Moja Domovina: The Song That Became a Symbol of Croatia’s Struggle for Independence

At the end of the summer of 1991, as Croatia was defending itself against Greater Serbian aggression, 138 of the country’s most famous singers gathered in one place to record a song that would become one of the defining musical symbols of Croatia’s struggle for independence.

“Moja Domovina” (“My Homeland”) was first broadcast on this day, when Croatia was in the midst of war. Its lyrics remain familiar to generations of Croatian citizens.

At a time when the television news program “Dnevnik” was filled with reports of the horrors of war, that day’s broadcast ended with a song that would become one of the most powerful musical symbols of the period: “Moja Domovina.”

The right song at the right time

Numerous patriotic songs were being performed at the time, but “Moja Domovina” soon took on a special significance. The song, which grew into a kind of anthem to Croatia, was recorded at the Krešimir recording studio of Croatian Radio.

It was written by Zrinko Tutić and Rajko Dujmić, while Nikša Bratoš was responsible for the arrangement.

138 famous singers in one place

Some of Croatia’s best-known singers came together for the recording—138 in total.

With extraordinary emotion, they performed a song that captured the spirit of the time and helped raise the morale of those defending Croatia during one of the most difficult periods in the country’s history.

Words that did not call for hatred

“Moja Domovina” was deliberately free of political affiliation. Its lyrics sought to unite everyone who carried Croatia in their hearts without offending others or calling for hatred.

During the difficult years of the war, the song became a message of love for the homeland and solidarity.

A song Croatia still sings today

“Moja Domovina” has become one of the most enduring musical legacies of the Homeland War. Its lyrics remain familiar to generations of Croatians, and the song has long since outgrown the circumstances in which it was created.

It is still performed today, often spontaneously and on a wide range of occasions.