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Goran Bregović is a globally renowned Bosnian-born composer and musician, celebrated for his unique fusion of Balkan folk traditions (especially Romani music), rock, and film scores. Born in Sarajevo, Bregović first achieved massive fame in Yugoslavia as the guitarist and primary songwriter for the rock band Bijelo Dugme (White Button) during the 1970s and 1980s. Following the band's dissolution and the Yugoslav wars, he transitioned into a highly successful international career as a composer, most notably for films by director Emir Kusturica ('Time of the Gypsies', 'Arizona Dream', 'Underground'). He formed the 'Wedding and Funeral Orchestra' to perform his eclectic compositions, characterized by driving rhythms, brass bands, and powerful choral vocals, achieving worldwide recognition and touring extensively.

• Bregović's father was Croat and his mother Serb, giving him a mixed heritage that he often felt placed him outside the rising ethnic tensions, later influencing his pan-Balkan musical perspective.
• Bijelo Dugme was arguably the most popular rock band in Yugoslavia, navigating the complex political landscape by avoiding overt political statements in their lyrics, focusing instead on universal themes of love and youth.
• His shift from rock star to composer of primarily instrumental, folk-inspired music for film and stage was dramatic. He famously declared he would compose 'wedding music' after Bijelo Dugme.
• Bregović's work, particularly the 'Ederlezi' piece from 'Time of the Gypsies', became an international phenomenon, synonymous with Balkan music globally.
• His success has been accompanied by controversy. Some critics, particularly within the Balkans and Romani communities, have accused him of commercializing and simplifying traditional Romani music for Western audiences, raising questions about cultural appropriation.
• He faced legal issues in Serbia regarding unpaid taxes and social security contributions related to his large ensemble performances.