Ivan Huljić

Ivan Huljić
Born (1988-01-17) 17 January 1988
Split, SR Croatia, SFR Yugoslavia
Alma materUniversity of Split
Occupations
Years active2006–present
Parents
AwardsBest Song (Split Festival)

Ivan Huljić (born 17 January 1988) is a Croatian composer and songwriter. He first emerged as a songwriter in 2006 with the song "Zadnja epizoda" for the popular band Magazin from Split. He has since written songs for Croatian pop singers, including Doris Dragović, Domenica, Damir Kedžo, Joško Čagalj Jole and Lorena. In addition to the lyrics, Ivan Huljić has also served as the composer and producer for several songs. Huljić also served as Magazin's keyboard player. In 2022, he served as the creative director for the Fusion World Music Festival held for the first time in Split.

Although reluctant to speak about his private life, in 2010, media connected Huljić to supermodel Ana Goreta. As of 2024, it was made known to the public that he is in a relationship with singer Jelena Rozga. Huljić has received numerous awards for his music and songwriting work, including Best Song at the Split Festival for "Mi protiv nas". Huljić is also the procurer of Tonika Records, a record label established in 2005.

Early years

Ivan Huljić was born on 17 January 1988 in Split, Croatia, to father Tonči Huljić, a musician, producer and composer and Vjekoslava Huljić, a lyricist, songwriter and writer. He has an older sister, pop singer and performer Hana Huljić.[1] Huljić first started playing keyboards, when he was 9 years old. He finished high school at the private gymnasium Kraljica Jelena where he finalized all the exams related to music school.[1] Already in high school, Huljić was convinced to serve as the keyboard player with Magazin by his father, although he was initially reluctant to take on such a role.[1] Huljić finished law studies at the University of Split.[2]

Career

2006–2010: Keyboardist and songwriting for Magazin

He first played keyboards for the song "Piši mi" in 2008 when he joined the band at the restaurant Kokolo. He has since played in the group for several years.[1] Huljić first emerged as a songwriter in 2006 when he wrote the song "Zadnja epizoda" for the popular Croatian band Magazin.[1] He continued writing the lyrics and music of several of the band's songs while Ivana Kovač served as the main singer. In addition to that, since 2008, he also served as the keyboard player for the band.[1]

On 18 July 2010, Huljić gave an interview with Story.hr in which he discussed his studies at the Law University and his career path in music, specifically his work on Ja vjerujem, the album by Doris Dragović. He also described himself as a shy, self-deprecating and calm person. That year, he wrote the music for a song for Petar Blagojević for the 2010 Split Music Festival. He also shared how he only takes small pieces of other people's advice in order to remain authentic. He shared how being in love with another girl made him more creative. He shared the following opinion on other people, "One should not trust people too much and that is why I will never impose myself and open up too much to people who I barely know. I was always more one who observes, because you can conclude more about a person based on the first meetup."[3]

In 2011, Huljić was credited as one of the keyboardists for the album Bižuterija by Jelena Rozga.[4]

2015–2019: songwriting, composing and creative director debut

In 2015, Huljić together with Vjekoslava, served as the producer and songwriter of several songs on Doris Dragović's album Ja vjerujem, including "Ni riči", "Svit ne more znat", "Zvir".[5] In 2018, Huljić received the award for Best Song at the Split Festival for the song "Mi protiv nas" for which he served as the main songwriter and was performed by Domenica and Damir Kedžo. The song is a fast-paced ballad with emotional lyrics.[6][7] On 12 August 2019, Huljić served as the musician and songwriter to "Brod za nabolje" by Doris Dragović. He shared how with the song, he also started gaining confidence as a songwriter as opposed to being only a music-writer before that.[8]

On 6 March 2020, he was guest on Kod nas doma.[9]

