Croatia's music icon Gabi Novak died at the age of 90

Croatia's music icon Gabi Novak died at the age of 90

Zagreb, Kroatien - The Croatian music scene has lost one of its biggest stars. Gabi Novak, generally known as the "First Lady of Croatian Consideration Music", died on August 11, 2025 in Zagreb at the age of 90. Her death is a significant loss for the music landscape of Croatia, in which it has been a formative part since the late 1950s. Born on July 8, 1936 in Berlin, Gabi was the daughter of Hvaraner đuro Novak and the German Elizabeth Reiman. She spent her childhood between Berlin and the island of Hvar before her family moved to Zagreb.

After her training at the school for applied art with a focus on graphic, Gabi started her professional career in the cartoon studio Zagreb Film as a draftswoman. Her music career started at the end of the 1950s, and she quickly established herself in the Yugoslav music scene. Her repertoire mainly included pop and jazz, and she received great recognition in the 1960s.

success and awards

In the course of her career, Gabi Novak published numerous albums and singles and worked with renowned composers and musicians, including her later husband, the songwriter and composer Arsen Dedić. She was honored with several PORIN awards, including:

• 2002: Best jazz performance
• 2003: album of the year, best female voice, best pop album, best vocal cooperation
• 2006: Honorary Award for your life's work

Your last public appearance took place at the funeral of her son Matija Dedić, who died on June 8, 2025

private life and legacy

Gabi Novak's private life was characterized by several marriages. Her first marriage to painter Bogdan Debenjak lasted only nine months. Her second marriage to the composer Stipica Kalogjera ended in 1970, followed by her long -term connection to Arsen Dedić, which began in 1973 and continued until his death in 2015. Her son Matija, who was an important jazz pianist, comes from this marriage.

The loss of her husband and now her son was a difficult blow for the singer. But despite her personal tragedies, Gabi Novak leaves a lasting legacy in the music history of Croatia and the entire region, where it is considered an icon of Croatian music. The music of Croatia, which is characterized by diverse styles such as Bećarac and Klapa, is kept alive through their influence and contributions. These styles have not only shaped Croatian culture, but also became important internationally, which makes Gabi Novak's legacy all the more important.

The Great Tamburica Folklore Festival in Požega, which attracts visitors from all over the world in summer, is an example of the lively tradition of Croatian music, which was enriched by artists like Novak. The diversity and beauty of Croatian music will continue to be celebrated in memory of Gabi Novak.