14 Facts About Himzo Polovina

Himzo Polovina was a Bosnian singer and songwriter, and one of the most famous and widely revered folk and sevdalinka artists in the region.

Himzo Polovina's approach contributed to sevdalinka promotion as well as its recognition as authentic music heritage of the Bosniaks.

Himzo Polovina's father, Musan Polovina, was an Austro-Hungarian soldier during World War I During his service in Ljubljana, he met and married Ivanka Hlebec, making Himzo Polovina the child of an ethnically mixed marriage between a Bosniak father and a Slovene mother.

Himzo Polovina was introduced to music and singing as a child.

Himzo Polovina's father played the sargija and would often sing sevdalinka songs.

Himzo Polovina loved the "richness" of the Bosnian national costume, and wore it every time he performed.

Himzo Polovina continued to work in his profession even after becoming a successful singer.

Himzo Polovina was a respected doctor in the Jagomir mental rehabilitation hospital in Sarajevo until his death.

Himzo Polovina frequently performed at gala concerts for charity, in hospitals, for pensioners, for the decrepit, the elderly and for children in orphanages.

At one point in his career, Himzo Polovina went on a five-year hiatus from Radio Sarajevo, due to disagreements with the heads of that company.

Himzo Polovina's cover of the Bosnian sevdalinka, Emina, is considered by many to be the best version of the song.

Himzo Polovina found her in the yard of the family home, informed her of Emina's death and she shuddered with grief and spoke the verses:.

Himzo Polovina died at the age of 59 from a heart attack while on vacation with his family in Montenegro.

Himzo Polovina was buried in the Bare Cemetery in Sarajevo.