Evi Reci: In the case I go to Eurovision I think I will leave the song in Albanian

FiK is one of my favorite NFs and it makes me really happy to get the chance to do interviews with some of this year's participants. Our next artist has brought a very interesting sound to this year's festival and that's the reason her entry is on the list of the songs I like the most. Here are Evi's answers:

Name: Evi Reci

Birthday: 30.04.1990

Height: 1.80

Favorite color: blue

What’s your strangest talent? Imitation of other artists

What is the strangest thing you have in your room? A crystal stone! 

What are you really good at? At singing

What are you really bad at? Mathematics 

Childhood memory: Singing in my local theater 

Celebrity crush: Johnny Depp

Who would you cast to play you in a movie about your life? Anyone who understands the balcan reality!

What would the title of that movie be? Evita! 

Favorite movie: Babel

Favorite TV series: House of cards

Dish/Snack/Beverage/Candy we should try if we ever visit Albania: Bakllava & byrek

What is your guilty pleasure? Too many sweets during the day! 

Can you recommend us a song (old or new) from an Albanian artist? Try to listen all the arberesh songs!!! 

Can you teach us some interesting words in Albanian? Ckemi? ( whats up)

Hello Evi! Welcome to the eurovision universe, how have you been doing? 

I am great thank you!

How would you describe yourself as an artist?

An artist that tries to bring a special kind of styles and genres in music and in my videos.

You are one of the participants of Festivali i Këngës 59. How did it all begin?

It's my first time to try this festival. But for many years I was thinking of it! It was just a decision...

"Tjerr” is the title of your song, what’s the story behind it?

Tjerr means spin. It's a personal story, try to spin out of my heart a pain that it was caused... 

How do you feel about the reaction your song has gotten from the fans?

The reactions were great, especially when they try to pronounce my name!! hahaah! They loved the love and the dark style that I brought

This years festival will be held in an open air venue, how do you as a singer prepare for performing under those conditions, taking in consideration that cold weather might not be a singer's best friend?

That is a thing... I am thinking that it will be just a moment as when we will be on stage everything will be ''hotter''. It will be a different experience so let it be!

Have you heard any of the other songs in the competition? Any favorite?

Yes, I 've heard most of them but they are all friends and colleagues of mine so I don't want to specify one! 

Now I'm going to ask you a question that we fans have every year when it comes to the Albanian entry for Eurovision and that generates some kind of debate. In the case you win FIK and go to Eurovision, would you sing your song in Albanian or in English?

I think i will leave it in Albanian, as the refrain ''Tjerr e Tjerr'' it is easy to get pronounced by the foreigners, but you never know...We will see!

What do you like about Eurovision?

I've been watching eurovision since 2013, and I love the international vibe that it's creating there.

What do you dislike about Eurovision?

The geopolitical votes :P 

Tell me the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word:

Oatmeal: necessary but don't like it

Chess: strategy

Glitter: scene dress

Air: meditation

Applause: my soul's food 

Thanks to Evi for the interview!

Facebook: EviReciOfficial

Instagram: evireci

Albania 2020: Arilena Ara

It's 2020 and this is not only the first post of the year but my diary post in a long time (I've been having internet problems) and I'll try to be here during this new NF season as much as I can. I couldn't follow FIK as I did years before but I did manage to watch all the performances and I gotta say it was a great edition so congrats to the artists, RTSH and of course that magnificent orchestra that made the songs sound incredible.

Time to say a few words about the winner: Shaj by Arilena Ara

At first I was a little disappointed as this is an entry that fits in with what Albania has sent to ESC before and I wanted them to take a little risk this year but then I watched her final performance (Which was much better than her first one) and I came to peace with the result. I'm still not crazy about the song but she is a very good singer and the instrumental part before the final chorus is magical, I truly hope it stays in Albanian cause I think it will lose its charm in English.

