Albania’s Festivali i Këngës, the country’s selection for Eurovision 2015, kicks off on December 26 at the Pallati i Kongreseve in Tirana. This is the 53rd edition of the show, and once again it will feature many of the country’s top singers. This year that includes Venera Lumani, who came fourth in last year’s competition. We recently had the chance to talk with Venera about her song ‘Dua të jetoj’, winning “The Voice of Albania” and much more!

Hello Venera. Congrats for being picked to be a part of Festivali i Këngës 53! How does it feel?

It’s always an honour to be part of such a beautiful event. Of course I feel happy and proud.

What made you decide to submit a song for Festivali i Këngës 53?

For me as a singer, I like to be part of festivals where judgment is based on quality and live singing. This event gives this pleasure to every artist, and I think this is the main reason why Festivali i Këngës always deserves our contribution. 

Some readers outside of the Albanian diaspora might not know much about you. Could you tell us about yourself?

Yeah, for sure they don’t know too much things about me, because I’m new to the music industry. Still, what I would like to tell is that I just finished university as an opera singer and two years ago I won the show ‘The Voice of Albania’. Already I have released 5 songs, 2 videoclips, and done a lot of concerts. Also I won the ‘best ballad’ prize at Top Fest 11 festival.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTqEsiploAA

Can you tell us a bit about your song?

The song is called Dua të jetoj and it translates to ‘I want to live’. The composer of the song is Endrit Shani and the lyrics are from Big Basta. It’s a really powerful beat ballad, powerful lyrics, a sensitive topic and I hope people will like it.

How are you preparing yourself for Festivali i Këngës 53?Venera Lumani & Lind Islami

In a few days we will start to practise and have rehearsals, so…nothing special. I just have to work hard. Just work.

Have you seen who will be competing in Festivali i Këngës 53? Who is your biggest competitor?

Yes, I saw the list and first of all I’m really happy that I saw so many good artists. I don’t feel like ‘competition’ when it comes to Festivali i Këngës because we all have to do the best and work hard as a group, so we can shine in Europe. So let the best song win!

How was the experience with Lind Islami last year?

It was great! It was the first time for the both of us entering and we ended up as fourth, which is a really big success.

Are you a Eurovision fan? Do you watch Eurovision yourself?

Yeah, as a little girl I would watch it with my family and enjoy Eurovision.

Who’s your favourite Albanian act from Eurovision?

Anjeza Shahini.

We love your latest video and single “E doja”. Could you tell us what your song is about?

E doja is my second video which was recorded in Skopje. The song is from Endrit Shani and it’s a really nice song. A lot much of art in all of it.

Venera Lumani 2What music style(s) do you like?

I really love jazz, soul and blues.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Cooking and sport.

What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever visited?

I can say that I have travelled a lot and every country has its own beauty.. maybe Venice.

Do you have a message for the readers of wiwibloggs?

I’m happy to have done this interview with you guys and share a little stuff. I hope you will like my song. All I need to say is, listen to good music and be positive! Thank you.

Thank you for the interview from all of us at wiwibloggs. We wish you the best of luck in Festivali i Këngës 53!

Thank you again!

Do you think that Venera will represent Albania in 2015? Leave your comments below.

Photos: Courtesy of Venera Lumani

YOU CAN FOLLOW ALL OF OUR ALBANIA EUROVISION 2015 NEWS HERE.

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Charles
Charles
9 years ago

After listening to some of her repertoire here I can be releaved to state she really knows what good music is all about … breathtaking and soulfull … express way more than just entertain … This is what music really gains its power from. And I also praise her words when she says, quote “festivals where judgment is based on quality and live singing” … but Eurovision every now and then (it has been way worse) tens to entertain televoters with the opposite of all that … no quality and no good singing … I’d love to see he represent… Read more »