Nina BADRIĆ
FEATURED ARTISTS
By 16mag
9/16/2026


Nina Badrić is one of Croatia's renowned modern music artists, a pop singer and songwriter based in the city of Zagreb. From an early age, she knew that music was her true passion, a calling that would shape her entire life. Raised in a nurturing environment by her loving parents and alongside her two sisters, Nina's journey into music began early. She burst onto the music scene at just nine years old by joining the children’s choir ‘Zvjezdice’, which served as a vital launchpad for her burgeoning career. Through her involvement with the choir, she had the incredible opportunity to travel extensively, record various albums that showcased her developing talent, and learn the invaluable lessons of teamwork, collaboration, and how to cultivate her own unique vocal identity. Over her seven years with the choir, she built connections and collaborated with prominent figures in the Croatian music scene, including notable performances as a backing vocalist for legendary groups like Parni Valjak and Prljavo Kazalište, among many others. However, destiny had even grander plans for the young singer. A pivotal moment in her life occurred while she was working in a trendy boutique in Zagreb; while singing along to the radio, the famous funk artist Dino Dvornik unexpectedly walked in, turned off the radio, and challenged her to sing the current song on her own. Struck by her undeniable talent, he offered to guide her on her musical journey.
The very next day, they started visiting record labels across Zagreb, marking the beginning of a life-changing chapter in Nina's professional career. She made her first notable performance at the renowned Crovizija festival, performing the song 'Ostavljam te' alongside her esteemed colleagues Rajko Dujmić, Jasenko Hura and her then manager Danijel Koletić. She then signed her first contract with Croatia Records and, in 1995, the release of her debut album Godine nestvarne launched her into the spotlight. While the initial public response was favourable, her true breakthrough moment came with her incredible duet with Emilija Kokić, aptly titled 'Croatian Music'. With a successful career spanning over two decades, Nina Badrić is widely recognised as one of the most gifted and acclaimed Croatian singer. Her influence has also permeated music scenes in Slovenia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Slovenia and Turkey, where she has steadily built a following. Her enchanting and evocative songs transport listeners to the idyllic beaches of Croatia, evoking the romantic, nostalgic tunes that capture the essence of her authentic vocal artistry. This remarkable artist has achieved immense success and numerous accolades, gaining fame that extends well beyond Croatian borders. She is now acknowledged as one of the finest and most beloved pop singers in the former Yugoslavia. Later in her career, her exceptional talent led her to represent Croatia with pride in the prestigious Eurovision Song Contest, further solidifying her status as an international star.
Throughout her career, Nina has experimented with a variety of musical styles, including pop, R&B, gospel, traditional Macedonian folk music, sevdah and jazz. She has made an indelible mark on each genre with her unique interpretations, which deeply resonate with audiences from a variety of backgrounds. She began her career in the early 1990s, coinciding with the surge in popularity of dance music and the vibrant music scene of the time. However, her diverse repertoire later evolved to appeal to a wider audience, adapting to changing trends while maintaining her artistic integrity. To this day, she continues to enjoy enduring popularity in close neighbours countries.
In 2026, her new anticipated album Moji Ljudi was released, featuring an assortment of new songs alongside popular singles from previous years. The accompanying 'Moji Ljudi' tour is a testament to her inexhaustible energy and profound ability to connect with audiences of all generations, ensuring that each show is a memorable experience.
Nina Badrić is not just a pop star singer; she is a symbol of authenticity and unyielding perseverance with an unwavering love for music. Each of her songs carries a personal touch, and every performance she delivers is an emotional narrative that deeply resonates with her fans. Her remarkable career serves as an enduring inspiration to all who dare to dream and are unafraid to express their true selves. In an era of fleeting trends and constantly changing, Nina Badrić is a timeless treasure of Croatian and regional music - a true diva whose soul-stirring voice warms the hearts of audiences of all ages, regardless of the ever-changing world around her.




