Decije Pesme

The roots of Dečije pesme lie in traditional Serbian folk lullabies and oral poetry, but the genre formally crystallized in the mid-20th century within the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

The founding of the Kolibri Children's Choir in 1963 by Milica Manojlović marked a turning point, setting a high standard for children's choral music. The genre flourished in the 1970s and 80s, supported by state television (RTS) and record labels like PGP-RTB. This era saw the rise of iconic TV shows such as Kocka, kocka, kockica, hosted by Branko Milićević (Branko Kockica), and Muzički tobogan, hosted by Minja Subota. These shows popularized songs composed by Aleksandar Korać and Radoslav Graić, often featuring lyrics by famous poets.

Despite the political turmoil of the 1990s, the genre remained a beloved part of cultural life. New festivals like Dečje beogradsko proleće continued to promote new compositions. In the 2000s and 2010s, choirs like Čarolija, led by Leontina Vukomanović, revitalized the scene, blending modern pop production with the traditional choral style.

Composing Dečije pesme requires a focus on melody, clarity, and educational value.

Use a bright, major-key tonality with simple, memorable melodies that are easy for children to sing. The rhythm should be upbeat and march-like or bouncy (often 2/4 or 4/4 time), utilizing instruments like piano, synthesizers, brass sections, and acoustic guitars. For lullabies, use softer textures with flutes or strings.

The core of the sound is a unison children's choir, often engaging in call-and-response patterns with an adult lead singer. Harmonies should be simple diatonic progressions (I-IV-V).

Lyrics are paramount and should be based on high-quality poetry. Topics should range from animals and nature to social skills and hygiene, often employing humor, rhyme, and onomatopoeia to engage young listeners.