Nino Pršeš

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Nino Pršeš (born 29 August 1972) is a Bosnian singer, composer, and keyboardist from Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. He attended a music high school and went on to study at the Sarajevo Academy of Music, focusing on music theory and pedagogy. During the 1990s, he performed as a keyboard player with numerous pop, rock, and folk bands. He collaborated with many well-known Bosnian artists. This period allowed him to hone his skills in various genres. He drew great inspiration from traditional Bosnian ethno music, which would later influence his signature sound. Pršeš even briefly sang as part of the Sarajevo Opera choir and presented his first original song at a local festival in 1995, marking the start of his songwriting career. These early experiences set the stage for his emergence as a prominent figure in the Bosnian music scene.

Rise to Fame and Debut Album

By the end of the 1990s, Nino Pršeš transitioned from being a backing musician to a solo artist. In late 2000, he released his debut solo album Ženi se (which translates to “Get Married”). The album was well-received in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Several songs from Ženi se became popular hits on local radio and television. Tracks like “Sad mi krivo” resonated with audiences and are still remembered, showcasing Pršeš’s ability to blend pop music with elements of folk melodies. His rise to fame was swift, as his distinctive mix of contemporary pop and Balkan ethnic styles helped him stand out among Bosnian singers. By 2001, Pršeš had become one of the country’s notable music stars, known for catchy songs and lyrics that many Bosnians could sing along to.

Eurovision Song Contest 2001

In 2001, Nino Pršeš gained international exposure by representing Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Eurovision Song Contest. He entered Bosnia’s national selection with an original song called “Hano,” which he wrote and composed himself. Pršeš won the national competition decisively, earning the honor of performing for his country on the Eurovision stage. At the Eurovision finals held in Copenhagen, he delivered an understated yet memorable performance of “Hano.” The song is an ethno-inspired pop track, reflecting Pršeš’s trademark style of blending modern beats with traditional Balkan sounds. “Hano” finished in 14th place out of 23 entries that year, scoring 29 points. 

Solo Albums and Hit Songs

Following Eurovision, Nino Pršeš continued to build his discography and musical repertoire. In October 2001, he released his second album, titled 1/1 (pronounced “Jedan kroz jedan,” meaning “One-on-One”). This sophomore album further showcased Pršeš’s range as a singer-songwriter, containing songs that balanced pop-rock with folk influences. He wrote, composed, and arranged most of his own material, asserting creative control over his music. Pršeš’s ability to serve as singer, composer, arranger, and producer for his work earned him recognition as a versatile artist in the Bosnian music industry.

In March 2005, Pršeš released his third album, Rum-Pum, under the Hayat Production label. This album was an ambitious multimedia project. It featured eight new songs and included bonus content like music videos and a photo album on the enhanced CD. Pršeš took pride in being the complete author of Rum-Pum, writing all the lyrics and music and even designing the cover concept. The album also featured collaborations with prominent Bosnian artists. For example, legendary folk singer Halid Bešlić and rock vocalist Mladen Vojičić “Tifa” made guest appearances on the record. One of the standout singles from Rum-Pum, a rhythmic ethno-pop song titled “Lamiya,” won a special award at a 2005 radio festival in Zenica. By this time, Pršeš had produced a string of hits (such as “Hano,” “Sad mi krivo,” and “Lamija”) that solidified his place as a household name in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s pop music scene. He was not only performing his own songs but also writing for others. Notably, he penned the hit song “Želja” for singer Igor Vukojević, showing his strength as a composer for fellow artists.

Collaborations and Musical Style

Throughout his career, Nino Pršeš demonstrated a commitment to collaboration and preserving Bosnia’s musical heritage. Before and during his solo success, he worked closely with many other musicians. He often performed as a keyboardist or arranger for popular Yugoslav and Bosnian singers, including icons like Dino Merlin and Hanka Paldum. Pršeš became known for fusing contemporary pop/rock with traditional Balkan elements, an approach that was somewhat ahead of its time. His songs frequently incorporated folk instruments or melodies, making them stand out. This unique style helped pave the way for younger Bosnian artists who blend genres today. 

Work in Production and Media

In addition to performing, Nino Pršeš has been active behind the scenes in music production. He is a skilled arranger, composer, and producer who has contributed to many projects beyond his own albums. Pršeš has arranged and written music for a variety of Bosnian pop and folk artists, helping with compositions and song arrangements to support their careers. He also ventured into creating music for other media. For instance, Pršeš composed instrumental background music used in television shows and wrote jingles and themes for commercials. He founded and ran his own audio-video production studio in Sarajevo, which enabled him to produce music and videos with full creative control.

From 2008 to 2011, Pršeš took his production expertise abroad. He moved to Slovenia for a few years and worked there as a music producer and a production director in the entertainment industry. During his time in Slovenia, he collaborated on international projects. For example, he co-produced and arranged a single for a Slovenian band named Plava Jabuka in 2008. He also applied his technical skills in the film and video field, working as a film technician (production technical specialist) for Slovenian media projects. 

Later Years and Public Life

After returning to Sarajevo in 2011, Nino Pršeš gradually stepped back from the spotlight of the music industry. Having spent over a decade as a prominent singer, he made the decision to “retire” from the active music scene and focus on a more stable life at home. Pršeš found a new professional path in the public sector. He became an employee of the Municipality of Novi Grad Sarajevo, working as a technical specialist (technician) in the city administration. In this role, he does not work with music but instead utilizes his other qualifications. Pršeš holds a degree in computer science, which he has put to use in his municipal job. Despite moving away from commercial music, Pršeš has remained connected to his community and culture. He even wrote a tribute song titled “Sarajeva srce ti si” (“Sarajevo, You Are the Heart”) dedicated to his hometown. This song was embraced as an unofficial anthem of the Novi Grad area of Sarajevo, reflecting Pršeš’s love for his city and its people. It was his gift to the community and showcased that his passion for music and Bosnia’s heritage remains alive, even if he is no longer actively recording pop albums.

In 2017, after years off the stage, Nino Pršeš made a brief return to the music scene with a special project called “Sevdah Koncept.” This project involved modern re-arrangements of classic Bosnian sevdalinka songs presented in a contemporary style. Pršeš collaborated with younger singers and musicians on Sevdah Koncept to fuse the old and the new. The goal was to introduce the rich sevdah musical tradition to new generations in a fresh way. The experiment was well received and demonstrated Pršeš’s continued commitment to cultural music. He envisioned turning Sevdah Koncept into a full multimedia concert experience, with shows around the world featuring Bosnian historical storytelling through music and visuals. 

As of 2025, Nino Pršeš has not released new solo music since the Sevdah Koncept project, and he has largely kept a low public profile. In interviews, he has expressed that he would consider a return to the music scene only if there is a meaningful reason or platform to do so (for example, a revival of music festivals or a cultural initiative that inspires him).