Grupa I
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Founder | Dejan Kostić, Predrag Mijović, Branko Kojić, Branko Kuštrin, Branko Bogićević |
| Defunct | 1982 |
| Headquarters | Belgrade , Serbia |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Grupa I (; translated as Group I) was a rock ensemble originating from Belgrade, Serbia, active during the late 1970s and early 1980s within the Yugoslav rock scene. Although their time together was short-lived, they left a significant mark on the music landscape of former SFR Yugoslavia.
The band was initially formed by guitarists Dejan Kostić and Predrag Mijović, bassist Branko Kojić, drummer Branko Kuštrin, and vocalist Branko Bogićević. Their first release, a 7-inch single, came out in 1979. Following Bogićević’s exit, Kojić stepped in as the lead singer. Their inaugural album, Na svom talasu (1980), presented a fusion of hard rock, power pop, ska, and reggae styles. After Mijović’s departure shortly after the album's release, Grupa I continued performing as a trio. Their sophomore album, I zvuci za I ljude (1981), embraced the new wave trends prevalent in Yugoslavia at the time. The band’s final recording, the 1982 EP Nove vrednosti, preceded their breakup, with Kostić subsequently taking the helm of Du Du A.
1979–1982
Grupa I came together in January 1979 through the collaboration of guitarists Dejan Kostić and Predrag Mijović, bassist Branko Kojić (formerly from Zdravo), drummer Branko Kuštrin (previously of Tarkus), and vocalist Branko Bogićević. Their debut single "Sestra Vera" / "Miris ulice," released under PGP-RTB, garnered widespread acclaim across Yugoslavia. Soon after this success, Bogićević departed, prompting Kojić to assume vocal responsibilities.
Their first album, Na svom talasu (1980), produced by Slobodan Marković—who also played keyboards—merged genres such as hard rock, power pop, ska, and reggae. It featured accessible tracks like "Tinejdž bluz," "G.S.B-S.O.S.," "Mirela," and "Jugo rok," which incorporated samples from well-known Yugoslav musicians. Following this release, guitarist Mijović left the group but contributed as a guest artist on their second album.
In 1981, operating as a trio with Kostić, Kuštrin, and Kojić, Grupa I issued the single "Sa tobom, bez tebe" backed with "Bekstvo." Their second album I zvuci za I ljude demonstrated a stylistic turn towards new wave aesthetics combined with experimental sounds and ska influences. Key songs included "Bekstvo," "Nove vrednosti," and "Složena procedura opstanka," featuring guest appearances such as saxophonist Vuk Vujačić and backing vocals by Dušan Kojić of Disciplina Kičme.
Simultaneously with Grupa I’s activities, Kostić established Du Du A in 1981. The band’s concluding release was the 1982 EP Nove vrednosti, which contained a dub version produced by Dušan Kojić. Shortly after this release, Grupa I disbanded.
Post-breakup
Following Grupa I’s dissolution, Kostić led the influential alternative rock group Du Du A throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He also contributed guitar and bass parts to Bebi Dol’s album Ruže i krv and composed music for Jovan Jovanović’s film Pejzaži u magli (Fogscapes).
After participating in his former band’s second studio album as a guest musician, Mijović withdrew from the music industry and relocated to Botswana.
Kuštrin featured on Du Du A’s debut single "Ja Tarzan ti Džejn" (1982) before joining Katarina II as their drummer until 1983. He also collaborated with Doktor Spira i Ljudska Bića and Električni Orgazam, contributing to Električni Orgazam’s debut album and touring following their 1983 cover album Les Chansones Populaires. Tragically, Kuštrin ended his own life in 1985.
Legacy
The Serbian alternative rock group Sinestezija delivered a rendition of Grupa I's track "Promene" ("Changes") featured on their 2016 release Snovi o slobodi (Dreams of Freedom).
Studio albums
- Na svom talasu (1980)
- I zvuci za I ljude (1981)
Extended plays
- Nove vrednosti (1982)
Singles
- "Sestra Vera" / "Miris ulice" (1979)
- "Sa tobom, bez tebe" / "Bekstvo" (1981)