The singer and actress, who has lived in New York for eight years, blends American experience with domestic sensibility in her debut Croatian-language single.
Zagreb-born singer, dancer, and actress Ana Sertić has released her debut solo single "Neparni" under the label Bonton Musica. The songwriting credit on this female pop ballad goes to Bane Opačić, one of the region's most sought-after hitmakers, and Ana has woven her own emotions and life experience into the performance, bringing a powerful yet tender vocal to the domestic scene.
Eight years ago, she decided to move to the United States, where she enrolled at the prestigious American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York. She graduated as the first Croatian woman in the institution's history, a fact recorded in its archives. Prior to that, she spent three years in the ensemble of Zagreb's Komedija Theatre, performing in hit musicals "Mamma Mia" and "Jalta, Jalta."
Regarding the song's meaning, Sertić says it tells of a couple who, despite all attempts to save their relationship, ultimately fail. "However, for me, this is not a song about defeat, but a story of a woman who has the strength to accept an ending and continue on her own," she explained to 24sata.
Although she has lived in America for eight years and dreams and thinks in English, she emphasizes a constant desire to sing in her mother tongue. "I think there is a special depth in understanding and conveying emotion when you sing in your native language," she added. Coming from the world of musical theater, where narration, emotion, and storytelling are central, she sought a song that is not just a pleasant melody but carries a story she could truly identify with.
"Through my music, I would love to combine everything I've learned in America over the years with our special Croatian sensibility."
For her debut single, a music video was shot at striking New York locations, including the Brooklyn Bridge, which she crosses daily. Interestingly, at the same time, singer Mary J. Blige was also filming her own video at that location, which Ana's team, led by director Tihana Strmečki, managed to capture on camera.
The striking fashion ensembles in the video were curated by Stefan Orlić, a respected stylist and Ana's friend who also resides in New York, known to the public for his Eurovision styling and for creating complete visual identities for major music stars.
Ana views the opportunity for artistic growth in the most demanding city in the world as a privilege, aware that many do not have access to such a chance. That is why, in 2019, she launched Broadway Campus International, a project through which she shares her passion for musical theater with enthusiasts in Croatia and Europe.
In Zagreb, alongside several professional colleagues engaged in Broadway productions, she held an exceptionally well-attended workshop. Participants had the opportunity to refine techniques in singing, acting, stage movement, and dance. Ana particularly enjoys working with children and young people, as she believes that recognizing and developing talents builds self-esteem and confidence.
Throughout her career, she has directed six off-Broadway musical productions for the SAG-Aftra theater, and she also appeared in a commercial for the television network ESPN. She has had the opportunity to be on the sets of high-budget films and closely observe stars like Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Chastain, Kieran Culkin, and Sarah Jessica Parker stepping into their roles. Their professionalism and kindness left a strong impression on her and gave her additional motivation, especially knowing that they all went through a thorny path to success.
Beyond the artistic side, Ana also possesses a sporting spirit. She actively trained swimming for a full 16 years, which instilled in her discipline and perseverance. She also graduated from the Faculty of Economics in Zagreb, but she never worked in that field because her love for music and stage expression prevailed.
