Jakov Jozinović responds to regional controversy over Thompson song

Croatian singer Jakov Jozinović has issued a public statement following regional controversy sparked by an old video of him performing songs by Marko Perković Thompson. The footage, reportedly from nearly two years ago when Jozinović was 19, shows him performing the song ‘Ako ne znaš šta je bilo’, which has historically been associated with nationalist themes.

The video triggered intense backlash on social media, particularly in Serbia, leading to calls for a boycott of his upcoming concerts in Belgrade and demands to ban his performances in the country. Jozinović addressed the situation by stating, “I am a musician, not a politician,” and emphasized that he never intended to offend anyone through his music. He noted that while music in the region can carry painful historical meanings, he does not think through the prism of nationality, religion, or skin color.

Several regional celebrities have weighed in on the matter. Milica Todorović defended the singer, noting it is legitimate for a Croatian to sing Croatian songs, while others, such as Angellina, criticized the performance of war-related songs. Jozinović maintained that he refuses to be part of media manipulation and remains committed to using music to connect people.