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Zeljko JoksimovicPopular Serbian singer and composer
Date of Birth: 20.04.1972
Country:  Serbia |
Content:
- Early Life and Musical Beginnings
- Recognition as a Composer
- International Breakthrough
- "Eurovision" and Beyond
- Other Accomplishments
- Personal Life
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Željko Joksimović, a prominent Serbian singer-songwriter, was born in Belgrade and spent his childhood in Valjevo. His musical journey commenced at age 12, when he won the title of Best European Accordionist in Paris in 1984. Today, he plays 14 different instruments, primarily keyboards.
Recognition as a Composer
Joksimović's talent as a composer emerged at the "Belgrade Spring" festival, where his song placed third in 1993 and won the Second Jury Award for his performance of "Aria" in 1995. His compositions also triumphed at the "Beogradsko Proleće" festival in 1993, 1996, and 1997. His work as a composer and arranger garnered recognition at festivals in Yugoslavia ("Budva"), Macedonia ("Eurofest"), and Belarus ("Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk", "Golden Hit").
International Breakthrough
In 1999, Joksimović's career soared with two major international awards: the Grand Prix at the Golden Hit festival in Belarus for his song "Pesma Sirena" and the FIDOF International Organization prize for musical interpretation and contemporary expression of ethnic motifs at the "Song of the Mediterranean" festival in Budva.
"Eurovision" and Beyond
Joksimović's participation in the "Eurovision" Song Contest has been a pivotal part of his career. In 2004, he achieved second place with "Lane Moje" at "Eurovision 2004" in Istanbul. He also wrote the songs "Lejla" for Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2006 and "Oro" for Serbia in 2008, both of which placed among the top six. In 2012, Joksimović returned as a performer, placing third with "Nije Ljubav Stvar." He co-hosted "Eurovision 2008" in Belgrade with his future wife, Jovana Janković.
Other Accomplishments
Beyond his music, Joksimović has also been involved in theater, composing music for several plays. His debut album was the top-selling album for "City Records" in 2000. He has also received numerous awards for his artistic contributions. In recent years, he has served as the chairman of the jury for the Yugoslav version of "X-Factor."
Personal Life
Joksimović married Jovana Janković in 2012. He has two daughters, Mina (born 1995) from a previous marriage and Ana (born 2017), and two sons, Košta (born 2014) and Srna (born 2017), with Jovana.
