It’s that time of the year again: Albania’s national selection Festivali i Këngës 59 is ready to kick off national final season. And today we’re one step closer, as broadcaster RTSH has released all 26 of the competing songs.
Last month, RTSH published the 26 competing artists, including familiar names like Orgesa Zaimi, Era Rusi, Mirud, and Inis Neziri.
The 26 acts of FiK59 will compete in the iconic Albanian song festival at some point between December 17 and December 26. One of these competing acts will win the prestigious festival and go on to represent Albania in Rotterdam.
Festivali i Këngës 59 — Competing songs playlist
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”)
Festivali i Këngës 59 will take place between December 17 and December 26, depending on conditions dictated by both the coronavirus pandemic and the weather. In an effort to minimise transmission of the coronavirus, the festival will be held at an outdoor venue. FiK59 will take place at a location near Tirana’s Italia Square. As well, the performances will be restricted to a maximum of seven people on stage.
What do you think? Which song is your favourite? Who would you like to hear representing Albania at Eurovision 2021? Tell us your thoughts below.
KASTRO ZIZO
That’s it. The rest is meh…
This year’s FIK is lame – nothing really to remember or talk about.
Another missed opportunity for Albania and the albanian musicians to profit from the outstanding Eurovision platform and launch a European career. The problem is not “pfff… another balad”. There’s nothing wrong at all with ballads but these songs sound all super boring and demodé ( outdated ). I’m sorry, but Really! Anyway, I think this year it will probably all come down between Anxhela Peristeri’s Karma and Inis Neziri’s Pendesë. I really don’t know which one to choose between the two but I can say certainly Karma is more of a stand out although it is so messy. There are… Read more »
Well, then let’s get the 2021 NF season started. As always, Albania, or more precisely, some Albanian artists seem to live in a different world. They do have that Albanian signature: lots of percussion, lots of strings, electric guitars, shouty divas and old guys with raspy voices and kind of dated songs. There are always some good songs which kind of bring soemthing new though and I’m open to some ethnic flavours and foreign languages. I see four options here: My personal and very impopular choice: Fatos Shabani – Ty. So smooth, atmospheric and deep even though I don’t understand… Read more »
Also, Zjarra im could have been a “Wild dances” back in those days.
Erik Lloshi and Mirud are the best options for me. As it’s usual year by year, Albania brings us a festival with quality, elegance and great voices.
So my top 5 is
1. Mirud
2. Kastro
3. Enxhi
4. Era
5. Anxhela
I hope that a more upbeat entry is chosen simply because Albania has some good books an I am a bit overdone on the ballads from them despite it being good ballads.
My personal fave is Mirud, Nëse vdes immediately stood out to me while listening to the songs. I would also really like to see Era Rusi do well, the more I listen to this song, the more I enjoy it! 🙂
However, based on what Albania usually likes to send, I’m guessing Inis will win. Pendesë is not really my cup of tea, but I appreciate her vocals.
Of all the fan favourites, Era Rusi is the best by far. It’s modern, experimental and has a lot of personality, all whilst having a hint of a quintessential ethnic sound. Haven’t listened to every song just yet but Zjarri Im is most definitely a standout
I got through all 26 of them (yey!!) and I think that overall it’s a fine selection. There’s no explicitly bad songs (even though you know I enjoy a memorable ”trash” or two), but there’s some that perhaps could fade into background. I still have no idea who my personal winner will be, but there are 5-10 songs which left a really good impression on me. So (in alphabetic order): Durim Morina (Mirud) – This is in the vain of Me tana, but perhaps a bit more subdued (whether this is a favorable difference, I could tell after another go).… Read more »
I forgot to mention, but Erik’s Jo is also good. A song to keep my eye on. 🙂
I really like this one. Anyone who speaks Albanian can please tell me what’s about?
Both of them have well done instrumental hooks. Sardi’s chorus is good as it ”explodes” a bit and Rosela’s song has some nice Middle Eastern Elements. There are only like 6-8 songs which I found to be average at best and these aren’t it. I guess that some others just caught my attention more from the get-go, but I can safely say that second listening will definitely shake things up. 🙂
Is there someone here from Albania? It would be interesting to know what the Albanians think, which songs are considered the favourites there and of course which artists are considered to have a chance, because sometimes it is the name that matters (I think this is unfortunate but it’s true).
The fans seem to like Mirud, Inis Neziri and Xhesika Polo. Do they stand a chance? Is there any other that could take the victory? For me there’re lot of songs that could it, but I want to know what the Albanians think.
albanian here, nobody’s talking about it lol
we were hoping for faster songs and younger performers but it’s mostly ballads so most people are dissapointed
out of the names Anxhela Peristeri,Era Rusi&Rosela Gjylbegu are the biggest imo
Younger performers? Um… were you hoping for mostly teen contestants? I mean, judging by photos most of these people look like they are in their 20s or 30s. I think that Inis Neziri and Wendi Mancaku aren’t even 20 yet.
Edit: I Googled some of the ages. Mirud is 26. Inis and Wendi are 19. Anxhela, Era and Kastro are 34. Xhesika is 23. Only Viktor, Agim and Manjola (who is 51, but looks much younger) are somewhat of a longer-run veterans. And I really like that they are still in the game.
i meant more newcomers, most of them have been around for a while and have participated a few times.
