Saban Šaulić: The Soulful Voice of Serbian Folk

Saban Šaulić was a beloved Serbian singer whose emotive voice defined the turbo-folk and pop-folk genres for decades. Hailing from Serbia, he achieved legendary status, selling millions of records and becoming a fixture in the music culture of the Balkans.

Early career

Saban Šaulić was born in 1951 in the village of Šapine, near Sjenica, in what was then Yugoslavia. He began his professional music career in the early 1970s, releasing his debut single "Dajte mi utjehu" in 1972 and quickly gaining a local following for his powerful vocal delivery.

His early work was released through prominent Yugoslav labels like Jugoton and Diskoton, establishing him as a serious talent within the burgeoning folk scene. Šaulić's dedication to his craft saw him consistently releasing material throughout the decade, building a solid foundation for his future success.

Breakthrough

Šaulić's national breakthrough came in the 1980s, a period of immense productivity and popularity. His album "Sve je u tvojim rukama" from 1986 is often cited as a key commercial success, solidifying his place at the forefront of Serbian folk music.

This era saw him become one of the genre's best-selling artists, with numerous albums achieving gold and platinum certifications across the former Yugoslav republics. His consistent chart presence and packed concert schedules were a testament to his widespread appeal.

Key tracks

Dođi da ostarimo zajedno — This romantic ballad became one of his signature anthems, beloved for its heartfelt lyrics and Šaulić's passionate performance.

Pusti, pusti modu — A quintessential turbo-folk hit that showcased his ability to blend traditional folk sentiment with contemporary, danceable production.

Kafana je moja istina — A song embodying the classic "kafana" (tavern) style, cementing his image as a singer of the people and everyday emotions.

Sve je u tvojim rukama — The title track from his pivotal 1986 album that underscored his commercial peak and mastery of the pop-folk genre.

Žena sa Balkana — A later career hit that proved his enduring relevance and connection with audiences across generations.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Šaulić remained a dominant force, adapting his sound to new production trends while staying true to his core style. He collaborated with many of the scene's top composers and frequently performed duets with other leading folk singers, further expanding his reach. His prolific output included dozens of studio albums, with notable later works like "Ljubav je svuda" and "Žena sa Balkana" continuing to resonate with fans.

Šaulić's influence is heard in the work of contemporaries like Hanka Paldum, who shares his depth of emotional expression in folk music. The energetic pop-folk style is also carried on by artists such as Severina, who blends folk with modern pop sensibilities. For the powerful, ballad-driven side of the genre, listeners often turn to Halid Bešlić, another regional superstar. The legacy of classic turbo-folk can further be explored through Dragana Mirković, a singer who also enjoyed decades of chart success.

Saban Šaulić's rich catalog is a staple on Balkan music radio stations, from dedicated folk FM channels to online streams celebrating the region's musical heritage. His timeless hits receive regular airplay, ensuring his voice continues to reach both loyal fans and new listeners discovering his music.

You can hear the enduring music of Saban Šaulić on radio stations featured on our website. Explore the folk and pop-folk genres and listen to this legendary artist through the radio stations available on onairium.com.