Shout out to:

Era Rusi

Elvana Gjata

Albania 2019: Jonida Maliqi

Photo: Edvina Meta

Hello world, hello Albania, hello Europe! FiKmas season is over and that means we have the 1st Eurovision 2019 entry and it's the song "Ktheju Tokës" by Jonida Maliqi:

It's been a couple of days since the FiK 57 finale and I just rewatched the performance and I like it more than I did back then. It's a pretty decent song and if they work on finding a good visual performance I think it could end up being a great entry.

Shout out to:

Eugent Bushpepa

Marko Strazimiri dhe Imbro

Soni Malaj

Orgesa Zaimi

Albania 2018: Eugent Bushpepa

Photo: DigitAlb

Last night we got our first entry for Eurovision 2018, Eugent Bushpepa was the winner of Festivali I Këngës 56 and here the song that got him the right to represent Albania in Lisbon:

I'll start by saying that I really like Eugent, he and Rovena were my favorites in my first FiK experience back them in 2008 and I fell in love with his voice once again this year when I heard "Mall" for the first time. Everything about this entry is pretty good and I hope he gets to be the 1st Albanian male artist to qualify to the final. Go Eugent.

Shout out to my other FiK 56 favorites:

Orgesa Zaimi

She came back with a banger and she did a phenomenal performance!

Mariza Ikonomi

Mariza has such an special voice and the song grew on me so much that I think it might end up as my fav from this years FiK.

Inis Neziri

Woah! What a talented girl, Im sure we will see her back in FiK for a revenge!

Orgesa Zaimi: "Singing is something I do by heart"

Hello everybody, the 2018 NF season will officially start this week with the Albanian "Festivali I Këngës" and what better way to celebrate this than by posting an interview with one of its participants. Here are Orgesa's answers:
Name: Orgesa Zaimi
Birthday: 25 July 1985
Height: 1.56 m
Favorite color: Blue
Favorite food: Sushi
Where are you right now? I am on the studio, ready to go on air on my radio show.
3 things that make you happy: My kids, My Parents and My Husband
What’s your strangest talent? My strangest talent is my laugh; it’s so different and weird that all the time I laugh by heart people only by hearing it they laugh too.
What is the strangest thing you have in your room? In a little jar I have my teeth, the ones my dentist took from 9 years old to 14 years old, I used to keep them since I was a kid, it was fun for me having them in a jar, now I think is pretty weird….
What are you really good at? I think that I am able to know that I have the gift to perform and sing. I can recognize this to myself; I am good at what I do
What are you really bad at? I am bad at painting or drawing, kids ask me all the time to draw something but I can’t… this is a talent I don’t have
Childhood idol: Elvis Presley
Childhood memory: I was 6 years old and I won the first prize award for the song “Little ballerina” in the kids festival.
Celebrity crush: Leonardo Di Caprio (And still is as a grown up too ha ha ha)
Tell me something no one knows about you: I am afraid, really afraid of snakes
What would you do if you were invisible? I would listen to people I know to hear what they think about me…
Favorite movie: I have a loooot of favorite movies, but I’ll choose “Shindler’s list” cause it makes me sad and think about humanity.
Favorite TV series: Game Of Thrones
What is your guilty pleasure? Ice Cream
If you were a boy for a day, what would you do? I’d play soccer
Name a song that never fails to make you happy: Bohemian Rhapsody from QUEEN
Can you teach me some interesting words in Albanian?
TE DUA means I love You
SHQIPERI means Albania,
MIRESEVINI means welcome,
Also I can teach you: DASHURI which means Love

Hello Orgesa! Welcome back to FiK! How are you?
HELLO, I’m feeling excited this year.

How would you describe yourself as an artist?
The last 11 years I’ve been in the Albanian scene, with my own vision of me as an artist, I have done a lot of music, singles, festivals, competitions and one album in English produced in Switzerland, also I have made my own vision of videos, I have brought some social themes in my songs too, and all of this makes me happy and passionate, cause singing is something I do by heart, I see myself grown and very focused after 11 years, I know exactly what I am, what I want and I have so much more to give.

