Šarlo Akrobata

Šarlo Akrobata

Company type	Musical group
Industry	Music
Founded	1980
Founder	Milan Mladenović, Dušan "Koja" Kojić, Ivan "Vd" Vdović
Defunct	1981
Headquarters	Belgrade , Yugoslavia (now Serbia)
Products	Music albums, singles

Šarlo Akrobata () was a pivotal Serbian new wave and post-punk ensemble originating from Belgrade. Despite their brief existence, they played a crucial role in shaping the Yugoslav new wave movement and left an enduring legacy within the former Yugoslav music industry.

The group emerged from the progressive and hard rock band Limunovo Drvo (), which was established in 1977 by guitarist and vocalist Milan Mladenović alongside guitarist Dragomir "Gagi" Mihajlović. Following several personnel changes and a transition towards new wave, bassist and vocalist Dušan "Koja" Kojić and drummer Ivan "Vd" Vdović joined the lineup. After a live performance in April 1980, Mihajlović exited the band. The remaining three members adopted the name Šarlo Akrobata, inspired by the Yugoslav moniker for Charlie Chaplin's iconic Tramp character.

In 1981, the band contributed four songs to the influential compilation Paket aranžman, a milestone in Yugoslav rock history. That same year, they released their debut album Bistriji ili tuplji čovek biva kad..., which received widespread critical praise and is regarded as a seminal record of its time. However, internal disagreements led to their breakup shortly thereafter.

After disbanding, Mladenović reunited with Vdović and Mihajlović to form Katarina II, which was later renamed Ekatarina Velika following lineup modifications. Meanwhile, Kojić founded Disciplina Kičme, which was rebranded as Disciplin A Kitschme in 1995. Vdović succumbed to AIDS in 1992, while Mladenović died from pancreatic cancer in 1994.

Origins: Limunovo Drvo

In 1978, Milan Mladenović (guitar and vocals) teamed up with Gagi Mihajlović (guitar) to create the progressive/hard rock band Limunovo Drvo. The initial lineup also included bassist Goran "Maksa" Kovinčić and drummer Dušan "Džindžer" Dejanović. This formation underwent frequent changes, with musicians like bassist Mikica Stefanović joining temporarily and Kovinčić and Dejanović returning at intervals. Despite these shifts, Limunovo Drvo maintained a foothold in Belgrade’s underground music circles, performing at guitar festivals as well as venues such as Belgrade Youth Center and Studentski kulturni centar (SKC). They recorded demos at JM Sound Studio in Zagreb but never released an official album; reports suggest they were close to signing with Suzy Records before disbanding. Their setlist featured tracks including "Da li se sećate?" and "Limunovo drvo."

At a pivotal moment creatively, Mladenović and Mihajlović brought on board Dušan "Koja" Kojić, a bassist and vocalist active within Belgrade’s punk and alternative scenes linked to SKC, along with drummer Ivan Vdović "VD", who had a background in jazz. Kojić had previously collaborated with Mladenović in Izvan Vremena. This refreshed rhythm section steered the band’s sound towards punk and new wave styles. Additionally, Kojić enlisted Nenad "Kele" Krasavac as an unofficial manager. In April 1980, Limunovo Drvo opened for Pankrti at Belgrade SKC showcasing new material; soon after this event, Mihajlović departed, prompting the trio to rename themselves Šarlo Akrobata.

By June 1980, Šarlo Akrobata participated in several free concerts at Belgrade SKC alongside other emerging new wave and punk groups. Together with Električni Orgazam and Idoli, they were identified by Džuboks critic Momčilo Rajin as among the most promising new acts. Rajin highlighted Vdović’s drumming style reminiscent of Stewart Copeland, praised Kojić’s straightforward bass lines, and acknowledged Mladenović’s leadership qualities. These three bands collectively became recognized as the foundation of the "Belgrade Alternative Scene" (BAS), centered around SKC. In November of that year, Šarlo Akrobata competed at the Festival Omladina in Subotica with their song "Ona se budi," securing second place from the jury behind Film.

Paket aranžman

By the fall of 1980, the group had completed recordings of "Ona se budi," "Oko moje glave," "Niko kao ja," and "Mali čovek" at Druga Maca studio in Belgrade, owned by Enco Lesić, former keyboardist of Indexi who had also collaborated with Idoli and Električni Orgazam. Jugoton’s executive editor Siniša Škarica, working alongside Lesić and the band's manager Dragan Papić, opted to issue these tracks as a compilation album rather than separate maxi singles. During these sessions, PGP RTB executives Boris Miljković and Branimir Dimitrijević "Tucko" produced minimalist music videos for the three groups, which were later broadcast on the third episode of the Rokenroler TV show on New Year’s Eve 1981. This broadcast represented the first television exposure for these Belgrade new wave bands and was a groundbreaking step toward introducing music videos into Yugoslav mainstream media.

