the Mimika Orchestra, and a poetic-vocal duo with Marta Kolega. She constantly searches for her roots, connecting the past, present, and future—something she also does through the music she creates.
Luka Čapeta is a guitarist from Zagreb. He produces and composes music for contemporary dance, theatre, and film. He performs in several bands and projects (Trokut, Mary May). With roots in electronic, ambient, and jazz music, and by experimenting with traditional and world music, noise, and avant-garde aesthetics, Luka shapes his distinctive approach to performance and sound.
