Mostar Rock School – Growing from Music!
The Bosnian-Herzegovinian city of Mostar has been divided into two parts since the end of the Balkan war. Catholic and Muslim children are taught separately and in different ways. The musician Orhan Maslo wants to put an end to this ethnic division and founds “Mostar Rock School”, a place where children make music together. Despite its success, he has to contend with many problems. In this interview, he explains why it is worth fighting for this project and what he hopes for the future.
How did you come up with the idea of founding a rock school?
I was living in a children’s home in Mostar after the Balkan war when the organization “Apeiron de Art”, a community of local musicians, gave music lessons to children in schools. Even then, I thought it would be wonderful to found such an institution. So this idea was born out of childhood dreams. With the help of a friend, I founded “Growing from Music” in 2001, the name of which described my own life. In 2011, I met colleagues from the Dutch organization “Musicians without Borders”, who had a rock school in Mitrovica, Kosovo. I thought the school was great and so in August 2012 Mostar Rock School was founded when eight girls and boys met with four teachers at the Rock Camp in Skopje. On their return, these young musicians brought so much positive energy with them to Mostar that we had around 90 applications in the first year. Since then, the number of interested people has been growing steadily.
“Our goal is to
that the children
get to know us!”
Why did you want to open the school in Mostar?
I was born here and I want to give something back to the city. Unfortunately, Mostar is always in the media with bad news. It’s time for the city’s image to change. It has been politically divided since the Balkan war and segregation is being promoted in schools. They say that culture is ten years ahead of politics. So I wanted to make a cultural difference. It was and is our goal to get children and young people off the streets so that they can get to know each other and get closer. This works best when they create something together and can be proud of their work. We, the older generation, should offer them such a platform and support them in what they do so that they have hope and can believe in a good future.
How were you able to convince parents to send their children to your music school?
Children and young people themselves have contributed to this. There were certainly concerns from some parents, which can be attributed to the media and politics. On the other hand, I witnessed these very parents having a wonderful time side by side at their children’s concerts.
What are the biggest problems you have to deal with?
Laziness can be man’s greatest enemy. And unfortunately this is true throughout the Balkans. The majority of the population is disappointed with the political system and the government. They believe neither in themselves nor in their voice. So they encourage their children to finish school as quickly as possible and leave the country to secure a better future abroad. Disinterest is at the forefront. This gives rise to the lethargic laziness used by these brutes who call themselves politicians and rule like in the 18th century! The uneducated defeat the educated. This is a serious problem.
Why didn’t you give up when the financial support was lacking?
Who would have the heart to put hundreds of children on the street? And yes, there are people like that. In today’s world, capitalism rules and most people’s first priority is themselves. But we have sown good seeds for years and hoped that they would bear fruit. We didn’t give up and it was worth it.
Who are you currently receiving the most support from?
Thanks to the Swedish SIDA (International Development Cooperation Agency) and USAID, our existence is secured until 2020. The city of Mostar has also taken over the cost of renting our premises from 2017.
Why do you think that music unites and prevents ethnic division in the Balkans?
I must improve you: Modern urban music unites. Unfortunately, there is music in the Balkans, like turbofolk for example, that spreads sexism and nationalism. But good music doesn’t cheat or lie. You can feel everything. That’s why it is understood and used as a universal language.
“Politics can change our
our love
not eradicate it!”
When did you realize that this school was making a difference?
Children and young people from 18 towns in Bosnia and Herzegovina took part in the 2016 music camp. Most of them from small towns on the border between the Federation and Republika Srpska. In other words, places where there is no investment in youth and childhood. We have noticed how much our school means to them. That says everything about the success of the project. Politics cannot sow so much hatred to eradicate the love we spread!
Has the music school been able to make a difference in the minds of parents?
I very much hope so. The young people are committed and know what they want. And since they have realized that their dreams are coming true, they are all the more motivated. Parents can learn a lot from their children.
Your wish for the future?
That the people become smarter. Otherwise there will be no social evolution. As far as the wish regarding the project is concerned: Mostar, the city that is still politically divided, should become the center of the Balkan music scene!
Orhan “Oha” Maslo, born in 1978, has been working in the music industry for 17 years. The musician, manager and producer has played as a percussionist for Dubioza Kolektiv, Mostar Sevdah Reunion, Dutch Metropole Orchestra and others. He lives and works in Mostar. For him, music is the universal language that builds bridges.
More at www.mostarrockschool.org
The interview was published in the Danube Connects magazine issue 01/2017 in German and English.
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