Iva Pažin ZHIVA made her solo debut on the local scene with the release of her debut album “Preterujem” in November 2023, under Glitch Records. The album is a mosaic of genres – from alternative pop to jazz, hip-hop, drum’n’bass, and reggae. What sets it apart is its dedication to mental health.
ZHIVA’s aim is to bring back quality pop that is not devoid of personal expression and is not just a product of the industry but also reflects the musical and life experiences of the author. She believes in achieving the perfect balance between pop and alternative music, where the audience can truly enjoy.
Winning the Best New Artist award in 2024, presented by the Independent Publishers Association RUNDA, is one of the indicators of her success in the cultural scene of the region.
Recently, she graduated from the Department of Applied Music Research at the Faculty of Music Art in Belgrade, with her debut album creation being the topic of her master’s thesis. Prior to this, after attending the Elementary Music School “Josip Slavenski” (theoretical and vocal-instrumental department for piano) and the Elementary Music School “Kornelije Stanković” (jazz piano), she completed her Bachelor’s studies at the Faculty of Music Art in the Department of Musicology.
Just before the release of her debut album, ZHIVA embarked on her first Balkan tour, including performances in Skopje, Sarajevo, Niš, Sofia, and finally Belgrade, where the album was promoted.
The album “Preterujem” features rapper bljuzga, also the drummer of the band and Iva’s younger brother, with whom she released the first single “Dobar osećaj.” Among the closest collaborators on the debut album are singer Katarina Vukoman and saxophonist Mirza Sijerčić. ZHIVA is the author of all songs and music on the album, in collaboration with Toshi Domaćin, the producer, and arranger of the album.
ZHIVA is also a member of the “Balkan beat gypsy punk” band MAiKA.