Following this airing, journalist Nebojša Mirčetović commended the program as signaling a new era of quality music ready for record labels to promote. In early 1981, readers of Džuboks magazine ranked drummer Ivica Vdović tenth and bassist Dušan Kojić ninth among that year’s top musicians.

Although production delays occurred due to vinyl shortages, Jugoton released the compilation Paket aranžman in February 1981, showcasing Šarlo Akrobata alongside Električni Orgazam and Idoli. Despite initial dissatisfaction with both production standards and postponements, the album ultimately became one of the most pivotal records in Yugoslav rock history. Critic Momčilo Rajin likened its importance to landmark debut albums by Grupa 220, Bijelo Dugme, Prljavo Kazalište, and Pankrti. While it did not achieve major commercial success—initial sales were around 10,000 copies, rising to 20,000 after reissues—tracks such as "Ona se budi" and "Niko kao ja" have frequently appeared on lists highlighting the greatest Yugoslav rock songs.

Shortly thereafter, Šarlo Akrobata contributed three pieces to Miša Radivojević’s film Dečko koji obećava (Promising Boy), featuring guitarist Goran Vejvoda and actor Aleksandar Berček on lead vocals. These songs—"Slobodan," "Balada o tvrdim grudima," and "Depresija"—were performed by the fictional group VIS Dobri Dečaci within the movie but were never officially released. In March 1981, Šarlo Akrobata took part in the Pozdrav iz Beograda concert held in Zagreb to promote the Belgrade new wave scene along with their debut single "Mali čovek," which had been issued earlier with "Ona se budi" as its B-side.

Bistriji ili tuplji čovek biva kad...

The band commenced work on their first full-length album in April 1981, originally intended for release through PGP RTB. However, after visits from label editors Aleksandar Pilipenko and Bojan Hreljac during recording sessions, the project was shelved by that label. Although initially grounded in punk rock and white reggae, the album developed into an experimental fusion incorporating elements of British new wave, reggae rhythms, punk energy, and dub effects. Mladenović emphasized poetic melodic lines while Kojić, drawing inspiration from Jimi Hendrix, contributed sparse lyrics paired with intense musical arrangements.

In July 1981, following Jugoton’s acquisition of the recordings from PGP RTB, Bistriji ili tuplji čovek biva kad... (translated as Brighter or Dumber a Man Gets When...) was officially released. The album featured guest appearances by Goran Vejvoda, Gagi Mihajlović, Jurij Novoselić "Kuzma" from Film, and Dejan Kostić from Grupa I. The production credit "Akpiđoto" was a composite name derived from the band (Ak), producer Mile Miletić (Pile), Đorđe Petrović (đo), and sound engineer Toni Jurij (to), who specialized in dub techniques. The cover art was created collaboratively by the band and Vejvoda; it displays a mirrored image of the group facing a young boy, with individual band members contributing personal sketches on the sleeve.

The album’s title was inspired by Vasa Pelagić’s book Narodni učitelj (The Folk Teacher), which also supplied lyrics for the experimental piece "Pazite na decu I" ("Take Care Of The Children I"). Alongside this track and "Ljubavna pesma," the record included rearranged compositions dating back to their Limunovo Drvo period as well as new material—all credited collectively to Šarlo Akrobata. The absence of popular songs from Paket aranžman, such as "Ona se budi" or "Niko kao ja," which the band considered repetitive, negatively impacted sales; approximately 10,000 copies were sold without any subsequent repressings.

Despite its limited commercial impact at the time, this album is widely regarded by both musicians and critics as one of Yugoslav rock’s most important releases and continues to be featured prominently on lists celebrating the greatest albums in Yugoslav rock history.

Album promotion and dissolution

Following their recording session on 15 May 1981 with Croatian new wave group Haustor, Šarlo Akrobata served as the opening act for the Gang of Four during the Music Biennale Zagreb festival. A scheduled opening gig in Ljubljana was ultimately canceled. The band experienced internal discord stemming from conflicting ideas about their future direction. Vdović advocated for bringing in Goran Vejvoda and possibly Dragana Šarić (known as Bebi Dol), both associated with his side project Announda Rouge. Meanwhile, Mladenović favored adding a keyboardist, intrigued by Vejvoda’s Casio VL-2 synthesizer, whereas Kojić firmly resisted any lineup changes, convinced that the existing members still held potential. Kojić later reflected that their harmonious relations lasted only about six months.

