Propaganda (Yugoslav band)
| Company type | Musical ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1981 in Belgrade, Yugoslavia |
| Founder | Kokan Popović, Dragan Mitrić, Branko Isaković, Nenad Morgenstern |
| Defunct | 1982 |
| Headquarters | Belgrade , Yugoslavia |
| Products | Music albums |
Number of employees | 4 |
Propaganda () was a Yugoslav new wave ensemble established in Belgrade in 1981 by ex-members of Zvuk Ulice and Bulevar. They produced a single album, Apatija javnosti, before disbanding. Guitarist and vocalist Kokan Popović subsequently became part of Idoli, with bassist Branko Isaković joining shortly thereafter. Although their tenure was short-lived, Propaganda held a significant place within the Yugoslav new wave movement.
Zvuk Ulice
The roots of Propaganda lie in Zvuk Ulice (Sound of the Street), which was created in 1976 by Vlada Divljan (guitar, vocals), Zdenko Kolar (bass), Kokan Popović (drums), Dragan Mitrić (keyboards), Bora Antić (saxophone), and Dragana Milković (piano, vocals). Their repertoire included covers of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, alongside predominantly instrumental original compositions. Their musical approach blended melodic rock with jazz rock elements, a style that anticipated the early 1980s new wave trend. They recorded sessions at Radio Belgrade that were frequently aired.
In 1978, Zvuk Ulice took part in the final BOOM Festival held in Novi Sad and competed at the 1979 Gitarijada festival in Zaječar, earning favorable reviews despite losing to Galija. The group disbanded following Popović's conscription and other personal obligations. Subsequently, Divljan and Kolar established Idoli; Mitrić joined Bulevar; and Popović performed with Slađana Milošević’s backing ensemble.
Propaganda
In 1981, former members of Zvuk Ulice—Kokan Popović (guitar, vocals) and Dragan Mitrić (keyboards)—joined forces with Branko Isaković (bass) and Nenad Morgenstern (drums) to create Propaganda. Their debut album was recorded at Radio Belgrade Studio 5, featuring material derived from Zvuk Ulice's earlier works. Released by PGP-RTB in 1982, Apatija javnosti (Apathy of the Public) showcased a pop-influenced sound enriched by various stylistic elements. Among its ten tracks is "Esmeralda," with lyrics penned by renowned Macedonian Romani artist Muharem Serbezovski.
Shortly after launching the album, Propaganda ceased activities.
Post breakup
At the time Apatija javnosti was released, Kokan Popović was collaborating with Idoli on their inaugural album Odbrana i poslednji dani (The Defence and the Last Days). In 1983, Branko Isaković became Idoli’s bassist for both Čokolada (Chocolate) and Šest dana juna (Six Days of June). Dragan Mitrić worked with Bajaga i Instruktori before joining Spori Ritam Band (Slow Rhythm Band), led by former Bulevar colleague Dejan Cukić.
The track "Bugatty" by Propaganda appeared on the Polish multi-artist compilation Ruleta 5, released by Supraphon in 1984, while "18. Novembar" was featured on the German various artists compilation Computer Incarnations For World Peace, issued by Sonar Kollektiv in 2007.
Studio albums
- Apatija javnosti (1982)