Silvana Armenulić was a Yugoslav singer and actress who, during the 1960s and 1970s, became synonymous with sevdalinka. born as Zilha Bajraktarević (Sometimes the last name Barjaktarević), fans called her for a reason “Queen of Sevdalinka”. Her career is marked by a strong voice, emotional interpretations of Bosnian folk songs and numerous performances on radio stations, television and films. This article provides verified information about her life, career and legacy along with answers to the most common questions asked by readers.
Early life and background
- Date of birth: Sources are divided – some state that Zilha was born 18. February 1939. in Doboj, while others state as a date 18. May 1939..
- Family: She was third child in the family of Mehmed and Hajrija Bajraktarević; The media described the father as the owner of the pastry shop, and the mother as a housewife. The total number of siblings varies in sources (from ten to thirteen), but they all emphasize that the family was numerous and modest.
- Childhood: She survived diphtheria, while her younger brother suffered from a dog bite, which hit the family hard. Even as a little girl, she learned to play the mandolin and sang along Taverns, which was the beginning of her musical journey.
- Escape to Sarajevo: At the age of sixteen, she fled to her aunt in Sarajevo, where she sang in pubs and met an accordionist Ismet Alajbegović Šerb, who invited her to his orchestra. In order to attract the audience, she took the stage name Silvana according to the Italian actress Silvani Mangano.
unavailable information
data like heights, Net values or other personal measures are not publicly available nor have credible sources ever published them. Therefore, such information is not included in this article.
music career
The rise of the 1960s
In the mid-1960s, Silvana became one of the most sought-after singers on the territory of the former Yugoslavia:
- Initial shots: The first song,The willow towered over the spring“, she recorded after arriving in Belgrade, where she performed in the bohemian district of Skadarlija. Collaborations with composers and duet partners such as Aleksandra Trandafilović, Cuneta Gojković and Slavka Perović They expanded the repertoire.
- First albums and sevdalinka: During the 1960s and early 1970s, she recorded numerous traditional Bosnian songs for Radio Belgrade and released singles with new compositions. Due to the interpretation of sevdalinka, it was called the queen of sevdalinka.
Big hits of the 1970s
The greatest popularity was brought by her collaboration with a singer-songwriter Tom Zdravković. His song “What will my life do without you” It became Silvana’s biggest hit and sold more than 300 Thousand examples. The single marked the year 1972 and cemented her status as a star throughout the region. Other popular songs include:
| Song | Year | Remark |
|---|---|---|
| “my wounds” | 1973. | Known for emotional text |
| “Gypsy, Play Play” | 1974. | A combination of sevdalinka and Roma melos |
| “If I were a bird” | 1975. | conquers the radio airwaves |
| “Doves, fly” | 1974. | Popular duet version |
| “What’s my life” | 1972. | more than 300 000 copies sold |
Silvana also recorded television performances. In the New Year’s program in 1972, she refused to wear a bikini and jump into the pool, which caused controversy and a temporary ban on appearances on state television. Despite this, the audience remained loyal to her.
Film and television roles
Although she was primarily a singer, Silvana also tried her hand as an actress. Her roles include:
- “Love in a country way” (TV series, 1970) – guest singer; She performed the song “What will my life”.
- “Deer Hunting” (Film, 1972) – Role sisters, restaurant girls.
- “Citizens of the village of Luga” (TV movie, 1972) – role Hane.
- “Milorad, Kam Bek” (1970), “Neighbourhood Concert” and “Saniteks” (1973) – episodic roles.
