Nekako Nikako: Tijana Bogićević’s Heartfelt Ode to Unfinished Love
Tijana Bogićević collaborated with longtime musical partner Dušan Alagić to create this emotional masterpiece. Alagić handled music, lyrics, and arrangement, transforming what began as a live acoustic performance into a studio production that would define Tijana’s artistic identity.
The song’s journey from concept to completion showcases Tijana Bogićević’s artistic evolution. In January 2015, she shared on social media: “Listen to my 4 new songs, recorded acoustically live! ‘Nekako nikako.'” This acoustic version built anticipation among Serbian music fans, demonstrating the raw emotional power that would later be enhanced in the studio.
By 2018, “Nekako Nikako” had evolved into a polished production on the Čudo album, featuring drums by Dejan Momčilović and professional mastering in London. This transformation from acoustic demo to studio hit illustrates Tijana Bogićević’s growth as a Serbian pop artist.
The Story Behind Nekako Nikako’s Emotional Impact
Tijana Bogićević has been candid about the song’s deeply personal themes in various interviews. Speaking about the track’s creation, she explained: “It’s about that exhaustion from comparing everyone to ‘the one’—brave, weak, good, or bad, no one measures up.” This honest reflection on romantic disappointment struck a chord with Serbian audiences and international listeners alike.
The song’s most poignant moment comes in the pre-chorus: “Tražim te dugo, u svemu si ti” (I’ve been searching for you forever, you’re in everything). This lyric mirrors Tijana’s musical journey, connecting her earlier single “Tražim” to her eventual Eurovision 2017 appearance, creating a thematic thread throughout her discography.
Serbian pop music often explores themes of love and loss, but “Nekako Nikako” stands out for its unflinching examination of emotional stagnation. Fans have described it as a “therapy session in 3 minutes,” highlighting the song’s cathartic power for those experiencing similar romantic struggles.
Music Video: New York Visuals Amplify Emotional Themes
The official music video for “Nekako Nikako” premiered on May 25, 2018, directed by Bojan Vano. Shot in New York City at iconic urban locations, the video perfectly complements the song’s themes of emotional wandering and searching.
Tijana Bogićević described the visual concept in an interview with Antrfile: “It’s about wandering emotions—perfect for the song’s theme of ‘somehow, not at all.'” The urban New York backdrop serves as a metaphor for the vast emotional landscape the protagonist navigates while searching for closure.
The music video has accumulated over 500,000 views across platforms, demonstrating the song’s enduring appeal. The visual storytelling enhances the lyrical content, with scenes of Tijana wandering through cityscapes that mirror the internal journey described in the lyrics: “Još prvi si, pa stotinu praznih mesta” (You’re still the first, leaving a hundred empty spaces).
Chart Performance and Streaming Success
While “Nekako Nikako” didn’t achieve major international chart success, it performed strongly in Serbian music markets and neighboring regions. The song is available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer as part of the Čudo album, making it accessible to global audiences interested in Serbian pop music.
Tijana Bogićević’s vocal performance on “Nekako Nikako” has been particularly praised by critics and fans. Her emotional delivery showcases the range that would later take her to Eurovision, demonstrating why she’s considered one of Serbia’s most compelling contemporary pop artists.
The track also appears on “Čudo (Live in Belgrade)” (2019), where Tijana’s live performance captures the raw emotion that originally made the acoustic version so compelling. This live recording bridges the gap between the song’s humble acoustic origins and its polished studio incarnation.
Why Nekako Nikako Endures in Serbian Pop Culture
“Nekako Nikako” represents a pivotal moment in Tijana Bogićević’s career, bridging her indie roots with mainstream pop success. The song connects her early singles like “Čudo” (2013) with her later Eurovision 2017 appearance, creating a cohesive artistic narrative about love, loss, and personal growth.
As Tijana noted in Radio S interviews: “Life moves on, but some loves linger—somehow, not at all.” This philosophical approach to romantic disappointment has made the song a staple in her live performances and a favorite among fans sharing their own experiences with “empty spaces” left by past relationships.
The song’s lasting impact on Serbian music culture demonstrates Tijana Bogićević’s ability to transform personal experience into universal art. “Nekako Nikako” continues to resonate with new listeners discovering Serbian pop music, while longtime fans appreciate its role in establishing Tijana as a significant voice in contemporary Balkan music.
Experience
For fans seeking the complete experience, the Čudo album offers “Nekako Nikako” alongside other tracks that explore similar themes of love, identity, and artistic growth. This collection represents Tijana Bogićević’s artistic vision at its most cohesive, with “Nekako Nikako” serving as an emotional centerpiece.
“Nekako Nikako” remains a testament to Tijana Bogićević’s ability to transform personal heartbreak into universally relatable art, cementing her place in Serbian pop music history while continuing to touch new listeners worldwide.
