Oj, Kulo moja (lički ojkan) – Široka Kula, HR

HKUD “Široka Kula” Široka Kula Nikola Rukavina – Lead Voice (prvi glas) Ivan Starčević, Nikola Muhar, Mile Štampar, Mile Ćulumović, Nikola Milinković, Matej Delač – Second Voice (pratnja) Coorganiser – Ivan Starčević Lyrics (original): Oj Kulo moja, pola roda moga Oj pola moga, pola ženinoga Oj ne bi dao svoje kršne Like Za dolare cijele Amerike Aoj Liko, dok ti ime traje Čuvat ćemo tvoje običaje Lyrics (English): Oy, Kula, half of my family The other half from my wife’s side Oy, I wouldn't give my karst Lika For all the dolars of America Oy, Lika, until your name lasts We will preserve your customs HKUD Široka Kula was founded in 2014, out of a desire to preserve and continue the traditions of the region. Along with a children's dance group, it has about 70 members, including residents of villages Perušić, Lički Osik, Gospić, Plitvička Jezera, with some members permanently living outside the region. The KUD members learn from old generations, sing the songs they found in the surrounding villages. The most important custom is ličko prelo. The repertoire includes bećarac, pjevanie uz dangubicu, rozgalica (ojkanje), and ring dances, including đikac kolo. Lički ojkan is a traditional form of song originating from the Lika region in Croatia. It is characterized by a unique style of melody construction and a specific musical scale. In this form of singing, one singer begins the melody, usually starting with the syllable "Oj" and then the other singers join in, creating a harmonious whole. Lički ojkan is an important element of local culture and tradition, often performed during various social and family events. Široka Kula is a village in Lika-Senj County. It is located about 10 km northeast of Gospić. The villagers are engaged in shepherding and agriculture. Before the war in the 1990s, the majority of the inhabitants were Serbs; today the majority are Croats. Lika is located between the Velebit mountain range (to the west) and Plješevica and Kapela (to the east). Administratively, it belongs to the following counties: Lika-Senj County, Šibenik-Knin County and Zadar County. Lika has a rich history and a unique musical culture, which has been preserved to this day. Source: M. Šporčić, Pivaj grlo da te čuje gora, 2024. — About us – Balkan Polyphony is a field research project that collects traditional music from the Balkan area. We are not interested in any ideologies, we don't take sides in any historical conflicts. What interests us is traditional culture and its musical intricacies. — Our Partners: National Museum Zadar, Ethnological Department