Jonida Maliqi is representing Albania at Eurovision 2019. She will do so with the power ballad “Ktheju tokës”. She gave us a stunning performance at Eurovision in Concert and we had the chance to meet up with her in Amsterdam. We talked about migration issues, her personal life, her shoe business and much more, leaving us captivated by this fierce queen.

Jonida Maliqi interview – Eurovision in Concert 2019

The message of “Ktheju tokës” is about emigration and the problems that come with that. Many Albanians have left the country and Jonida has a very personal connection to the song.

“The song is so powerful and I feel it. It’s very spiritual. Emigration is an issue. It’s about my personal life — my sister lives in Cyprus. She is my better half. I miss her a lot, it’s my sister. But it’s also about the global issue of emigration.” Jonida tells us that the music video also relates to that — the child in the video represents the people. They run away from the fire, they need a new destiny, a new home and a new future.”

Regarding staging, she tells us that it will be very mysterious. She also hinted that the eagle might come back on stage. They will bring a lot of drama and also something positive on stage. She revealed that she will have three or four backing vocalists in Tel Aviv, but no dancers. Jonida also says she will wear something “very different” on stage.

Jonida started singing in 1993 when she was nine years old, literally growing up on stage. She participated in festivals and then entered FiK in 1995. Singing is her first love and she says that it makes her feel like she is more powerful, describing it as a bit of a drug. Winning FiK was a very beautiful surprise for her and it came at a very good moment in her life.

Jonida Maliqi — “Ktheju tokës” (Eurovision in Concert performance)

Aside from being a great singer, Jonida Maliqi is also a businesswoman and an Albanian fashion queen. She runs a fashion company and has done so for 10 years, having started with shoes. After that came clothing, having exclusivity with some luxurious brands. She is also a fashion influencer in Albania. She tells us “when you feel okay about yourself and how you look, you are better for others also”.

Having her own fashion business is not just something she does on the side for fun. It’s hard to live on performing arts alone in Albania, she says, “as we are a country in transition”. She explains that she needs the money and time to take care of her son, and therefore she isn’t too active in performing. But singing remains a passion and a great love for her.

Jonida Maliqi will perform her powerful song “Ktheju tokës” in the second semi-final on May 16, before Norway’s “Spirit in the Sky” and after Russia’s “Scream”. She will also be performing at the London Eurovision Party.

What did you think of Jonida’s performance at Eurovision in Concert? What do you think Albania will do in terms of staging? Let us know in the comments below.

You can find all our Eurovision In Concert interviews here

Read more Eurovision interviews here

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Little crumb
Little crumb
4 years ago

Jonida will slay!! Great song, great voice, emotions and presence!! Top 5

Luli
Luli
4 years ago

GOOSHH… to much plastic surgeries.

Ugna
Ugna
4 years ago
Reply to  Luli

What plastic, whereee lmao

Luli
Luli
4 years ago

GOOSH… to much plastic surgeres.

Melody
Melody
4 years ago
Reply to  Luli

Dukesh qe je shqiptar.

Hannah
Hannah
4 years ago

Always love Albania, hopefully Jonida gets the high score she deserves in May

Whisker
Whisker
4 years ago

Which eagle? The double headed one?

Enal
Enal
4 years ago

Class act!
Potential winner!
Do not underestimate Albania this year!