The song “Nima Splita do Splita” was composed by the Croatian composer Nikica Kalogjera in 1967, with lyrics by Ivica Krajach. It was performed that same year by the Yugoslav pop diva Tereza Kesovija at the prestigious “Split Festival.” This song has been officially designated as the anthem of the “Split Festival“.
In his extensive career, Nikica Kalogjera has composed more than a thousand compositions and received numerous awards and accolades. He made his recording debut in 1952 with Ivo Robić for Jugoton. Despite having a medical degree, his passion for music led him to complete studies at the Music Academy and commit his entire life to the art of music.
Nikica Kalogjera’s influence as a composer extended to numerous Yugoslav festivals during his time. His compositions were performed by well-known artists like Ljupka Dimitrovska (his wife), Tereza Kesovija, Miro Ungar, Ivica Sherfezi, and the Dubrovnik Troubadours. In addition, over 500 of his works were published by foreign publishers and performed by international stars like Mireille Mathieu, Claudio Villa, Loretta Goggi, Sofia Rotaru, Edith Piaf, Riccardo del Turco, among others.
Kalogjera’s repertoire also encompasses theatre and film music, with some of his most notable compositions featured in movies like “Chovik od svita”, “Goli chovjek”, “Put u Raj”, “Lov na jelene”, and “Kapetan Mikula Mali“.
During the 1960s, Kalogjera made significant contributions to American music as well. He crafted arrangements for six LPs released by American record companies RCA, Columbia, and Victor, all produced under license from Jugoton.
After a long and serious illness, Nikica Kalogjera died in 2006, leaving behind an impressive opus of original works, which have a significant place in the Yugoslav discography.
