Albania: 26 artists confirmed for Festivali i Këngës 59…including Orgesa Zaimi, Inis Neziri and Era Rusi

It’s traditionally the first national selection of the Eurovision season. And COVID or not, it seems that this year will be no different as Albania’s RTSH has published the 26 artists and song titles which will compete in Festivali i Këngës 59.

The list features many familiar names and fan favourites including the likes of Orgesa Zaimi, New Wave 2019 winner Inis Neziri, and Era Rusi. However, there is one notable omission — Arilena Ara, the winner of FiK 58 and Albania’s representative for the cancelled Eurovision 2020 contest.

This means that Albania will have a completely new act for Eurovision 2021.

Albania’s own pop mega-star Elvana Gjata is also absent. It appears that she’s not ready to avenge “Me Tana” just yet.

The FiK 59 line up is a mix of returning artists and those making their festival debut. There’s a good mix of Albanian talent, including starts of television talent shows and other song contests. Wiwibloggs reader Skiwalko has made this breakdown:

• 18 returning artists (including 5 FiK 2019 contestants)
• Four completely new artists (including an X Factor alumnus (Sardi Strugaj), The Voice of Albania alumnus (Gigliola Haveriku) and Anxhela Peristeri, who came third in Kenga Magjike 2019, as well as Stefan Marena)
• Two FiK winners (Viktor Tahiraj and Manjola Nallbani)
• Two past FiK Youth Group participants
• One past FiK composer (Gjergj Kacinari)
• One past member of FiK jury (Evi Reci)

Festivali i këngës 59 – Artists and Song Titles

Song title translations are not official.

• Agim Poshka – “Vendi im” (“My place”)
• Anxhela Peristeri – “Karma”
• Devis Xherahu – “Peng” (“Hostage”)
• Durim Morina (Mirud) – “Nëse vdes” (“If I die”)
• Enxhi Nasufi – “Njësoj” (“Same”)
• Era Rusi – “Zjarri im” (“My fire”)
• Erikson Lloshi – “Jo” (“Not”)
• Evi Reçi -“Tjerr” (“Spin”)
• Fatos Shabani – “Ty” (“You”)
• Festina Mejzini – “Kush je ti dashuri” (“Who are you love”)
• Florent Abrashi – “Vajzë” (“Girl”)
• Franc Koruni – “E morën botën” (“They took the world”)
• Giliola Haveriku – “E lirë” (“Free”)
• Gjergj Kaçinari -“Më jep jetë” (“It gives me life”)
• Inis Neziri – “Pendesë” (“Penance”)
• Kamela Islamaj – “Ajo vajza” (“That girl”)
• Klevis Bega (Kastro Ziso) – “Vallja e jetës” (“The dance of life”)
• Klinti Çollaku – “Do t’ja dal” (“I will do it”)
• Manjola Nallbani – “Ora e jetës” (“The hour of life”)
• Orgesa Zaimi – “Valixhja e kujtimeve” (“Suitcase of Memories”)
• Rosela Gjylbegu – “Vashëzo”
• Sardi Strugaj – “Kam me t’ba me kajt” (“I’ll make you cry”)
• Stefan Marena – “Meteor”
• Viktor Tahiraj – “Nënë” (“Mother”)
• Wendi Mancaku – “Si ajo” (“Like Her”)
• Xhesika Polo – “Më mbron” (“It protects me”)

Albania at Eurovision 2021

Back in September, Albania confirmed its place at Eurovision 2021.

Head of Delegation Kleart Duraj confirmed that the broadcaster plans to choose its artist via the traditional song festival Festivali i Këngës. But these are strange times — and nobody knows how the Covid-19 pandemic will unfold and what restrictions will be in place when the contest is due to take place.

Kleart said: “Festivali i Këngës will be the national final…in the case the festival can take place, taking into account the restrictions due to the pandemic and its progress.”

Albania’s participation in Eurovision 2021 is certain, even if the circumstances surrounding its annual national selection aren’t. Producers are rightly proceeding as if the show will take place, so all their ducks — and divas — are in a row.

The dates and format for FiK 59 have yet to be confirmed.

What do you think of the list of names? Who are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments.

Follow all of our Albania Eurovision 2021 news.