Croatia’s top music creators are proving that hit songs continue to generate serious income, both through traditional royalties and modern streaming platforms.
The Croatian Composers’ Society and its ZAMP service have released their annual report for 2025, revealing which authors earned the highest royalties during the year. The list highlights a mix of veteran songwriters, pop icons and creators whose music continues to dominate across generations.
Among the highest-earning Croatian authors overall are some of the country’s most recognizable names in music, including Husein Hasanefendić Hus, Ivo Jagnjić, Jasenko Houra, Marko Perković Thompson, Miro Buljan, Nenad Belan, Nenad Ninčević, Tonči Huljić, Vjekoslava Huljić and Zlatan Stipišić Gibonni.
The report also shows how much the music business has changed in the digital era. Streaming platforms have created a new category of top earners, where established names now appear alongside younger artists and producers who have built strong audiences online.
According to the 2025 results, the most successful authors on digital platforms included Boris Đurđević, rapper Grgo Šipek, better known as Grše, Ivan Hilje, known as Hiljson Mandela, Ivo Jagnjić, Marko Perković Thompson, producer Mihovil Šoštarić, known as Svlačionica, Tonči Huljić, Vjekoslava Huljić, the late Zdenko Runjić and Zlatan Stipišić Gibonni.
One of the most interesting takeaways from this year’s report is that several artists managed to perform strongly in both categories. Five authors appeared on both major lists, confirming their ability to reach audiences through classic music channels as well as digital platforms.
Those names are Ivo Jagnjić, Marko Perković Thompson, Tonči Huljić, Vjekoslava Huljić and Zlatan Stipišić Gibonni.
Their success shows that Croatia’s most influential songwriters are not only relying on past hits, but are also maintaining relevance in a music market increasingly shaped by streaming, online listening habits and younger audiences.
