The group Seven Up was founded in the early 1990s in Sarajevo and very quickly grew into one of the most popular and in-demand pop-dance acts in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider region. In the post-war period, their appearance marked a new wave of youthful energy, dance, optimism, and a modern sound that strongly resonated with the audience.
Seven Up were more than just a music group — they were a true visual and stage phenomenon: attractive, dance-oriented, fashion-conscious, and perfectly aligned with the global boy band trends of the time. Their performances were dynamic, choreographed, and extremely well attended, and the band soon became one of the biggest teenage sensations of the 1990s in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
– They were actually the very first real boy band in Bosnia and the entire region. At the time, that was truly fascinating – adds Katja Restović.
Discography and Key Albums
Over the course of their career, they released several studio albums, the most notable among them being: Noćne ptice (1995) Otvori oči (1998/1999) Seven (2000)
These albums delivered a series of songs that defined an era and remained memorable for their strong choruses, dance rhythms, and emotional themes close to young audiences.
Among their most famous songs are: Otvori oči, Probudi me, Igra i varanje, Ko te od mene skriva, Ti si moje nebo, Nestane svijeta ect.
Members and Their Importance on the Scene
Through different phases, Seven Up included several members, among whom the most notable were:
• Gordan Radić – Gogi
• Elvir Hadžijamaković – Lilo
• Damir Pašić – Dadi
• Nedim Zgodić
• For a period, also Deen (Fuad Backović), who later built a successful solo career.
Seven Up marked an entire decade of regional pop production, leaving a powerful trace in music, television, and pop culture. Their music videos, performances, and media presence made them one of the most recognizable bands of their era.
When the boys from Seven Up first came to see me, even before the actual filming began, I asked them what they had prepared to wear. And then they brought out not one, but three complete collections. I was left speechless — I had never experienced anything like that before – recalls Katja Restović.
The real excitement came when they started to dance. It was pure world-class sound. At one point, I felt as if I were watching the Backstreet Boys or a major international production. Their preparation, discipline, and energy completely won me over – Restović emphasizes.
The boys arrived at the shoots with a stylist and make-up artist Sandra Marković, and everything from the very beginning felt professional, well-coordinated, and precise. Very quickly, however, the professional relationship grew into a private friendship. We all became friends quite fast, and I especially grew close to Lilo. We found common ground almost immediately, and that friendship has lasted to this day – Restović points out.
In addition to professionalism, the shoots were also filled with laughter. One anecdote in particular has remained unforgettable. I had the idea to shoot on a modern yacht, imagined them in white T-shirts, a summer atmosphere, fresh and bright. But the yacht was reached by a narrow footbridge. Since I have a panic fear of falling into the water, I crossed it literally on my knees. There was so much laughter that we could hardly breathe – Restović recalls with a smile and adds – Every shoot with them was endlessly fun.
Their Sarajevo charm, she says, was unmatched. They were punctual, responsible, creative, and the camera adored them. Every frame looked beautiful. When editing a boy band, you have to make sure everyone is equally represented, and it was difficult for me to choose because they were all equally convincing and charismatic – Restović continues.
Together, they produced several music videos, including – Lutka iz izloga, Probudi me, Igra i varanje, and Otvoram oči.
– I still remember every second of those shoots as if they were yesterday. At that time, they were a great refreshment in my work – through their music, their energy, and as people – Restović says.
From that collaboration, a lasting friendship was born. From all of it came a deep, sincere, and lasting friendship, especially with Lilo, and that is perhaps the most precious part of the entire story for me – Katja Restović concludes.
– For me, that was an exceptionally beautiful period of my life – she adds at the very end.
