🇦🇱 Your Guide to Festivali i Këngës 63: Night 1

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…or should we say FiKmas? December has rolled around which can only mean one thing: it’s time for Albania to choose their representative for Eurovision 2025 in the 63rd edition of Festivali i Këngës!

This year sees some changes to the contest, including a new artistic director in the form of Elhaida Dani who represented Albania in 2015 with the song ‘I’m Alive’. Additionally, having failed to qualify in Malmö with Besa and her song ‘TiTAN’, RTSH have once again made changes to the contest’s voting format. While Albania’s Eurovision representative has been decided purely by public televote for the past two years, this year the winner of FiK will return to representing their country in Basel. The winner will be decided by a combination of jury and televote, although it remains to be seen exactly what the split will be.

The contest will be hosted by journalist and award-winning novelist Enkel Demi, alongside singer and TV presenter Ornela Bregu, who competed in FiK on three occasions from 1997-2001. The 19th and 20th December will be semi-finals, where each of the acts will compete as either debuting or non-debuting artists. The public and jury will have the chance to vote for their favourite acts, which will then be revealed at the end of Night 2. Night 3, on 21st December, will be a Nostalgia Night, where all of the artists perform a song to celebrate FiK’s history. It is on this night that a maximum of 18 artists will advance to the final, which
will take place on 22nd December.

30 artists will battle it out for the top prize and for the first time in three years we will be hearing the songs ahead of the night itself. Night 1 sees 15 artists perform for the first time as well as an interval act from one of Albania’s most famous rap artists, Noizy. Keep reading to find out more about each of the artists and to listen to their entries!

Orgesa Zaimi – I Parë

Kicking the contest off is 39-year-old Orgesa Zaimi, who was inspired to make music from a young age. Her father, an artistic director and musician, composed a song for her to perform in a children’s festival at the age of six. Orgesa ended up winning the competition and since then has gone on to perform in many Albanian song festivals, including FiK on four separate occasions, the last time being in 2020 with the song ‘Valixhja e kujtimeve’ (‘Suitcase of Memories’).

Now Orgesa is back and performing the pop rock song ‘I Parë’ (‘The First’) which you can listen to below. Will the fifth time be a charm for Orgesa?

Erma Mici – Mbaje

Erma Mici is a singer who has been performing since she was 9 and started a professional music career when she was just 13, appearing on The Voice Kids as well as winning numerous awards for her singing. However, Erma will be best-known to FiK fans for her appearance as a new artist in 2022: she won the award for Best New Artist that year with the song ‘Kozmosi i dashurisë’ (‘Cosmos of Love’). Since then, Erma has gone on to release the single ‘Heartbreak Hotel’.

Now Erma is back as an established artist with the rock ballad ‘Mbaje’ (‘Hold It’). Could she be the one to take it all?

Luna Çausholli – Qiell apo ferr

Another artist who made her FiK debut in 2022 with the song ‘Jetën ta
fal’ (‘I Forgive Life’) is 19-year-old Luna Çausholli. While her status as a new artist meant she didn’t progress far in the competition, it certainly allowed her to make her mark on the Albanian music industry. She went on to compete in X Factor Albania the following year and this year she has already competed in Kënga Magjike and the Kosovan edition of FiK.

Now Luna is back with her ballad ‘Qiell apo ferr’ (‘Heaven or Hell’) which she wrote alongside her mother Ermira Çausholli, who is a journalist, author and TV presenter. You can listen to her song below.

Ronaldo Mesuli – N’zemër

Ronaldo Mesuli released the dance song ‘Rrushe Rrushe’ alongside Anton Pulaj in 2017, followed by the single ‘Dadush’. In 2019, Ronaldo released the single ‘Ktu ju pret, mirdite ime’ (‘Here awaits you, my dear’) which saw his music shift into a more traditional Albanian sound.

Making his FiK debut, Ronaldo will be combining both modern and traditional ethno sounds in his entry ‘N’zemër’ (‘In the Heart’). Will it be a combination that pays off?

Mihallaq Andrea – Porositë e babait

This year’s oldest participant is 75-year-old Mihallaq Andrea who is an iconic figure in the musical history of Albania. Born in the country’s cultural epicentre, the city of Korçë, Mihallaq began making music when he was just 14. He became a known as the “prince” of the city’s famous serenata genre and his songs were sang by locals all over the city until they were banned by the communist dictatorship at the time, who characterised his music as “decadent”. As soon as the regime fell, Mihallaq resumed his musical career which continues to this very day. He has also written three books, including the story of his life, and has been
awarded the titles of ‘Outstanding Personality of the Korça Region’ and ‘Grand Master’ by former president of the Albanian Republic Bujar Nishani.

Although he has participated in Kënga Magjike and Kënga Ime, this will be the first time Mihallaq has participated in FiK. He will be performing the pop ballad ‘Porositë e babait’ (‘Father’s Orders’) and hoping his extensive experience can bring him accolades from both the jury and the public.

Kejsi Jazxhi – Kur bota hesht

This year, many participants in this year’s X Factor Albania are competing in FiK. The first to perform is Kejsi Jazxhi who, despite being a debuting artist, might have an added advantage as she was mentored by FiK’s artistic director Elhaida Dani, who coached the Girls category this year.

Kejsi will be hoping to put her stamp on the contest with the song ‘Kur bota hesht’ (‘When the World is Silent’), a pop ballad which was written by Albanian artists Briz Musaraj and Sardi Strugaj, the latter of whom placed second in the 2020 edition of FiK with his song ‘Ka me t’ba me kayt’ (‘It’s Got to Do With Me’). With a strong team by her side, could Kejsi get a good result?