This is your second time participating in FiK, what did you learn from your experience in 2015?
I enjoyed it cause it was my first time in the FIK, a very memorable experience, the song was about all the people who died all around Europe as immigrants, trying to escape for a better life in Europe, so it was pretty big in emotions and interpretation, I learned and grown with that song.

You went to Eurovision with the Albanian delegation in 2009, how was it and what do you remember the most from that journey?
I was the backing vocalist for Kejsi Tola back in 2009 in Moscow, it was great, I learned so much from that, I made a lot of friends, I was on that big stage representing Albania, so it was something to remember, my very great memory was meeting Patricia Kaas in person, it was such a joy, cause I love her.

Now let’s talk about your participation in FiK 56. How did it all begin?
It was something very spontaneous, the song came 3 or 4 hours later in the studio, after I met with this amazing and talented producer, we thought about something new, fresh and modern, drum n bass UK inspired.

“Ngrije zërin” is the title of your song, what’s the story behind it?
It’s a powerful message from Olti Curri who wrote the lyrics, people should speak up and raise their voice every day for their needs and rights. Cause we only got one life, embrace it and never let fear rule.

Describe the song with 4 words:
Energetic, powerful, driving and unique.

What can we expect to see on stage for the performance?
I am more focused on my vocals, I don’t want to make a ballet show or something like that, I want to be the voice of all this project, hear me now.

Have you heard any of the other songs in the competition (FiK 56)? Anyfavorite?
I have a lot of friends and a lot of favorites.

Do you know what you are going to wear for the shows? Can you give me a hint?
The only hint is black and white.

What do you like about Eurovision?
I like the spirit of Eurovision, a lot of artists from all over Europe sharing their cultures and bringing joy and dynamics with their performances, a lot of colors or in one word a RAINBOW.

What do you dislike about Eurovision?
I don’t like the voting at all, why should we vote? Let a jury do that :D

Tell me the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word:
Orchestra: Actually my grandpa used to call me ORCHESTRA (Very near as word with ORGESA) and he really thought that was my real name.
Hair: I love the musical HAIR, I know all the songs, it’s pretty educational
Simply the best: Tina Turner is simply the best singer that’s all
Nightmare: Sometimes I have a lot of nightmares, I am human
Watermelon: I love it, one of my favorite fruits, I like the green one
Dreams: I am very dreamy

Is there anything you want to say to close the interview?
I loved this interview, now you know everything about me, but hey did you know that I am a mommy? I have a 5 year old daughter named BORA (It means Snow) and a nearly 3 year old son named KRONI (It means Source). I am a proud Mom or as I call myself a COOL MOM :D

Thanks to Orgesa for this lovely interview! Wish her all the best in FIK!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrgesaZaimi
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orgesazaimi
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OrgesaZaimi

2016: National selections (1)

Here is the 1st part of my favorite NF songs from 2016

Muri & Mario - To Stjerner

Annica Milán & Kimmo Blom - Good Enough

SunSay - Love Manifest

Salvador Beltran - Días de alegría

Petruska - Trouble in My Mind

Enxhi Nasufi - Infinit

Margaret - Cool me down

Sophia Nohr - Blue Horizon

Eini - Draamaa

Saara Aalto - No fear

María Isabel - La vida sólo es una

Albania 2017: Lindita Halimi

Photo: Fadil Berisha

After 3 long nights of FiKmas (Songs, Awkward moments, and publicitet) the winner of Festivali I Këngës 55 is Lindita Halimi with the song Botë:

Hmm I like Lindita and Im happy for her but Im not a fan of this song. She is so much better than this "showing how good I sing" song. I really hope she finds an excuse to change the song like Elhaida did in 2015. C'mon Lindita! Bring us a S'të fal part 2!

Now this is exactly what we need from Lindita, She is a smart, hard working lady and I hope she finds a way to make the albanian entry work.

Big shout out to my favorite in this years FiK: DILAN REKA!

