Emilija Kokić

One of Croatia's most cherished vocalists, Emilija Kokic entered the world on May 10, 1968, in Zadar, within the borders of a still-united Yugoslavia. National recognition arrived in 1988 once she joined forces with Zvonimir Zrilic on guitar, Bosko Colic on drums, Nenad Nakic on bass and Dalibor Musa on keyboards to form the group Riva. The ensemble created an instant stir at Zagrebfest that same year, and in 1989 the single “Rock Me” swept Eurovision. Global notice ensued, carrying the band to the Distant Accord awards in Nashville before the year closed. Yet Riva proved unable to build on that worldwide breakthrough; a lone album named after the hit and boasting an elaborate dance remix of its title track appeared, after which the outfit disbanded in 1991.

Kokic initiated her independent path in Croatia during 1994 by issuing the debut EP Javi Se along with the charting track “'To Mi Znacis Ti.” Another EP, 100% Emilia, surfaced in 1995, followed by the full-length Ostavi Trag in 1996. That widely embraced collection yielded the successes “Ja Sam Vlak,” a collaboration with fellow Croatian artist Ninom, “Ti Si Najbolje” and “Ostavljas Mi Ljubav.” Her next effort, S Moje Strane Svemira, arrived in 1999 and likewise generated a run of domestic favorites: “Tu Sam Ti Ja,” “Kad Izgubi Se Ljubav,” “Gdje Da Krenem” and “Nebo.” The most recent set, Ja Sam Tu, emerged in 2001 and featured the duet “Ljepota” with Adalbertom Turnerom plus several festival entries that had circulated regionally in preceding seasons, among them “Nisam Ni Okom Trepnula,” “'Ako Opet Vidim Te,” “Nije Vrime” and “Zaboravi Na Mene.”