First time was described in detail by Alberto Fortis in his book ”Viaggio di Dalmazia” in the 18th century. 

Ojkanje owes its survival to organized groups of local tradition bearers who continue to transmit the knowledge, representing their villages at festivals in Croatia and around the world.

Ojkanje singing has different names in different regions – in the Cetina region it is commonly called ”Treskavica” or ”Vojkavica”, in inland Dalmatia it is called ”Ojkalica”, in Šibenik’s hinterland it’s known as ”Ojkavica”, in Ravni Kotari – ”Orzenje”, in Lika – ”Rozganje”

Melodies are based on limited, mostly chromatic, tonal scales, and the lyrics cover diverse themes ranging from love to current social issues and politics. 

The topic of ojkanje singing can be anything, from everyday life, politics, society to love and emotions. Also, these topics are often expressed in a humorous way .