Photo: Orsola Mema

I liked Dilan last year but I didnt expect a song like this one from him. My first impression was like "WOW this sounds like a modern song and he is killing it on stage" and then I just started clapping and dancing along, The applause he got at the end of his performance shows you how good he was. (I was also cheering in front of my computer) Would have loved to see him in Kiev but Im glad he got a good result. Keep making good songs Dilan!

2015: National selections (2)

Here is the 2nd part of my favorite NF songs from 2015:

Karin Park - Human beings

Erga Halilaj - Ti sme njeh

Chiara - Straordinario

Emelie Irewald - Där och då med dig

Caroline Wennergren - Black swan

Nek - Fatti avanti amore

Mariette - Dont stop believing

SUNDAY - Fjaðrir

Lindita Halimi - Stë fal

Alexa Feser - Das Gold von morgen

Laing - Zeig deine muskeln

2015: National selections (1)

Here is the 1st part of my favorite NF songs from 2015:

Revolt Klan - Me mungon

Shava - Ostarilla

Elín Sif  - Í kvöld

Christabelle - Rush

Bianca Atzei - Il solo al mondo

MNTHA - Nefelibata

Alexa Feser - Glück

Mjellma Berisha - Sot jetoj

Andreas Weise - Bring out the fire

Annalisa - Una finestra tra le stelle

Laing - Wechselt die beleuchtung

Albania 2016: Eneda Tarifa

Photo: Endrit Mërtiri

And the winner of Festivali I Këngës 54 is... ENEDA TARIFA!

As I said in the last post this song was the one I liked most and she really did a fantastic job on stage. There is not a lot to say, Im very happy with the results and I wish her a year full of work and success. Good luck in Stockholm!

PD: Shout out to the acts that I would like to see next year with better songs: Enxhi Nasufi (My 2nd place of this year), Erga Halilaj, Lindi Islami, Jozefina Simoni and Dilan Reka.

Festivali I Këngës 54: Semifinal 2

Time to post about the second semifinal of FiK! Im not very excited about this years FiK but we got a couple of nice performances today, here they are:

Kristi Popa - Ajo çfarë ndjej

I kinda like this song but oh lord! Kristi keep writing songs and stay away from the stage. Maybe that was a bit harsh but what I meant to say is that this song would have been so good with a better singer.

Rezarta Smaja & Klodian Kaçani – Dashuri në përjetësi

They are very good singers but there was a lack of passion and chemistry on stage. Also the song is just ok.

Jozefina Simoni - Një det me ty

I really like this song and she is a good singer but there is something missing in her interpretation, I want her to bring more fire to the stage. 

Besa Krasniqi - Liroje zemrën

This a very cute song and I think we all like it because its weird to have a song like this one in FiK and not because we think it will do great in ESC. (PD: I can see this song taking part in the Icelandic national final)

Enxhi Nasufi - Infinit

BANG! Ladies and Gentleman, thats how you set the stage on fire. I loved the performance, her stage presence was fantastic, and I think the song with a big eurovision revamp could do well in May. That said I think she is much better than the song, part of me would like to see her with a better song next year but the other part wouldnt mind seeing her winning tomorrow, so good luck Enxhi!

Lindi Islami - Për një mrekulli

This is not a winner but a nice song/performance.

Eneda Tarifa - Përrallë

This is probably my favorite song of FiK 54 and Eneda did a great job on stage (The chorus people were a bit weak, The "Oh oh oh oh oh" parts didnt sound well) .

Festivali I Këngës 54: Semifinal 1

Hello everyone! Im back! Finally there's a good reason to start posting again. Its time for me to FiK you all. We didnt get the results from the semifinal so Im just going to post the songs I liked the most. Here they are:

Sigi Bastri - Engjëll i lirë

The orchestra did a good job with this song, it sounded very powerful and what can I say? I love me some dramatic FiK song. I think Sigi wasnt the right singer for this song, I liked her but there were parts that got me a little nervous. Overall I think she did a nice performance but I want to bring her A game for the final.

