'Slovenians always grumble, even when there is no reason to do so'

A new song titled “Človek si, nisi robot” has emerged as the final piece of the artistic project RHapsodija9, marking its completion with a message urging listeners to preserve their humanity. The song was released on July 30, 2026, and serves as both a culmination of the project’s vision and a call to reflect on the essence of being human in an increasingly fast-paced, surface-level world driven by efficiency. The composition of the song was led by Darja Furek, a poet and singer who received full support and creative freedom under the guidance of renowned musicians Tinkar Kovač, Uroš Cingesar, and Oto Pestner. This collaboration marked a milestone, as Furek became the first artist to contribute to the project, allowing her to express her thoughts through poetry and music in a unique and personal manner. In explaining the motivations behind the song, Furek emphasized that the lyrics were not a critique of technology itself, but rather a reminder that humans possess qualities that machines cannot replicate, such as empathy, warmth, awareness, vitality, belief, free will, and responsibility. These attributes, she explained, are essential to maintaining one's humanity in a world that often pushes individuals toward automation. Furek further elaborated that the song addresses the growing disconnect between people and nature, as well as among individuals themselves. She described the song as an invitation to remain aware, to observe others, listen to nature, and recognize one’s own actions. “We always have the choice of how to respond,” she noted. “This choice embodies freedom. We are not predetermined, we shape our path through decisions and actions. As long as we can choose, we can change direction.” The release of “Človek si, nisi robot” coincides with the broader theme of RHapsodija9, which aims to serve as a reminder of what it means to be human. The project encourages introspection, inviting listeners to consider whether they live from the heart or simply operate on autopilot. According to Furek, the song functions as an internal encouragement and a gentle challenge to reconsider one’s approach to life. The project’s overarching goal is to highlight the importance of preserving humanity amidst technological advancement. It suggests that the true measure of success lies not in how efficiently one operates, but in how much humanity one retains. The phrase “Človek si. Nisi robot.”, translating to “You are a person. You are not a robot”, is presented as a powerful affirmation of individual agency and the capacity to choose one’s own path. As the final installment of RHapsodija9, the song stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of art in exploring fundamental questions about identity, purpose, and connection. Its release has sparked discussions about the role of creativity in navigating modern challenges and reaffirming the value of emotional intelligence and self-awareness in an era dominated by digital interaction and automation.