2020–2023: songwriting, composing and creative director debut

In 2021, Huljić wrote the music to "Sna'ću se ja" by Doris Dragović.[10] On 1 October 2021, Huljić appeared as a guest on the show Kod nas doma on Hrvatska radiotelevizija together with Neno Ninčević and Ivana Kovač and later with Zoran Aragović. Huljić appeared to be very bothered by Ninčević's presence and on one occasion when he said that Huljić could be good-looking even if he undressed "naked to his male member" (Croatian:"kit" = vulgar expletive for penis), he just disgustingly looked away from the camera. In addition to that, Huljić also briefly discussed his writing process and his family dynamics, while Kovač praised his work ethic.[11]

In the summer of 2022, Huljić served as the creative director of the World Music Fusion Festival in Split which marked his first musical project on such a scale. He invented the festival's concept which featured performances by international as well as Croatian artists. He commented that with the festival, he wanted to fight against the 2022 economic crisis in Europe.[12] After the success of the show, Huljić also announced his plans to work on a 3-day festival the following year.[13]

In the summer of 2022, he wrote the music and lyrics for the song "Shakespeare" by Joško Čagalj Jole which was released on 7 June 2022. He also wrote the music and collaborated on the lyrics with Vjekoslava of the song "Sve smo mogli imat" by Doris Dragović released on 23 June 2022.[14][15] In March 2023, Huljić wrote the song "Igračka", which was recorded by Antonia Dora and presented at the Zagreb Festival. For the song, Huljić, who first wrote the music and then the lyrics, drew inspiration for the solo from Tina Turner's "What's Love Got to Do with It" (1984).[16] On 7 July 2023, Huljić wrote the music and lyrics for the summer song "Kad bi" by group CAMBI in collaboration with producer Hrvoje Domazet. The song had its premiere at the 2023 Melodije Jadrana.[17] On 11 November 2023, Huljić performed "Pasta Italiana" together with musician Vojko V at the Dom Sportova.[18]

2024-2025: New songs

In 2024, two songs written and arranged by Huljić see the light of day. The song "Od Čega Sam Ja" (English: What Am I of) written for Rozga was released on 21 March 2024. Huljić worked independently on the music and lyrics while he collaborated with Leo Škaro and Darko Dimitrov on the arrangement.[19] On 11 April 2024, Marino Jakobikj released "Lučija" as his debut single; both the lyrics and the music are written independently by Ivan Huljić, while the arrangement was finalized by Huljić in collaboration with Hrvoje Domazet.[20][21]

In 2025, Huljić worked on the music for the song "Kad zastor mi padne" (English: When my curtain falls) by Doris Dragović which was performed for the first time at the 2025 Melodije Jadrana at the Galery Meštrović. He also worked on the entire album which contained the song. Dragović referred to him during the interview as her own son.[22][23]

Creative process

In 2022, Ivan Huljić stated during an interview, that he finds it important to work on several fronts in the music-making process simultaneously, including creative, lyrical and musical direction, to "break the monotony". He has revealed that the biggest musical inspiration comes when he performs on the guitar or the piano. He has also worked on librettos and lyrics for musicals together with Vjekoslava Huljić, which have not managed to come to fruition due to restrictions and delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.[15] In 2022, Huljić stated that he prefers to refrain from giving interviews and only do it a few times long term.[15] He also shared how he thinks he wouldn't want to start singing as his father and sister are already doing that. He grew up listening to the Beatles, Queen, Bob Dylan, and was inspired by author Noel Gallagher.[24]

Private life

Huljić is friends with Croatian singer-songwriter Matija Cvek with whom he often celebrates his birthday. During an interview with Trbović, Cvek said that he wanted to share something about Huljić but he would not dare to do it on live TV.[25]

Slobodna Dalmacija connected him to Best Model Media Dalmacija, Ana Goreta in 2010, reporting that they were filmed in each other's embrace. She was reported as saying to the journalist that Huljić proposed to take her home after she told him she wanted to sleep.[26][27] In 2013, media connected him for the first time with Jelena Rozga after he went to play the keyboard to their apartment. The two denied it when it first happened.[28]

