21/03 2025
The ninth edition of the “Remix of Identity” project was presented along with the single “Zis am folja (Pospano Remix)”
The Metamedij Association, in collaboration with the Center for Intangible Cultural Heritage of Istria, presented the ninth edition of the “Remix of Identity” project, which explores the relationship between traditional and contemporary music. This year’s edition is dedicated to traditional songs in the Vlach (Istrorumunian) language, “Zis am folja” and “Marice fėtice,” which were recorded by multimedia artist and ethnologist Noel Šuran for the purposes of the Ecomuseum of the Vlach Path. These songs were originally documented in the book “Cântece populare istroromâne” by Romanian scholar Petru Ioraie, published in 1936.
Winner of the competition – A blend of tradition and modernity
The winner of this year’s “Remix of Identity” competition is Juraj Rebernjak, a graduated music educator from Zagreb, who won over the expert jury with his remixes. Rebernjak’s work stood out for its high production quality, creative approach, and ability to integrate traditional elements into a modern sound. The expert jury, consisting of Milan Đurić, Noel Šuran, and Marin Jurcan, evaluated his interpretation as an outstanding blend of tradition and innovation. As a single from this edition, we present “Zis am folja,” which Rebernjak remixed under the pseudonym “pospano”
Listen to the single “Zis am folja”
A competition that connects musical heritage and innovation
The competition was open from September 15 to November 1, 2024, to all interested musicians, producers, and DJs, regardless of experience. Participants had the opportunity to remix two traditional songs with the expert support of Noel Šuran and the Ecomuseum “Vlach Path.” Listen to all the remixes on the Metamedia Lab Bandcamp page:
https://metamusicproduction.bandcamp.com/album/remix-of-identity-9
The Vlach, or Istrorumunian language, is spoken in the villages at the foot of Mount Učka, such as Šušnjevica, Nova Vas, Brdo, Letaj, and Jesenovik, while its other variant, the Žejan language, is spoken in the village of Žejane in northern Istria. The “Remix of Identity” project highlighted the rich musical heritage of these areas and its potential to connect with contemporary musical expression. Once again, “Remix of Identity” confirmed its role as a bridge between the past and the present, demonstrating how music can be a powerful tool for preserving and reinterpreting cultural identity.
