Robert Zero Karl Oskar Broberg (2 July 1940 – 21 July 2015) was a Swedish performer best known as a singer with a flair for playful lyrics and theatrical presentation. Over several decades he combined music, humor and visual expression to build a distinctive public persona. He performed under variations of his name and remained active in Swedish culture from the 1960s onward.
Career and artistic style
Broberg wrote and interpreted songs that often mixed pop and rock with witty wordplay and light satire. As a composer he created melodies to match concise, often humorous Swedish lyrics, and he was known for energetic live shows. He collaborated with bands and musicians, but also released solo material that emphasized his vocal delivery and theatrical timing.
Other creative pursuits
In addition to music, Broberg worked as an artist — producing paintings, illustrations and visual concepts that sometimes appeared on album covers and stage sets. His interest in visual design complemented his musical persona and helped make his performances visually memorable.
Awards and recognition
His work earned public recognition, including the notable Karamelodiktstipendiet in 1989, an award associated with playful and inventive use of language in Swedish entertainment. He is remembered for blending comedy, music and visual art in ways that appealed to broad audiences.
Personal life and legacy
Broberg lived and worked in Sweden for most of his life and remained a familiar figure in national media. He died in Stockholm in July 2015 after a long illness related to Parkinson's disease. His career is often cited as an example of a multidisciplinary entertainer who used humor and visual imagination to enrich popular music.
- Known for witty lyrics and stage presence
- Worked across music, composition and visual art
- Recipient of awards recognizing linguistic and musical creativity