In October 2021, he appeared at the promotion of Zlatan Stipišić Gibonni's album U po'ure in Zagreb, where he posed together with colleagues. In early February 2022, he made an appearance at the red carpet of the Cesarica music awards together with his family dressed in a black coat. He posed for the camera in the embrace of his father Tonči.[29] On 17 February 2022, Huljić appeared at the Cathedral of Saint Domnius in Split for his sister's wedding to Petar Grašo accompanied by her godmother Domenica Žuvela. He was dressed in a dark red suit.[26] On 23 July 2024, he appeared on Matija Cvek's wedding with Miriam Cikron at Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua, Zagreb at Črnomerec.[30][31]

In August 2024, Rozga revealed to the press that she was in a relationship with Ivan Huljić.[32] Rumors about the two being together appeared in 2013, after Huljić was seen at her apartment but the two quickly denied it, saying how they were only friends. In January 2025, Serbian Kurir papparazzied the two holding hands with each other in Budapest, Hungary and released the rumor they were in a relationship. The article published in the newspaper speculated how the two were together since collaborating on the song "Od čega sam ja" and later on her December and January Sava Centar concerts.[33] In July 2025, she revealed that she was in a relationship with Ivan Huljić, who is the son of Tonči Huljić. She stated she was in love "for a hundred years" and revealed how the two travelled to the Island of Krk. She also briefly touched upon a forthcoming wedding between the two, but denied media allegations they would have two weddings. She revealed her relationship to Montenegrin journalist Božo Dobrica a year after she had mentioned her relationship status and said how a ring is not something she needs.[34][35] Despite the fact they revealed their relationship to the public, the two were barely seen in public together. On 21 January 2026, Dnevno.hr reported seeing them at the Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy, wearing casual and according outfits.[36]

