Colonia is a Croatian pop-dance duo formed in 1996 in the city of Vinkovci by DJs and producers Boris Đurđević and Tomislav Jelić. The name of the band originates from the ancient Roman name for Vinkovci – Colonia Aurelia Cibalae. The group was completed with the addition of Indira “Ira” Vladić as the lead vocalist.
Their debut single, "Nek’ vatre gore sve," was released in 1996, followed by their first album Vatra i led in 1997, which achieved notable commercial success. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Colonia became one of the leading pop-dance acts in Croatia, releasing hit songs like "Sve oko mene je grijeh," "Za tvoje snene oči," "Oduzimaš mi dah," and "C’est la vie."
The band won numerous festival awards, and their albums were well received both domestically and internationally. By 2015, they had released 12 studio albums, many of which achieved gold or platinum status. Their musical style is characterized by catchy melodies, energetic dance beats, and strong female vocals.
In 2014, Tomislav Jelić left the group, followed by Indira Levak in 2017, marking a new chapter in the band's history. That same year, singer Ivana Lovrić joined the group, bringing a fresh and modern sound to their music. In 2018, they released their thirteenth studio album, Nova era, featuring new hits like "Que Sera," "Maskenbal," and "Miris parfema."
Boris Đurđević remains the creative force behind Colonia, continuing to shape their music. Today, Colonia retains a loyal fanbase and is known for high-energy performances and a signature dance-pop sound that has stood the test of time.