Lorenc Hasrama – Frymë

Lorenc Hasrama first became known to Albanian audiences in 2016 when he participated in The Voice of Albania, making it as a runner-up. Following this, he participated in the 2018, 2021 and 2024 editions of Kënga Magjike as well as the VIP edition of Big Brother Albania.

Lorenc will be making his FiK debut with the pop ballad ‘Frymë’ (‘Spirit’) which you can listen to below.

Jet – Gjallë

Jet is the stage name of Jetmir Kanani who will be best known to Albanian audiences as the runner-up in this year’s X Factor, where he came second to fellow FiK 2024 participant Alis Kallacj. He has also appeared in the most recent edition of Kënga Magjike as a new artist with his song ‘Paranojak’ (‘Paranoid’).

Still trying to make his mark on the Albanian music scene, Jet has the perfect opportunity to leave a lasting impression with his entry ‘Gjallë’ (‘Alive’). The pop song has been written by Elios Shuli and Inis Neziri, the latter of whom has competed in FiK twice. Will this stand Jet in good stead?

Djemtë e Detit – Larg

With a name that translates to Boys of the Sea, Djemtë e Detit are a highly regarded and well-known rock band in Albania. Having first formed in 1990, the band have participated in four editions of FiK where they won several awards for their effort, the most recent being in 1998 where their entry ‘Kohe Pa Ty’ (‘Time Without You’) won Best Performer as well as Best Song. Unfortunately, in 2015 their frontman Gent Demaliaj passed away from a serious illness and the band have taken a long hiatus ever since.

Djemtë e Detit will be making their big comeback with the song ‘Larg’ (‘Far’) and hoping to bring some nostalgia to an Albanian audience.

Nita Latifi – Zemrës

32-year-old Nita Latifi first became known to Albanian audiences in 2009, when she was a finalist in the fourth series of Star Academy Albania, followed by competing in Top Fest that same year. She would participate in Top Fest again in 2011 before going on to release a number of singles, including the 2023 release ‘2 Gota’ (‘2 Glasses’) which has over 1.3 million streams on YouTube at the time of writing. Most recently, Nita has competed in the Kosovan edition of FiK in 2023 with the song ‘Marrezi’ (‘Madness’).

Nita will be making her debut in the Albanian edition of FiK with the ballad ‘Zemrës’ (‘Heart’) which she co-wrote alongside fellow participant Lorenc Hasmara.

Martina Serreqi – Nëse qaj

18-year-old Martina Serreqi got her start on The Voice Kids Albania and subsequently participated in Luleborë and Kënga Magjike before making her FiK debut last year with the song ‘Vetëm ty’ (‘Only You’). Despite being a newcomer, Martina ended up winning the Critics’ Choice Award that year, earning the respect of her contemporaries in the Albanian music industry.

Martina will be hoping to capitalise on this victory once again, this time with the acoustic pop song ‘Nëse qaj’ (‘If I Cry’). Alongside Kejsi Jazhxi’s entry, this song was also written by Sardi Strugaj, who placed second to Anxhela Peristeri and her song ‘Karma’ when he competed in FiK in 2020.

Alis – Mjegull

Fresh off his X Factor Albania victory, Alis Kallaçi (billed simply as Alis) will be making his FiK debut and hoping to win his second song contest of the year. During his stint on the X Factor, Alis was mentored by Albania’s Eurovision 2020 representative Arilena Ara. Could a connection with a FiK winner be a good omen for Alis?

Alis’ FiK entry is a ballad titled ‘Mjegull’ (‘Fog’) As a relatively new artist, Alis hasn’t released many singles so far but how are you liking this?

Shkodra Elektronike – Zjerm

Shkodra Elektronike are an Albanian electronic duo who were founded in 2019. They reside in Italy and consist of Kole Laca and Beatriçe Gjergji. The pair are known for seamlessly fusing traditional elements of music from their hometown Shkodër with a more modern, alternative sound. As well as their own music, they are well-known songwriters, having written Rezarta Smaja’s 2021 FiK entry ‘E jemja nuse’ (‘I Was a Bride’) which placed joint third that year alongside ‘Refuzoj’ by Eldis Arrnjeti.

Appearing in FiK for the first time as participants, Shkodra Elektronike will be performing the song ‘Zjerm’ (‘Noise’) which contains the band’s trademark sound. Many FiK fans feel that this song is a real contender for the crown. Are you one of them?

Kleansa Susaj – Ta dija

17-year-old Kleansa Susaj first participated in FiK last year with her song ‘Pikturë’. Since then, she has competed in this year’s X Factor Albania where she placed third overall and was mentored by FiK’s very own artistic director and former Eurovision participant, Elhaida Dani.

Kleansa will be hoping to cement her rising star status with the ballad ‘Ta dija’ (‘I Knew It’). Does her song convince you that she has what it takes?

Ardit Çuni – Amane

Closing the first night is 28-year-old Ardit Çuni, who is a well-known singer and television personality in Albania. As well as appearing in the song contests Top Fest, X Factor and Kënga Magjike, Ardit has also appeared on shows such as Big Brother and Dancing with the Stars.

Despite his extensive music and television experience, this year will be Ardit’s first time competing in FiK. Ardit has enjoyed success in Albania with his previous releases. Will his dance/pop entry ‘Amane’ take it all?

Now that you’ve met all the artists performing in the first night of FiK, whose song are you most excited to hear? Let us know in the comments and be sure to follow us on all our socials.

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