Discography

The full discography of writing or composing credits is taken from Ivan Huljić's profile on the Croatian Copyright Collection Society for the Music Sector.[37]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Morić, Danijela-Ana (16 August 2018). "Krv nije voda: Ova djeca slavnih roditelja i sama su na putu slave" [Blood is thicker than water: These children of famous parents are themselves on the road of fame] (in Croatian). T-portal. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
  2. ^ Kod nas doma: Ivana Kovač (in Croatian). Hrvatska Radiotelevizija. 1 October 2021. Retrieved 25 November 2022 – via YouTube.
  3. ^ Paić, Vinko (18 July 2010). "Ivan Huljić: Otvaram se samo bliskim ljudima" [I Open Up Only to Close People] (in Croatian). Story.hr. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  4. ^ "Jelena Rozga – Bižuterija (2011, CD)". Discogs. Retrieved 1 December 2022.
  5. ^ Morić, Danijela-Ana (12 June 2015). "'Kad je poezija u pitanju, Vjekoslava Huljić me zna najbolje!'" ['When it Comes to Poetry, Vjekoslava Huljić Knows Me Best!'] (in Croatian). T-portal. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
  6. ^ "Slavi se u obitelji Huljić: Veliko priznanje za sina Ivana" [Celebration in the Huljić Family: A Big Recognition for the Son Ivan] (in Croatian). Gloria. 1 August 2018. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
  7. ^ "Domenica i Kedžo imaju ljubavnu pjesmu s kojom će se mnogi poistovjetiti" [Domenica and Kedžo Have a Love Song Which Many People Can Identify With]. Večernji.hr (in Croatian). 13 June 2018. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  8. ^ Milla, Samir (17 August 2019). "Sin naših poznatih hitmejkera osvaja estradu: 'Zbog te pjesme sigurno neću požaliti'" [Son of Our Famous Hitmakers Conquers the Music Scene: 'Because of that Song I Will Surely Never Repent']. Večernji. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  9. ^ Kod nas doma - Domenica & Gosti. Hrvatska radiotelevizija. 6 March 2020. Retrieved 20 January 2026 – via YouTube.
  10. ^ "Doris Dragović pjesmom "Sna'ću se ja" osvaja srca publike" [Doris Dragović Wins the Hearts of the Audience with the Song "Sna'ću se ja"] (in Croatian). Croatian Music Channel. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
  11. ^ KOD NAS DOMA: Ivana Kovač (in Croatian). Hrvatska radiotelevizija. 1 October 2021. Retrieved 22 December 2025.
  12. ^ Ivan Huljić: Glazbom želim pridonijeti izlasku iz ekonomske krize [Ivan Huljić: I Want to Contribute with Music to the Exit of the Economic Crisis]. Večernji list. 15 June 2022. Retrieved 25 November 2022 – via YouTube.
  13. ^ Mila, Samir; Vuka, Petra (24 July 2022). "Ivan Huljić: 'Najviše mi znači pozitivna reakcija publike, ona je gurala sve izvođače'" [Ivan Huljić: 'The Positive Reaction of the Audience Means the Most to Me, It Was Pushing All Performers']. Večernji list (in Croatian). Retrieved 25 November 2022.
  14. ^ "Jole ima novi ljetni hit, a jedna od najljepših Hrvatica zvijezda je spota" [Jole Has a New Summer Hit and One of the Most Beautiful Croatians is a Star of the Video] (in Croatian). Gloria. 8 June 2022. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
  15. ^ a b c Kruhak, Maja (19 August 2022). "Ivan Huljić: 'U Splitu nitko nije zvijezda. Ili si čovjek, ili nisi i tako treba biti'" [Ivan Huljić: 'In Split Nobody is a Star. You Are Either a Person or You Are Not and That Is How It Should Be']. Jutarnji list. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
  16. ^ "Antonia Dora i Ivan Huljić o pjesmi "Igračka"" [Antonia Dora and Ivan Huljić about the Song "Igračka"] (in Croatian). Glazba.hr. 14 March 2023. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  17. ^ "Grupa CAMBI. i Ivan Huljić udružili snage: 'Kad bi' je nova ljetna pjesma splitske četvorke" [Group CAMBI. and Ivan Huljić Joined Forces: 'Kad bi' Is the New Summer Song by the Split Four]. Večernji (in Croatian). 7 July 2023. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  18. ^ Pasta Italiana feat. Ivan Huljić (Live Dom Sportova 11.11.2023) (in Croatian). Vojko V. 3 February 2025. Retrieved 22 December 2025 – via YouTube.
  19. ^ "Jelena Rozga i Ivan Huljić ruku podruku! Stigla pesma "Od čega sam ja" - i hrabra i ranjiva" [Jelena Rozga and Ivan Huljić Hand in Hand! The song "Od čega sam ja" is here - both brave and fragile]. 24sedam (in Serbian). 22 March 2024. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
