Montenegrin musician Davor Vučetić has fulfilled his long-standing dream - to cover the song "Zlatna jabuka" by Rodja Raičević. The song was featured on Rodja's latest album "Da bog da", and a quarter of a century after its first release, it has been given a contemporary musical makeover.
Vučetić's translation is a kind of homage to one of the greatest musical creators of this region, but also an attempt to bring the song closer to new generations of listeners. With careful respect for the original emotion and message, "Zlatna jabuka" today receives a new interpretation, confirming that quality songs have a timeless character.
"I have a special bond with the Raičević family. Namely, I baptized their oldest grandson, so the desire to record this song has existed for many years. It was simply waiting for the right moment for everything to coincide and for me to reach the author himself. When I got in touch with him, he accepted the idea with great enthusiasm and without hesitation gave his consent for the song to be re-recorded," Vučetić told Vijesti, who does not hide the fact that "Zlatna jabuka" was a big hit for him.
"I was most afraid of the author's reaction and how he would accept my idea. I didn't think so much about whether the audience would accept it. However, it is a song that somehow went under the radar, even though it was on Rodja's latest album. It was only during a conversation with the author that I learned that it was based on a true story and that Zoran had woven an important chapter of his life into it. That is precisely why it has additional weight, depth and special emotional power today," emphasizes Vučetić.
Covering someone else's song is always a double-edged sword, because the audience inevitably makes comparisons with the original, and it is rare for a cover to surpass or leave a stronger impression than the first version.
"I would never allow myself to compare myself to one of the greatest musical legends of this region. For me, the very fact that I had the opportunity to sing this song after so many years is a huge honor. The greatest recognition, however, comes from the author himself, who is extremely satisfied with my interpretation. His words that, after 25 years, the song sounds as if it was written just for me, represent the greatest possible compliment to me, especially considering that he collaborated with such a great man," adds Vučetić, who would not have succeeded in his idea without the support of the Raičević family.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Raičević family, from whom I have had support since day one, as well as Zoran Pavlović for granting me the copyright without any words. He enthusiastically accepted my idea to revive the song," claims the musician. The arrangement for the new version of "Zlatna jabuka" was done by Milan Rađen, while a video for this track was also shot under the direction of Miodrag Marković.
Vučetić's musical beginnings are tied to festival stages, where he built his first steps and established himself as a performer. However, although the Montenegrin music scene has regained festival momentum in recent years through events such as Montesong and Biser Jadran, Vučetić has not yet taken the opportunity to present his songs at these events. Instead, he has remained consistent with his own pace and method of work, choosing to market his music independently of the competitive framework, focusing on the authenticity and long-term value of his songs.
"I no longer see myself as a festival participant, although I support all those who participate in them. I started my career at festivals, then I was excitedly waiting and watching festivals. Now I don't see myself doing that, I'm pushing my own stories," claims Vučetić, who ended a seven-year recording hiatus last year. In January 2025, he promoted the song "Dobro je", and "Zlatna jabuka" comes a year after the aforementioned song.
"I don't think it will become a practice to release a song every year. The plan is to release a new single in about four months. I have set a goal for myself to do as many original things as possible, and to base them primarily on quality," he concludes.
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