Due to strained interpersonal dynamics, the group was hesitant to engage in extensive promotion of their album, fully aware that their breakup was approaching. During the album sessions, they recorded a double A-side single featuring "Bes" ("Anger") and "Prevaren" ("Fooled")—the former a dub remix and the latter a power pop tune—but this release never materialized. In autumn 1981, they were honored with the "Smeli cvet" award by the Socialist Youth of Yugoslavia and embarked on a tour across Poland, which included an impromptu jam session with British jazz artists at the Warsaw jazz festival. Their final concert took place in Ljubljana in October 1981, drawing approximately 1,000 spectators and standing as one of their most prominent performances before disbanding.

Aftermath of breakup

At the point of Šarlo Akrobata’s dissolution, Kojić had begun rehearsing alongside manager Nenad Krasavac "Kele" (drummer from Belgrade punk band Urbana Gerila) as a duo called Disciplina Kičme, with Kojić on bass and Krasavac on drums. Following the split, Milan Mladenović established Katarina II with Gagi Mihajlović (guitar), Dušan Dejanović (drums), and Zoran "Švaba" Radomirović (bass), soon supplemented by keyboardist Margita Stefanović. Dejanović left to join Disciplina Kičme and was replaced by Ivica Vdović "VD".

Disciplina Kičme released their first album Sviđa mi se da ti ne bude prijatno in 1983, which included tracks originally performed by Šarlo Akrobata. The following year saw Katarina II’s debut album Katarina II. After Mihajlović and Vdović departed, the band changed its name to Ekatarina Velika.

Throughout the 1980s, both Disciplina Kičme and Ekatarina Velika produced critically praised albums that achieved moderate commercial success. The rivalry between them escalated when Srđan Todorović, drummer for Disciplina Kičme, joined Ekatarina Velika in 1987. That same year, Disciplina Kičme released the EP Dečija pesma, featuring six variations of its title track with lyrics alluding to rival bands. One version featured guest appearance from Vdović, who had collaborated with Du Du A and Heroji after leaving Katarina II.

In 1989, Vdović founded DDT alongside former Urbana Gerila member Srđan Marković "Đile" and ex-Profili Profili musician Miodrag Stojanović "Čeza". On 23 September 1992, Ivan Vdović passed away due to AIDS at age 32; he was recognized as the first officially documented HIV-positive individual in former Yugoslavia.

In 1991, Jugoton reissued Paket aranžman on CD format, marking one of Yugoslavia’s earliest CD releases. With the outbreak of the Yugoslav wars in 1992, Mladenović became involved in the antiwar collective Rimtutituki, while Kojić moved to London, where he revived Disciplina Kičme under the new moniker Disciplin A Kitschme. This incarnation released several albums blending English-language versions of earlier songs with fresh material and earned a cult following.

After producing two albums with Ekatarina Velika, Mladenović relocated to Brazil in 1994 to collaborate with Mitar Subotić as part of Angel's Breath, releasing an album recorded with Brazilian musicians. Upon his return, Ekatarina Velika performed their final concert on 24 August 1994 at the Pjesma Mediterana festival in Budva. The following day Mladenović was hospitalized due to pancreatic cancer; he died on 5 November 1994 at age 36.

Kojić maintained Disciplin A Kitschme’s London lineup until his return to Belgrade in 2003. In 2002, actress and director Sonja Savić created the independent documentary Šarlo te gleda, dedicated to late drummer Ivan Vdović and chronicling Šarlo Akrobata’s role within Belgrade’s '80s music scene. The following year saw Igor Mirković release both a book and film titled Sretno dijete, covering Yugoslav new wave history including Šarlo Akrobata; however, Kojić declined participation due to disagreements over inclusion of bands such as Bijelo Dugme. In 2005, Kojić revived Disciplin A Kitschme in Belgrade and resumed recording and touring activities. In 2007, Croatia Records issued a remastered box set of Paket Aranžman, featuring debut albums by Šarlo Akrobata and Električni orgazam.

Musical style

During the period when Limunovo Drvo embraced progressive and hard rock, Milan Mladenović developed an interest in British new wave groups such as XTC and The Stranglers, a taste he shared with Dušan Kojić "Koja." Kojić's entry into the band steered their sound toward punk rock and new wave genres. Drummer Ivica Vdović "VD," bringing a jazz background and inspirations like Frank Zappa, played a significant role in shaping this fresh musical direction. Initially, Šarlo Akrobata's sound leaned more heavily toward punk than new wave but gradually moved towards a minimalist instrumental approach. Their repertoire incorporated elements of reggae, ska, and punk funk, drawing influence from Gang of Four's Entertainment! and Joe Jackson's Look Sharp!, as showcased on the Paket aranžman compilation. Kojić also acknowledged the impact of artists such as James Chance and the Contortions, The Pop Group, Public Image Limited, Miles Davis, and Jimi Hendrix.

