No Name

Biography

No Name was a Montenegrin pop band formed in 2003, best known for their Eurovision success and the controversies in their national selection attempts. The group’s career spanned from 2003 until 2008, during which they rose to fame as Serbia and Montenegro’s Eurovision 2005 act. 

Background and Formation

No Name was formed in Podgorica, Montenegro on 19 November 2003. The band consisted of six young members: Marko Perić, Marko Prentić, Danijel Alibabić, Branko Nedović, Dragoljub Purlija, and Bojan Jovović. From the start, they performed upbeat pop music and were often called a Montenegrin boy band. In 2004, No Name gained initial recognition by competing in local music festivals. Their first single “Za tebe i mene” won second place at the Sunčane Skale festival in 2004. This early success put the spotlight on No Name and prepared them for bigger stages ahead.

Eurovision 2005 – Serbia and Montenegro Entry

In 2005, No Name had their breakthrough. They entered Evropesma 2005, the joint Serbia-Montenegro song contest, as underdogs. Their song “Zauvijek moja” (meaning “Forever Mine”) was a pop ballad with a strong Montenegrin identity. Thanks to its local charm and a captivating performance, the song won the national contest, receiving top points from Montenegro’s jury. This caused some debate among Serbian viewers, but No Name emerged as the official choice for Eurovision 2005.

At the Eurovision Song Contest 2005 in Kyiv, No Name proudly represented Serbia and Montenegro. They delivered a memorable performance of “Zauvijek moja” and achieved a 7th place finish in the Grand Final (137 points). This strong result — seventh out of 24 finalists — was a significant accomplishment for the country’s second ever Eurovision entry. No Name’s success in Eurovision 2005 made them national stars and secured Serbia and Montenegro a direct spot in the Eurovision 2006 final (had the country participated). The song “Zauvijek moja” became a hit in the region.

2006 National Selection Controversy

Following their Eurovision fame, No Name aimed to return to the contest in 2006. They entered the national selection with a new song called “Moja ljubavi” (“My Love”). In Montenegro’s semi-final (Montevizija 2006) they placed second, qualifying for the grand final Evropesma 2006. No Name went on to win the 2006 national final as well, but the victory was marred by controversy. In that final, the Montenegrin jury gave zero points to the popular Serbian act, Flamingosi, which many felt was unfair. Some observers accused the jurors of biased voting in favor of No Name. The result sparked a public dispute between the Serbian and Montenegrin sides of the audience.

The controversy around Evropesma 2006 happened during a tense political time, as Montenegro was moving toward independence that year. The disputed voting became a national issue. In protest, Serbia’s state broadcaster (RTS) refused to send No Name to Eurovision 2006. As a result, Serbia and Montenegro withdrew from Eurovision 2006, and No Name never got the chance to perform “Moja ljubavi” on the Eurovision stage. This incident is remembered as one of Eurovision’s biggest national selection scandals, and it left the band with mixed public reactions at home.

Later Years and Break-Up in 2008

After 2006, No Name continued their music career in the Balkans, though without another Eurovision appearance. They released a few more singles and took part in regional music festivals. For example, they competed at the Budva Music Festival in 2007 and earned second place with the song “Postelja od leda”. Despite their popularity, the band did not release a full album. Internal changes also occurred – in November 2006, bassist Marko Perić left the group. Over time, the members began pursuing separate paths. No Name officially split up in 2008, marking the end of the band’s career. Their break-up was met with disappointment from fans in Montenegro, as the group had shown potential for lasting success. The members later revealed that lack of experience and industry support contributed to the band’s early end.

After the Split – Life and Careers Later

After disbanding, the ex-members of No Name stayed active in music and entertainment. Bojan Jovović went on to make a Eurovision comeback: he joined the band Highway and represented Montenegro again at Eurovision 2016 (Highway was Montenegro’s act in Stockholm). Danijel Alibabić also remained in the Eurovision sphere. He became a mentor and producer for new artists; notably, he helped form the group D-Moll, who represented Montenegro in 2019’s Eurovision selection. Danijel has been involved in mentoring young talent and even took on roles in organizing music festivals in Montenegro.

Marko Prentić, another vocalist of No Name, pursued a solo music career and worked as a composer. He even dedicated himself to teaching guitar at a music school, sharing his experience with students. Other members, such as Branko Nedović and Dragoljub Purlija, continued to perform and play music in various projects, though mostly away from the limelight. From time to time, the former bandmates have hinted at reunions for special concerts. In interviews they expressed pride in what No Name achieved and regret that the group ended too soon.

No Name’s legacy lives on through their Eurovision hit and the members’ ongoing contributions to Montenegrin music. The band is remembered for putting Montenegro on the Eurovision map as part of Serbia and Montenegro’s 2005 entry, and for their dramatic band career marked by both success and controversy. “Zauvijek moja” remains a beloved song among Eurovision fans, symbolizing No Name’s brief but impactful journey.