Josipa still going strong

Not long ago I was alarmed with the amount of hatred and negativity focused on 72 year old Croatian rock icon Josipa Lisac who was invited as a special guest on the inauguration of latest president and dared to perform very unorthodox, jazzed up version of the Croatian national anthem - what was meant to be a prestigious gig, turned into a huge scandal because apparently people were not accustomed on any liberties being taken with the anthem and there were all sort of accusations made against her, people took it as she was a traitor who purposely mocked it, etc. There was a call to boycott her concerts and even a legal court complaint against her. It was a huge storm (fanned by media who just wouldn't leave it alone and were constantly provoking another survey after survey about public opinion).

In the middle of all this storm, lady herself stayed quiet and would not discuss her musical choices. She did came to collect her lifetime achievement award on TV and firmly but politely skipped the question about the anthem. While the public roared in angry arguments, it became clear what a polarising artist she always has been: people either absolutely love her or can't stand her. There was never middle ground with her, as long as I can remember. This is probably the fate of all genuine giants, they are just so darn individual. I was upset and even myself got into arguments with complete strangers online, it was tooth and nail for a while. I felt as this was culmination of accumulated anger and frustration that has nothing really to do with great lady herself but people were just so darn miserable for too long and probably felt she was too big diva. On the other hand, if you dare to throw mud on one of the major cornerstones in our music, well who is the next than? 

Before you know it, Covid virus erupted and put this scandal aside: suddenly something that people did not take seriously at all ("Its something happening far away") stopped our everyday lives completely and there were no concerts or performances anymore. On top of it all, Croatia got struck with series of earthquakes and than it snowed on them all, it was as end of the world for a while. And guess who still continued - as much as it was possible in the circumstances - you are right, no other but 72 year old, ex enfant terrible Josipa who somehow managed to record a new video clip in a damaged museum space (where she used to sing, I was on those concerts) and slowly but surely continued to give performances when it was allowed. She even gave first ever Croatian virtual concert for which audience had to buy the ticket and log in at exact time. 

Contrary to what I thought, that anthem scandal with turn people against her, it showed who her public is. Perhaps this is why she didn't bother to explain herself to inquisitive journalists: probably she understood long ago that its not critics but supporters who truly matter. The public opinion is still divided and will forever be, when she is concerned - but there is a very strong support amongst the audience flocking to her concerts, buying her music and showing a great affection for her. Judging from the pictures from her live concerts, there is nothing to worry about. I am actually pleasantly surprised.