Following their contribution to Paket aranžman, the band explored an experimental style described as "organized chaos," where Vdović’s open drumming style complemented Kojić’s forceful bass lines and Mladenović’s melodic guitar playing and vocals. Mladenović considered himself the cohesive element that unified these diverse components, partly due to his dual responsibilities as both vocalist and instrumentalist. This creative phase culminated in their only studio album, Bistriji ili tuplji čovek biva kad... The record begins with "Šarlo je nežan," a waltz inspired by The Stranglers and Magazine, followed by "Pazite na decu," notable for its unconventional instrument swapping among band members and guest musicians.

The album features highly experimental tracks like "Ljubavna pesma" and "Čovek," both recorded in single takes; the latter serves as an homage to the band Buldožer through its intense tempo. Several songs from Limunovo Drvo—such as "Fenomen," "Sad se jasno vidi," and "Rano izjutra"—were reinterpreted into raw punk renditions, alongside the melodious "Samo ponekad," which includes an oriental-inspired solo. Ska influences persist on "O, O, O," highlighted by a saxophone solo performed by Jurij Novoselić "Kuzma" from Film. Elements of dub are present in tracks like "Bes" and "Problem," the latter employing innovative microphone techniques. The album also contains songs influenced by British power pop, including "Ja želim jako" and "Pazite na decu II."

Legacy

The enduring impact of Šarlo Akrobata is evident through numerous cover versions of their songs by various artists. In 1995, Slovenian band 2227 honored them with the single "Šarlo budi nežan" ("Šarlo, Be Gentle"). During the late 1990s, Serbian punk groups Džukele and Plejboj recorded covers of "Fenomen" and "Sad se jasno vidi," respectively. In 2009, Serbian actor-musician Nikola Pejaković "Kolja" released a digital single featuring "Samo ponekad," while guitarist Miroslav Tadić produced an instrumental rendition of "Ona se budi" in 2013.

The tribute album Kao da je bilo nekad... (Posvećeno Milanu Mladenoviću) from 2002 included Šarlo Akrobata covers performed by Serbian bands such as Novembar, Darko Rundek, and VROOM. At a 2003 tribute concert held in Zagreb, Srđan Gojković from Električni Orgazam performed several Šarlo Akrobata tracks, which were subsequently released on the live album Jako dobar tatoo!.

Their album Bistriji ili tuplji čovek biva kad... was positioned at number 11 in the 1998 publication YU 100: najbolji albumi jugoslovenske rok i pop muzike, while Paket aranžman secured the second spot. In 2015, Croatian Rolling Stone ranked Bistriji ili tuplji čovek biva kad... as the second greatest Yugoslav album ever made, with Paket aranžman placed at number 38.

Several of their songs also achieved notable rankings: on the 2000 Rock Express Top 100 Yugoslav Rock Songs list, "Niko kao ja" was ranked eighth and "Ona se budi" sixty-second. Meanwhile, on B92's 2006 Top 100 Domestic Songs list, "Ona se budi" attained fifth place and "Niko kao ja" ninth.

Lyrics from six Šarlo Akrobata compositions—five penned by Mladenović and one by Kojić—were included in Petar Janjatović's anthology Pesme bratstva, detinjstva & potomstva: Antologija ex YU rok poezije 1967 - 2007, underscoring their cultural importance.

Members

Past members

• Milan Mladenović – vocals, guitar (April 1980 – October 1981)
• Dušan Kojić "Koja" – vocals, bass guitar (April 1980 – October 1981)
• Ivan Vdović "VD" – backing vocals, drums (April 1980 – October 1981)
• Dragomir Mihajlović "Gagi" – guitar (April 1980)

Note: Dragomir Mihajlović’s membership is tentative, as the band's initial appearance under the name Šarlo Akrobata followed their April 1980 performance as Limunovo Drvo opening for Pankrti.

Discography

Albums

• Bistriji ili tuplji čovek biva kad... (1981)

References

• "Meni je tvoj mozak drag...", Petar Luković, Džuboks, 7 November 1980
• "Muzika, aranžmani i tekst: Šarlo Akrobata", Branko Vukojević, Nebojša Pajkić, Džuboks, 11 September 1981
• "BISTRIJI ILI TUPLJI ČOVEK BIVA KAD - 25 godina kasnije: Ja želim jako… snažno", Dušan Kojić "Koja", Popboks, 29 December 2006
• Antonić, Duško; Štrbac, Danilo (1998). YU 100: najbolji albumi jugoslovenske rok i pop muzike. Belgrade: YU Rock Press

External links

• Šarlo Akrobata on YouTube
• Šarlo Akrobata on Last.fm
• Šarlo Akrobata on Discogs
• Šarlo Akrobata on Progarchives
• Šarlo Akrobata on B92.fm