Dejan Matić is a Serbian pop-folk singer born on April 26, 1978, in Bihać, then part of the Socialist Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he has established himself as one of the leading performers of pop-folk and traditional Balkan music, earning widespread recognition throughout the countries of the former Yugoslavia. He is also the twin brother of fellow singer Saša Matić, with whom he shares a remarkable personal and musical story.
Dejan and Saša were born prematurely and, only days after birth, both became completely blind due to unexplained circumstances. In the early 1980s, the family relocated to Belgrade, where the brothers attended music school and studied piano. Their formal musical education, combined with a natural passion for performance, laid the foundation for successful careers in the regional music industry. Matić completed his education in Zemun before pursuing music professionally.
He launched his recording career in 2002 with the release of the song and debut album Zaigraj. His major breakthrough came in 2006 with the hit single Niko i neko, a song that remains one of his signature recordings and continues to enjoy lasting popularity across the Balkans. Throughout his career, Matić has released several successful albums, including Željo moja, Sinonim za ljubav, Dala si mi svega osim ljubavi, 100 života, and Oko nas. His catalogue also features well-known songs such as Dozvola za ljubav, Sledeća, Burma, and Nigdje k'o u Bosni.
In addition to his solo work, Matić has collaborated with numerous prominent regional artists, including Stoja, Milica Pavlović, and Milica Todorović. These collaborations, together with his consistent touring schedule, have strengthened his reputation as one of the most respected performers in the pop-folk genre. He regularly performs not only throughout Serbia and neighboring countries but also in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, where he has built a strong following among Balkan audiences.
Matić married Jelena Ristić in 2012, and the couple has two children. The family divides its time between Belgrade and Vienna. Instantly recognizable for the dark sunglasses he has worn throughout his career due to his blindness, Dejan Matić has become admired for his expressive voice, emotional performances, and enduring connection with audiences, securing his place among the most successful pop-folk artists of his generation.