  20. ^ G., L. (11 April 2024). "Marino Jakobić ima pjesmu koja miriše na hit: Prvijenac mu potpisuje Ivan Huljić" [Marino Jakobikj has a song which smells of hit: His first one is signed by Ivan Huljić]. Jutarnji list. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
  21. ^ Marino - Lučija (official video 2024). Marino. 11 April 2024. Retrieved 23 April 2024 – via YouTube.
  22. ^ "Doris Dragović iznenadila izjavom o Ivanu Huljiću, ovime je poslala snažnu poruku o njihovom odnosu" [Doris Dragović Surprised with Her Announcement About Ivan Huljić, with This She Sent a Strong Message About Their Relationship]. Večernji list (in Croatian). 30 June 2025. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  23. ^ Vasilj, Gordan (30 June 2025). "Doris Dragović iznenadila je našeg novinara izjavom o Ivanu Huljiću, to sve govori o njihovu odnosu!" [Doris Dragović Surprised Our Journalist with Her Announcement About Ivan Huljić, All that Speaks About Their Relationship]. Dnevnik (in Croatian). Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  24. ^ "Sin naših poznatih hitmejkera osvaja estradu: 'Zbog te pjesme sigurno neću požaliti'" [Son of Our Famous Hitmakers Conquers the Music Scene: 'I Will Not Repent Because of that Song']. Večernji (in Croatian). 17 August 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  25. ^ 5.com s Danielom: Matija Cvek i Mario Mihaljević. Hrvatska radiotelevizija. 3 March 2023. Retrieved 4 April 2024 – via YouTube.
  26. ^ a b Lelas, Miroslav (22 February 2022). "Ivan Huljić je posebna biljka: 'Ljudima ne treba vjerovati i zato se nikad neću nametati...'" [Ivan Huljić Is a Special Plant: 'One Should Not Trust People and That Is Why I Will Never Impose...']. Net.hr. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  27. ^ C., J. (25 January 2025). "Ivan Huljić ljubavni život uvijek je skrivao, no jedan izlazak s manekenkom svi još pamte, evo kog je ljubio!" (in Croatian). Dnevnik.hr. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  28. ^ "Jelena vikend provela uz 11 godina mlađeg Ivana Huljića" [Jelena Spent Weekend with 11 Year Younger Ivan Huljić]. Večernji. 6 November 2013. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  29. ^ "Sin Tončija Huljića rijetko se pojavljuje u javnosti: No, svi se slažu da Ivan nalikuje ocu" [Tonči Huljić's Son Rarely Appears in Public] (in Croatian). Net.hr. 2 February 2022. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  30. ^ Mikacic, Josip. "Foto Huljić, Kutlić, Dino Jelusić... Pogledajte koje su sve slavne 'face' stigle na vjenčanje Matije Cveka" [Photo Huljić, Kutlić, Dino Jelusić... Look Which Popular People Arrived at Matija Cvek's Wedding]. Večernji (in Croatian). Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  31. ^ "Matija Cvek objavio prve fotografije sa suprugom, pokazao dio atmosfere sa svadbe" [Matija Cvek Shares First Photographies With Wife, Shows Part of Atmosphere from Wedding]. Index.hr (in Croatian). Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  32. ^ "Jelena Rozga otkrila da ponovno ljubi: 'Više nisam solo igračica'" [Jelena Rozga Revealed She Loves Again 'I Am Not A Solo Player Anymore']. Večernji list (in Croatian). 27 July 2024. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  33. ^ Panić, Aleksandar; Vujsić, Danijela. "Ekskluzivni paparaco zaljubljenih Rozge i Ivana Huljića! Ljubavni par se drži za ruke u Budimpešti, fotke govore više od reči: "Pali su i poljupci, vidi se..."". Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  34. ^ "Jelena Rozga službeno potvrdila vezu s Huljićem, ovo je napravila po prvi put: 'Već sam 100 godina zaljubljena u Ivana'" [Jelena Rozga Officially Confirmed Relationship to Huljić, She Did This for the First Time: 'I Am Already 100 Years in Love with Ivan'] (in Croatian). Story.hr. 26 July 2025. Retrieved 29 December 2025.
  35. ^ Prva izjava Jelene Rozge o braku sa Ivanom Huljićem! [Jelena Rozga's First Statement About Her Marriage to Ivan Huljić!]. Kad padnu haljine. 31 July 2025. Retrieved 20 January 2026 – via YouTube.
  36. ^ G., L. (21 January 2026). "Jelena Rozga i Ivan Huljić snimljeni zajedno: Jedan detalj na paru upao u oči" [Jelena Rozga and Ivan Huljić Filmed Together: One of the Pairs Detail Caught Attention]. Zagreb.info. Retrieved 24 January 2026.
  37. ^ "Baza autora: HDS ZAMP – Glas autora" (in Croatian). Zamp.hr. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
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