Dilan Reka - Buzëqesh

There are like 3 different music styles in the song but I kinda like it and I think he did a nice job on stage. I would like him to control his voice a bit next time cause he is a good singer and he doesnt need to show off his voice with all those vocal gymnastics.

Luiz Ejlli - Pa mbarim

This is a pretty decent song with a solid performance by Luiz.

Nilsa Hysi - Asaj

This is one of the most modern songs in FiK and I really appreciate that but the performance was a bit meh. I still liked it but girl you better bring some energy next time.

Orgesa Zaimi - Një shishe në oqean

Im not a fan of this song but Orgesa sold it very well. I want her to come back next year with a good song!

Erga Halilaj - Monolog

Erga was one of my favorites from last year so its great to see her in FiK again. Her song isnt as good as the one she sang in 2014 but its still a pretty nice song, not a winner though.

 Florent Abrashi - Të ndjek çdo hap

I really like his voice and his presence on stage but even if I think the song is ok, I cant see it doing well in Eurovision so I will add him to my "comeback next year with a great song" list.

Teuta Kurti - Në sytë e mi

This was probably my favorite performance of the night. Her vocal performance was great and the orchestra did a nice job with the song. I would like to see her with a softer look. That make up she wore today made her look like a villain.

Aslajdon Zaimaj - Merrmë që sot

This is a really nice modern song and he is very good on stage. Lets hope he gets into the final. Dont fuck it up juries! 

Albania 2015: I'm alive

Elhaida won FIK with the song "Diell" but she is not going to sing that song in Eurovision, here is her new song:

Much better than Diell! Very lovely melody and Elhaidas voice sounds great in it. I have no idea if its going to qualify but this is one of my favorite songs of 2015. Go Albania!

2014: National selections (1)

Time to post some of my favorite NF songs from 2014:

DeBee - Pin the Middle

Nion - Muud pole vaja

Mikko Pohjola  - Sängyn reunalla

Linda Bengtzing -Ta mig

Venera Lumani and Lindi Islami - Natë e pare

Linnea Dale - High Hopes

Linus Svenning - Bröder

Panetoz  - Efter solsken

Dina Misund  - Needs

I.D.A - Fight Me If You Dare

Greta Mjöll Samúelsdóttir - Eftir eitt lag

Albania 2015: ELHAIDA DANI!

Photo: Orsola Class Photography

After 3 brilliant nights of talented artists, here is the act that is going to represent Albania in Vienna: 

CONGRATULATIONS ELHAIDA DANI!

Her performance in the final was 100 times better than in the semifinal and she looked gorgeous on that dress! Im not sure if I would like her to sing in english in Eurovision so please keep the song in albanian! Good luck Elhadia!

Now a big shout out to my other favorites:

Festivali i Këngës 53: Semifinal 2 - Results

Here are the 9 finalists from the 2nd semifinal:

Festivali i Këngës 53: Semifinal 1 - Results

Welcome to the 1st night of FiK post! Im going to start saying: GOOD JOB RTSH! I loved the show, the stage looked gorgeous, the orchestra was brilliant (They all deserve a standing ovation) and the acts were pretty good. Before the finalists I would like to give a shout out to 2 of the eliminated songs:

Offchestra - Bajram

BAJRAM! BAJRAM!

Revolt Klan - Më mungon 

This was one of my biggest favorites of the night. They deserved to get in the final! I really like the song and they did a good performance! Well done guys! (Cant wait to listen the studio version)

Here are the 9 finalists:

Rehearsals 2014: Day 4

My favorite rehearsals from Day 4 were Hungary, Latvia, Armenia, The Netherland, Sweden, Iceland and Estonia. Here are some pictures from the press conferences:

Rehearsals 2014: Day 4 - Albania

Here is the Albanian rehearsal:

Beautiful voice but im not sure about the song!

Rehearsals 2014: Day 1 - Albania

Here is the Albanian 30secs rehearsal video:

Hersi is a super talented singer but i really dont get why she decided to sing in english, i think the albanian version was much better!

 Photos: Thomas Hanses (EBU)

Andres Putting (EBU)