By Farah Šertović

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:: Commentary on the unifying power of Yugoslav music

:: March 3, 2025

:: In a region often defined by its geopolitical divisions, one cultural element seems to defy borders — music. 

There’s a moment at every Balkan gathering where someone picks up a guitar or the accordion or a song comes on the speaker, and suddenly, the room shifts. Voices rise in unison, and for a few moments, everyone is in another time — a time before borders hardened and history took its toll. 

For those of us who grew up listening to these songs, whether at family gatherings, weddings or road trips, the music of ex-Yugoslavia carries an emotional weight far beyond melody and lyrics. It’s a bridge to the past and a rare space of unity in a region still navigating its divisions. 

The breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s resulted in political tensions, wars and deep-seated nationalistic divides. Decades later, the music of the former region still connects youth across Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Slovenia. From rock anthems, to pop-folk ballads and new wave, these songs serve as a reminder of the shared history and emotions that transcend the past.

Growing up, I didn’t fully understand the significance of these songs. I just knew that my parents and their friends — people who now live in different countries with different passports — sang them with an intensity. These songs were remnants of a lost world. 

This music belonged to everyone. Unlike the harshly drawn borders separating Bosniaks from Serbs, the music seems to bridge across. “It’s our music,” I hear, as a song plays and everyone’s faces light up. The word “our” here carries more power than you might think. Not Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian, Montenegrin, Slovenian or North Macedonian. It belongs to all of us.

During the ‘70s and ‘80s, Yugoslavia experienced a cultural boom, particularly in music. The country’s openness to Western influences allowed rock, punk, new wave and pop to flourish alongside traditional folk influences. One of the defining characteristics of Yugoslav music was its integration of traditional folk elements into contemporary genres. Yugoslav music was made unique with its ability to blend these diverse styles while maintaining a strong regional identity. Music became a way of expressing both unity and individual identity among republics, creating a soundtrack that is still cherished today. 

Every Friday at 11 a.m., I sit in the WDCE 90.1 FM studio at the University of Richmond, queuing up the next track for my Ex-Yugoslav music show. As I play songs by Bijelo Dugme, EKV or Plavi Orkestar, I think about how these same melodies once filled the air of a country that no longer exists. In those moments, it feels like the spirit of Yugoslavia is still alive — at least for an hour each week.

Bijelo Dugme was one of the biggest bands of the region. Their music was everywhere, from road trips to massive family gatherings. “Đurđevdan” isn’t just a song. It’s an anthem that brings people together with feelings of nostalgia and belonging. Whether it was the rock-infused “Pljuni i zapjevaj moja Jugoslavijo” or the heartbreakingly beautiful “Ružica si bila,” Bijelo Dugme managed to capture the complexities of love, loss and identity in their lyrics. By incorporating traditional Balkan melodies, rhythms and instruments (eg. accordion, gusle, tamburica) into their rock and pop music, Bijelo Dugme echoes originality and versatility. 

Ekatarina Velika (EKV) was different. Their music wasn’t just entertainment — it made you feel. I remember the first time I heard “Par godina za nas.” It was as if someone had put words to a feeling I didn’t know how to describe, one I didn’t even know I had. With songs like “Ti si sav moj bol” and “Krug”, they created anthems for the dreamers of Yugoslavia’s final years.

Plavi Orkestar, on the other hand, was a band of good times. Their music makes you want to dance, laugh and maybe shed a tear after a few characteristic drinks (likely, rakija). There’s a certain kind of joy in hearing “Bolje biti pijan nego star” in a crowded bar, where strangers instantly become friends, hugging and singing at the top of their lungs. “Suada” is another song that never fails to bring people together, showing humor and heartache can coexist in music. 

Despite the conflicts that tore Yugoslavia apart, the region’s musical heritage continues to foster cultural connections. Festivals like Exit in Serbia attract artists and audiences from across the former Yugoslav republics. Ex-Yugoslav musicians frequently collaborate, demonstrating that artistic expression can transcend national boundaries.

For those of us in the diaspora, these songs are more than just a connection to our roots — they’re a way to make sense of who we are. Many people who left the Balkans due to war or economic hardship still cherish these songs as a link to their past. 

The shared nostalgia for Yugoslav songs reflects a longing for connection in a region that has been fractured by history. While national identities have solidified since the breakup, the love for this music remains a unifying force.

Younger generations who never lived in Yugoslavia continue to embrace these songs: whether at family gatherings, weddings or music festivals. This is proof that cultural memory is stronger than political division. There’s a reason why, even now, a crowd in Belgrade, Sarajevo or Zagreb can still shout the lyrics to “Igra rok’ en’ rol cela Jugoslavija” in perfect harmony.

Yugoslavia’s music continues to live on, defying borders and uniting people in a way few other cultural elements can. Whether through rock anthems, new wave hits or folk-inspired ballads, these songs remind us of a time when music was a bridge rather than a barrier. In a region still grappling with its past, music offers a rare space where differences fade, and the rhythms of the Balkans take the stage.

So, next time you hear an old Yugo song playing, take a moment to listen. You might just find yourself singing along, no matter where you come from.

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