Klapa More / Neno Belan: The Voice of Modern Dalmatian Music

Klapa More, led by the charismatic singer-songwriter Neno Belan, is a pivotal Croatian ensemble that revitalized the traditional a cappella klapa genre for a contemporary audience. Hailing from Split, the group achieved mainstream success by blending folk roots with pop sensibilities, most notably with their multi-platinum album Klapa More in 2003.

Early career

Neno Belan, born in 1962 in Split, first gained prominence in the 1980s as the frontman of the popular rock band Đavoli. His musical journey took a decisive turn in the late 1990s when he conceived the idea of forming a modern klapa group. This led to the official formation of Klapa More in 1998, aiming to reinterpret Dalmatian folk songs with fresh, sophisticated vocal arrangements.

Breakthrough

The group's self-titled debut album, Klapa More, released in 2003 on Croatia Records, became a national phenomenon. It spent over 100 weeks on the Croatian Top 40 chart, eventually achieving quadruple platinum status for sales exceeding 80,000 copies, a remarkable feat for a vocal-based album. This record catapulted the ensemble from niche folk circles to the very center of the Croatian music scene.

Key tracks

Lipa si, lipa — This modern arrangement of a classic folk song became the group's signature anthem and a ubiquitous radio hit.

Ne diraj moju ljubav — An original composition by Belan that showcased his skill in writing new material in the traditional style.

Dalmatinka — A celebratory ode to Dalmatian women that further cemented the group's connection to its regional heritage.

Kad zapiva divna mladost — This track highlighted the complex, layered vocal harmonies that define the klapa sound.

Following the monumental success of their debut, Klapa More continued to release well-received albums like Zvonimir (2005) and Klapa More uživo (2007). Neno Belan has maintained a parallel solo career, releasing albums such as Slike (2008) and collaborating with various artists across genres, further demonstrating his versatility beyond the klapa format. The ensemble remains a beloved live act, performing regularly at major festivals and concerts throughout Croatia and for the diaspora.

Fans of Klapa More and Neno Belan's blend of traditional Croatian vocals and melodic pop should also explore the work of Magazin, a legendary Croatian pop group that also incorporates folk elements. The harmonies of Klapa Šibenik offer a more traditional take on the klapa style. For another modern interpreter of Dalmatian music, listen to Tomislav Bralić and his ensemble. The rock-infused folk of Gustafi shares a similar innovative spirit in approaching regional sounds.

The music of Klapa More and Neno Belan maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on Croatian national stations, folk and pop FM channels, and specialty programs dedicated to regional music. Their timeless harmonies and hit songs are staples in rotations that celebrate the diversity of Croatian culture.

You can hear the resonant harmonies of Klapa More and Neno Belan on radio stations featured on our website. Explore the stations available on onairium.com to discover or listen to this cornerstone of modern Dalmatian music.