Silvana rarely accepted acting engagements because she considered the songs to be her strongest side, but these projects showed her in a different light and brought her closer to a wider television audience.
private life
marriage and family
Silvana married in 1961 tennis player Radmila Armenulić, one of the most famous athletes of that era. The couple had a daughter Gordan (b. 1964), and the marriage caused polemics because they came from different religious and national environments. The media reports that her father never fully accepted that marriage. After years of turbulence, the spouses were allegedly getting ready for divorce, but official confirmation was never announced.
interests and beliefs
In the last years of her life, Silvana sought the advice of a fortune teller. During a visit to a Bulgarian psychic babi vangi In August 1976. Allegedly, she received a warning that “something will happen to her” within three months. This divination later became part of the folklore about its fate, but it should be viewed as part of the cultural context, not the proof.
tragic death
Silvana’s life was interrupted in a car accident. 10. October 1976. around 21:15 Her hours Ford Granada He collided with a truck on the Belgrade-Niš highway near the village of Kolari. In the car were:
- Silvana Armenulić – She slept in the passenger seat.
- Miodrag “Rade” Jašarević – The driver and leader of her orchestra.
- Mirjana (Mirsada) Bajraktarević – Silvana’s younger sister in the eighth month of pregnancy【892348192122081†L229-L244】.
According to a police report, the car is at a speed of about 130 km/h crossed into the opposite lane and hit the truck; It was suspected that the cause of the failure was a faulty system of brakes. All three died at the scene of the accident. More than 30 000 People participated in the funeral, and some estimates also mention a larger number. Their graves are located at the New Cemetery in Belgrade.
Songs, Style and Legacy
Silvana left an extensive catalog of songs that are still enjoyed today. The highlights are:
- Traditional sevdalinka: “The girl fell asleep under the udder”, “Pain hurts a young boy”, “Mujo forges a horse under the moon”. These songs showed her dedication to the preservation of Bosnian musical heritage.
- Fun Songs: “Gypsy, play Play”, “Doves, take off”, “My wounds”. These compositions combined traditional melody with more modern arrangements.
- duets: She sang with numerous colleagues, including Cuneta Gojković, Arsen Dedić, Aleksandra Trandafilović and Slavka Perović.
Her style was characterized by strong vocal expression, authentic decorative tones typical of sevdalinka, and emotional interpretation. The legacy of Silvana Armenulić lives through numerous covers, radio shows and digital platforms that preserve her recordings.
public perception and search interest
Although she passed away more than five decades ago, Silvana continues to arouse great interest:
- Why was it requested: People mostly search for information about her hits, details of the accident and family life, as well as recordings of her performances.
- Social networks: Since she lived in the era before the Internet, Silvana has no official profiles on social networks. Fans and music channels on platforms like YouTube and Facebook post archival footage and keep a memory of her work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When was Silvana Armenulić born?
The exact date is not unanimous; Some sources state 18. February 1939., while others state 18. May 1939.. It is certain that she was born in Doboj.
What is the real name of Silvana Armenulić?
She was born as Zilha Bajraktarević (in some sources Barjaktarević). stage name Silvana She chose inspired by the Italian actress Silvana Mangano.
Did she have children?
Yes, she had a daughter with her husband Radmila Armenulić Gordan (1964).
How did Silvana Armenulić die?
She died on October 10 October 1976. When her Ford Granado hit a truck near the village of Kolari on the Belgrade-Niš highway. Driver Miodrag Jašarević and her pregnant sister Mirjana also died.
What are Silvana’s most famous songs Armenulić?
The most famous are “What will my life” (more than 300 000 records sold), “Gypsy, play Play”, “Da sam ptica”, “My wounds” and numerous traditional sevdalinka.
Is there an official profile of Silvana Armenulić on social networks?
No. It operated in the era before the Internet, so it has no official profiles; However, numerous fans and channels publish her archival footage and interviews.
Conclusion
Silvana Armenulić was remembered as a legendary performer whose voice and interpretation of sevdalinka still touch audiences throughout the region. Although her life is tragically interrupted, she still lives on today. For new generations that discover sevdalinka, Silvana represents a bridge between tradition and modernity. Keep exploring her recordings and concerts – the story of the queen of sevdalinka will always have a place in the hearts of music lovers.