Zdenka Kovačiček is one of the most significant and long-standing artists of the Croatian music scene. Born in 1944 in Zagreb, she began performing as a child and, in her teenage years, became part of the popular duo Hani, touring across Europe. Over the decades, she built an impressive career rooted in jazz, blues, rock, and soul, becoming one of the most distinctive voices in the region.
“We filmed the music video for „Ne, to nisam bila ja“, written by Marko Tomasović and Nevia Korpar – with Marko Tomasović composing the music and lyrics in collaboration with Nevia Korpar, and the arrangement by Duško Mandić – in Trieste, within the theatre production The Princess and the Pea. I transformed all the scenes from the play into a musical visual as part of her artistic concept,” says Katja Restović. “I liked her immediately. She is so present, so powerful, yet completely authentic. That energy is contagious.”
Throughout her career, Zdenka collaborated with numerous outstanding musicians, performed on major stages and festivals, and left a strong mark on jazz and pop-rock expression. Her voice carries a recognizable tone and interpretative freedom, while her stage presence remains intense and genuine.
Katja notes that they met again several times afterward. “She has a beautiful energy. It’s not just about the voice – it’s about the entire persona. With her, you feel experience, strength, and true artistic freedom.”
Over the decades, Zdenka has remained faithful to herself – strong, independent, and consistent in her artistic vision. That authenticity is what makes her truly exceptional.
“Artists like her leave a mark – not only through their songs, but through the people they touch,” Restović concludes.
