Intervju na bosanskom ovdje.

The interview was conducted via e-mail while Maja was in Sarajevo at the final rehearsals for the performance in Tallinn.

Maja Tatić, Bosnia-Herzegovina 2002

Q: You live on the Canary Islands. What brought you there, beside the war, of course?
A: I moved to Canaries because I and two other members (of a band) were invited to go there and play for our people and foreigners.

Q: How did you feel when you won in Sarajevo? How do you feel now knowing you are going to Tallinn to represent your country?
A: After the victory in Sarajevo, I could not believe it was happening to me and of course luck turned my way definitely. I have started to live the dream I dreamt for years.

Q: Do you think you were treated correctly in Sarajevo as opposed to some other more known singers?
A: The behavior towards me was completely correct and respecful in relation with other singers.

Q: The song Na jastuku za dvoje is in retro style; it is reminiscent of old entries of our former homeland. Is this the style that suits you?
A: The song that I will sing in Tallinn is indeed in the style of the 80s, but it suits me very well, and what's most important is that it's happy and the chorus is easy to remember.

Q: What do you say about the speculations that you won because of political reasons?
A: I laugh at all those speculatons because I know for a fact that they're absolutely wrong.

Q: You are the first to represent Bosnia-Herzegovina who comes from Republika Srpska. Do you think that is important for Bosnia as a union and how do you think your performance may impact the music scene in RS?
A: My victory is important both for RS and Bosnia, because all those people believe in me and my performance in Tallinn and that I will represent the country in Estonia with honor.

Q: What are the reactions of Bosnians concerning your victory, your song and your performance?
A: The general reaction in Bosnia is very positive and everyone is accepting me as "their Maja."

Q: It is confirmed that next year Serbia and Montenegro will join us in the competition. Do you have any comments on this?
A: The only comment on that can be that it is good that artists, who are among the first to carry peace, have a chance to show their musical qualities outside the borders of their own country.

Q: How do you like this year's Eurovision. Have you had the chance to listen to your compeition? Who are you favorites?
A: This year's Eurovision will be very interesting and I think that there are many songs of good quality. I'd single out Germany, Sweden, France and United Kingdom.

Q: I think you know that Bosnian songs never really had good placings at Eurovision in the past. Can we expect from you to break this negative tradition?
A: I wouldn't call it a negative tradition, but a great experience. I can't guarantee that I will succeed in breaking the tradition, but I will try.

Q: Have you followed Eurovision until now? If yes, do you have any favorites, Bosnian, Yugoslav and general?
A: I watched Eurovision when I was little, not so much the last ten years. I would add that I do not like that countries are not singing in their own languages like it used to be.

Q: As you are living on the Canary Islands, I'm interested to find out if you watched Operación Triunfo. What are your impressions? Do you expect to receive points from Spain?
A: I watched the entire Operación Triunfo regularly and my favorite was David Bisbal, although Rosa was excellent as well. This is a great idea to give a chance to young talented people to become stars overnight. I hope that my Spaniards will send some points my way.

Q: Similarly, do you expect points from our diaspora? And what about Slovenes, as your mom is one?
A: There are at least 60 people in Slovenia who will call and vote for Bosnia. And of course I expect points from our people abroad.

Q: How are the prepations for Tallinn going? What will you performance be like? Who will be beside you on stage? I heard there will only be four people in total there. Why not use the opportunity to have six people on stage?
A: The preparations are going very well and there will be four of us on stage because that's what we all agreed in accordance with our abilities.

Q: How will you look on stage? Do you have a designer who will dress you?
A: We have a young and very talented designer Amna Kunovac-Zec.

Q: Did you wish to sing a part of the song in Spanish? Personalmente, quisiera oirle como canta en espanol un poco. (Personally, I would have liked to hear you sing in Spanish a little.)
A: No, because the song does not resemble anything Spanish, which doesn't mean that I do not like to sing in Spanish. A lo mejor tendre oportunidad cantare algo en espanol! (Perhaps I will have an opportunity to sing something in Spanish!)

Q: Do you feel responsiblity in case you do not do well enough to guarantee Bosnia's participations next year?
A: There's a lot of responsibility on my shoulders and I hope I will not disapoint the viewers.

Q: What are your plans for after Tallinn? Can we expect from you to break through in our area?
A: After Tallinn I will continue the work on my first album and I hope to succeed.

Q: In the end, fans of Eurovision which helped me prepare this interview would like to send you their best wishes for Tallinn. I would also personally like to wish you to present yourself in Tallinn as a competent singer and an excellent representative of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Good luck!
z: Thank you for your support and lots of kisses from me to all of you who are cheering for me and our team.