Famous Serbian Lyricists & Songwriters

Silvana Armenulić was a renowned Bosnian singer-songwriter and actress, acclaimed for her distinctive voice and unique singing style. Known as the "Queen of Sevdalinka," she was one of the most prominent figures in commercial folk music and traditional sevdalinka in Yugoslavia. Her tragic death in a car accident at a young age cut short a flourishing career, but she remains highly esteemed in the region. Armenulić's hit song "Šta će mi život" (What Do I Need a Life for) continues to be one of the best-selling singles from the former Yugoslavia.

Vlado Georgiev is a Serbian singer-songwriter and producer known for his prominence in the Balkan music scene. He has showcased his talent as a judge on popular television series such as Prvi glas Srbije and Tvoje lice zvuči poznato. With a successful career spanning years, Georgiev's contributions to the music industry have solidified his reputation as one of the leading musicians in the region.

Saša Lošić, known by the stage name Loša, is a Bosnian recording artist and a prominent figure in the Balkan music scene. He gained fame as the lead vocalist of Plavi orkestar, a popular music band from Bosnia. Loša is widely recognized for his contributions as a composer and musician. He continues to be a key figure in the music industry, with a strong presence in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. His work has left a lasting impact on the former Yugoslav Pop and Rock scene.

Maja Odžaklievska is a renowned Macedonian, Serbian, and ex-Yugoslav singer and songwriter. With a successful career spanning several decades, she has gained popularity across Europe for her exceptional vocal talent and captivating songwriting skills. Based in Serbia, Maja continues to actively pursue her passion for music, delighting audiences with her unique style and powerful performances. Her contributions to the music industry have solidified her reputation as a respected artist, earning her a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.

Bojan Pečar was a prominent Yugoslav and Serbian musician known for his role as the bass player of the renowned Yugoslav rock band Ekatarina Velika. Prior to this, he was also a member of the new wave group VIA Talas, featured on the Yugoslav new wave compilation album Artistička radna akcija. His contributions to the music scene were highly regarded, and his work continues to be celebrated by fans and fellow musicians alike.

Sejo Sexon, also known as Davor Sučić, is a versatile Bosnian musician, film score composer, actor, and television director. He is renowned as a bandleader and co-founder of the popular rock group Zabranjeno Pušenje, playing a significant role in all of the band's releases. Sejo Sexon played a pivotal role in shaping the New Primitivism movement in Sarajevo. Additionally, he has showcased his acting skills in the acclaimed series Top lista nadrealista, proving his talents extend beyond the realm of music.

Branimir "Johnny" Štulić is a renowned Yugoslav singer-songwriter, musician, and author, famed for leading the iconic rock band Azra. His professional life is marked by captivating stage presence and thought-provoking lyrical content merging rock poetry with poignant social commentary. Štulić's artistic contributions have elevated him to a cult figure status, with his charismatic performances and insightful songwriting leaving a lasting impact on the music scene. His work with Azra solidified his reputation as a visionary artist who revolutionized Yugoslav rock music.

Bora Đorđević, also known as Bora Čorba, is a Serbian singer, songwriter, and poet. He is best known as the frontman of the rock band Riblja Čorba. Renowned for his poetic lyrics and husky baritone voice, Đorđević is considered one of the top and most influential authors of the Serbian rock scene. Throughout his career, he has made significant contributions to the music industry and has captivated audiences with his unique blend of music and lyrical talent.

Zvonimir "Zvonko" Bogdan is a versatile Serbian Bunjevac artist known for performing traditional folk songs from Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, and Romania. Beyond his musical talents, Bogdan is a skilled composer, wine producer, and harness racer. With a rich cultural background, he has captivated audiences with his soulful interpretations of folk music while also showcasing his creativity in other fields. Bogdan's diverse professional pursuits highlight his dedication to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the region through music, winemaking, and sports.

Nevena Božović is a Serbian singer and songwriter who gained recognition by representing Serbia at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2007, where she placed third. She later became the runner-up on the singing competition Prvi glas Srbije in 2012. Božović, along with two other finalists, formed the group Moje 3 and represented Serbia at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2013. She made history by being the first artist to compete in both the Eurovision and Junior Eurovision Song Contests as a main performer. Božović returned to the Eurovision Song Contest as a solo artist in 2019, finishing 18th.

