music
March 23, 2026
We must find time for those we love
The guest of "Politika's" podcast "Healthy Lifestyle Guide with Danijela Davidov Kesare" was Bilja Krstic, a musical artist, whose voice has combined tradition and modernity, past and present, the Balkans and the world. Throughout her five-decade career, she has remained true to emotion, authenticity, and deep respect for musical heritage. From her beginnings in the groups "Suncokreti" and "Rani Mraz" to founding the ensemble "Bistrik," our guest has forged a unique musical path, bringing traditional songs back into the focus of contemporary audiences and giving them new life on the domestic and world stage. In the podcast, she spoke about encounters with tradition and music, how cultural heritage is preserved, as well as personal moments she remembers, challenges she faced, joys in life...
TL;DR
- Bilja Krstic has had a five-decade career in music, blending tradition with modernity and Balkan influences with global sounds.
- She founded the ensemble Bistrik to bring traditional songs to contemporary audiences.
- Krstic, now 70, maintains an active lifestyle, attending the gym three times a week.
- She spoke about her granddaughter Nova, who has special needs, describing her as a fighter and a source of strength.
- Krstic values life lessons learned from her mother, such as listening to one's heart and the importance of patience.
- She expressed regret over not spending more time with her sisters who have passed away, emphasizing the importance of cherishing time with loved ones.
- She reminisced about her early musical influences, including Spanish and Mexican songs, and her admiration for actor Joselito.
- Krstic shared fond memories of musicians Bora Đorđević and Đorđe Balašević, describing their personalities and artistic contributions.
- Her ensemble Bistrik performs internationally, attracting audiences interested in traditional music.
- Krstic briefly pursued macrobiotics and maintains a balanced diet, focusing on fish, vegetables, and grains.
- She faced parental opposition when deciding to study music but reached a compromise, eventually studying at the Faculty of Music Arts.
- Krstic considers music her mission and learned the difference between amateur and professional work early in her career with Suncokreti.
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