Nina Badrić shares heartwarming anecdote about early career in Sarajevo
Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Singer Nina Badrić shared a touching anecdote about her early career in Sarajevo, highlighting the city's resilience and warmth.
- She recalled meeting music legends Kemal Monteno and Davorin Popović, who offered her guidance and protection during a difficult post-war period.
- Badrić expressed her enduring love for Sarajevo and its people, emphasizing the special connection she feels to the city.
Croatian singer Nina Badrić recently shared a deeply personal and emotional anecdote about her early career, focusing on her special connection with Sarajevo. While performing at the "Ljeto na Ilidži" (Summer on Ilidža) event, Badrić took to Instagram to express her gratitude and affection for the Bosnian capital, calling it the first city after Zagreb to welcome her with open arms.
Her post recalled the formative moments of her musical journey, emphasizing the profound impact Sarajevo had on her. She specifically remembered meeting two iconic figures of Yugoslav music: Kemal Monteno and Davorin Popović. Monteno, in particular, offered her a sense of security, humorously warning her about the lingering presence of mines in the city and playfully referencing his granddaughters, Nina and Badrić, as if to claim her as part of his musical family.
Badrić reflected on the city's atmosphere during that period, noting that it still bore the scars of war. However, she stated that she never felt sadness among its people. Instead, she was struck by their strong spirit and determination to preserve the unique essence of Sarajevo, a sentiment that deeply resonated with her and contributed to her lasting affection for the city.
Sarajevo is the first city after Zagreb that welcomed me with open arms at the beginning of my career. My love for the city and its people began there.
The singer also highlighted that her first major concert in Bosnia and Herzegovina took place at Sarajevo's iconic Skenderija hall, underscoring the city's significance in her career. The enduring love affair between Badrić and the Sarajevo audience, spanning decades, was evident in the warm reception and numerous supportive comments she received on her post, with many fans declaring her as one of their own.
Through her heartfelt message, Nina Badrić reaffirmed the powerful bond she shares with Sarajevo, cherishing the memories created there as some of the most beautiful of her long and successful career. Her words served as a poignant reminder of the city's enduring spirit and the deep cultural connections that transcend borders.
The city was still under mines, but I never felt sadness in the people. I felt great defiance to remain themselves and preserve the spirit of Sarajevo.
Originally published by Večernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.