Arsen Dedić was a renowned Croatian singer-songwriter known for his chansons and film music compositions. His talent extended to poetry, making him one of the most successful poets in former Yugoslavia and Croatia. Throughout his career, Dedić received numerous awards for his work, showcasing his exceptional skill and creativity in the music and literary world. His contributions left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape, solidifying his legacy as a multifaceted artist of great influence and acclaim.

Elena Kitić is a Serbian singer-songwriter who rose to fame with her debut single "Better Days" in 2014. She gained popularity with collaborations like "Folira" with Jala Brat and "Geto princeza" with Rasta. Elena's live performances, including at the Tašmajdan Center in Belgrade, have showcased her talent. In 2022, her single "London" with Voyage reached the top of the Billboard Croatia Songs Chart. Elena's creative work was recognized when she won the Best Music Video Styling award at Sneakerville in December 2020.

Ana Popović is a renowned blues singer and guitarist known for her exceptional talent and captivating performances. Originally from Serbia, she has gained international recognition for her soulful vocals and impressive guitar skills. Ana has released multiple albums and toured extensively, showcasing her unique blend of traditional blues with modern influences. Her dynamic stage presence and dedication to her craft have earned her a loyal fan base around the world, solidifying her reputation as a leading figure in the blues music scene.

Milić Vukašinović is a renowned Yugoslav musician known for his contributions to the rock music scene. He founded the hard rock band Vatreni Poljubac and also served as a drummer for iconic bands like Bijelo Dugme and Indexi. A pioneer of rock'n'roll in Sarajevo, Vukašinović is recognized for his composing and songwriting skills, having collaborated with top Yugoslav folk music artists such as Hanka Paldum, Toma Zdravković, and Ceca. His versatile talents have left a lasting impact on the music industry.

Slađana Milošević was a prominent Serbian and Yugoslav singer, songwriter, record producer, and author. She began her musical journey at a young age, excelling in classical music and later transitioning to bass guitar in various bands. Milošević gained widespread recognition for her solo career, characterized by hit singles and a striking image. She ventured into various music genres, including new wave, jazz, and experimental music, showcasing her versatility and talent. Her influence extended beyond music as she delved into other cultural pursuits, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

Relja Popović is a Serbian actor, rapper, and singer known for his work both on screen and in music. He gained fame as part of the hip hop duo Elitni Odredi before launching a successful solo career with hits like "Beograd još živi." Popović has showcased his acting talent in acclaimed films such as "Ordinary People" and "The Parade," earning prestigious awards for his performances. In addition to his artistic pursuits, he also co-founded the record label Made In BLKN Records and recently joined the cast of the television series Besa.

Bebi Dol, born Dragana Todorović, is a renowned Serbian and Yugoslav singer and songwriter. Making her solo debut in 1981 with the hit single "Mustafa", she gained widespread recognition with her debut album Ruže i krv. Representing Yugoslavia at the Eurovision Song Contest 1991 with "Brazil", Bebi Dol has released four successful studio albums and produced numerous chart-topping songs in Serbia and the former Yugoslavia. Her stage name, 'Baby Doll', reflects her unique and captivating musical style that has captured the hearts of many fans.

Sara Jovanović, known professionally as Sara Jo, is a versatile Serbian artist excelling in singing, songwriting, modeling, and acting. She gained recognition through her participation in Prvi glas Srbije and Eurovision Song Contest 2013 with the group Moje 3. Transitioning to a successful solo career, Sara Jo has released several hit singles and her debut album. She has also showcased her talents on TV shows like Tvoje lice zvuči poznato and has made a mark in the fashion industry through collaborations with brands like Adidas.

Davorin Popović was a renowned Bosnian singer and songwriter, celebrated as one of the greatest rock singers in the former Yugoslavia. He gained prominence as the lead singer of the progressive and pop rock band Indexi, contributing significantly to the development of the unique "Sarajevo pop-rock school" style. Throughout his career, Popović's music left a lasting impact on the regional music scene, inspiring numerous bands and singers in Sarajevo and beyond.

Anja Rupel is a versatile Slovene pop singer, songwriter, radio announcer, and journalist with a rich musical career. She gained fame as the lead vocalist of the synthpop group Videosex in the 1980s, recording four albums. Transitioning to a successful solo career, she collaborated with industrial/techno group Laibach and achieved international recognition through her rendition of The Beatles' "Across the Universe." Rupel's diverse talents also extend to acting, with appearances in films like "Hudodelci." Currently, she is working on a new album with musician Rudi Štigel.