Oh, okay. That’s fine. My bad for misinterpreting it. Us fans get giggly every time a favorite returns, but I totally get that it should be approachable for the new talent. There’s a fine line between acknowledging someone’s persistent hard work and entering a loop of rotating names. I guess there should be both. 🙂
Thanks for the info. So it’s just up to what the FiK juries vote every year, right? I mean, it’s not that they’re following a trend of voting for acts that the Albanian people would like as well
Another Albanian here. Very few people care about FiK, unless there is a controversy or whatever, the general public doesn’t care at all. The vast majority of the population learns the winner 1 day after the FiK final, most trash it and don’t care until the Eurovision semi final in May. If it qualifies great, if it doesn’t then no surprise because it was garbage all along. This is the Albanian way. XD
I understand. At least this does no harm to the artistic future of the participating singers. I mean, even if someone doesn’t qualify in ESC then this isn’t something that could destroy their careers, a fact for some other countries.
It might hurt their career for a minute but yeah no long term damage.
Albanian here lol. Most albanians don’t care about FiK, but as far as having a chance, the frontrunner based on the singers in definitely Anxhela Peristeri (Karma). She’s one of those singers that would never compete just for fun and that’s why she competed this year for the first time. Anxhela’s definitely in it to win it more than the others. I don’t think Inis has as much of a chance as eurovision fans are assuming honestly but you never know. Mirud is mostly frowned upon a lot of people here so he’ll have a hard time (especially since he’s… Read more »
I have some questions as well:
1. Yes definitely. No matter the song. Someone like Gigliola or Festina could sing Karma but they wouldn’t stand a chance. The only exception in this was Eugent Bushpepa, but there was no big name frontrunner in that edition anyway
2. I don’t think so but nothing is settled yet. But the possibility of a televote is very very close to 0
It is always who has the best connections with the festival organizers and RTSH guys but there have to be some conditions checked. They would rather send a bad song than a bad singer as this comes with the tradition of the festival itself and the mindset of people who run all this thing up.
Hello fellow Albanian XD
I agree that Anxhela is a front runner, but don’t underestimate Inis. She came third once so RTSH knows her, and she won New Wave and Golden Stag, so they might feel like she’s the next Elhaida, who definitely didn’t win because of Diell, but because of her vocals and new star status. Inis is in a similar space.
Regarding Mirud, can he win Fik with a good song? Or is it impossible for him to win it, since he is openly lgbtq? I was really surprised that he didn’t qualify with “nënë” last year, and I was wondering what the reason for that was …
It greatly depends on the jury but if the rumours about FiK being rigged are true I doubt Mirud will ever win since he doesn’t have that much influence in the albanian industry. Fun fact in FiK 55 Ylli Limani technically “won” but they changed the voting system at last minute after they counted the votes to make it so that Lindita won. A similar thing happened last year to Elvana too. That’s why FiK has lost all credibility and everyone knows the winner is predecided.
First of all thanks for sharing! I guess it’s Peristeri’s time, if this is the case.Her song is exactly 3 minutes, so maybe she’s is indeed in it to win it. But I have to be honest, I mentioned that there are quite a few songs this year in FiK that I would like them to win, but unfortunately Peristeri’s was NOT one of them. Unless she does an Elhaida Dani and she shows up in Rotterdam with an entirely new song. Of course I trust what you said and maybe I should start preparing myself for a ‘Karma’ win,… Read more »
Another Albanian here with some knowledge on festival backstage and artists community. Mirud is not favoured in the FiK because he’s an outsider and doesn’t have connections with the circle of people who run all this thing up. It is very true that the festival organizers, rtsh people and the jury members are most of them very conservative and homophobic but they wouldn’t disqualify someone just because of that. It’s typical Albanian, if you don’t have connections you’re automatically disqualified the talent doesn’t matter at all unless you’re someone like Rona Nishliu – SUUS.
I’m loving Inis but also Era and Rosela.
Anxhela Dove for the win.
Also, Orgesa’s song has some melodic similarities to Yohio’s heartbreak hotel
Exactly!
I’m sure it’s a coincidence, plus she’s not winning so it won’t be a problem regarding the ESC participation.
I’m sure she didn’t plagiarise it, but I guess it’s like the 4 chord thing, it’s probably an easy refrain to build a chorus around.
Been through them all now and although there is some promise, I don’t think any of the songs would’ve cracked my top five of FiK last year. It could change but I definitely feel that the songwriting in both JESC and FiK is definitely weak. Maybe the economic realities of 2020 are forcing songwriters to force through submissions that, in other years, they wouldn’t have.
I think last year’s FiK was just exceptionally strong.
well thanks to Arilena and Elvana, otherwise it was just an average fik
I thought Sara Bajraktari was great with Ajer, Kamela oozed charisma and Gjon and Era had great ethnic bops. Alongside Arilena and Elvana, that’s six viable contenders to represent the country at ESC.
I agree and I’d add Tiri Gjoci, Kanita Suma and Wendi Mancaku. Also Aldo Bardhi, at least in the studio version. Which Gjon are you referring to, though? Perhaps Gena? (If so, I didn’t really like the lyrics, but I can totally see why his energy was appreciated).
If Inis Neziri – “Pendesë” won they won’t have to re-record it since it is a finished product (unless they want to add English lines).
Surprisingly, this one’s wide open. Any good performance on the night can win FiK 59 – the songs are all about equal in appeal from what I have heard so far. Nice to hear that Albania has so many great singers. 🙂
N.B. Listening figures so far suggest an early three-way lead for Anxhela, Inis and Mirud. It’s close.
Am I the only one who hears Sanna Nielsen’s “Undo” and Aminata’s ooh-ooh-ooh in “Love Injected” in Inis’s song?
Probably coincidence but I coudn’t stop hearing it.
It’s more similar to Renegades from the Romanian 2019 selection
Yes, I also heard Aminata’s song a little.
Yes, this ooh-ooh-ooh reminded of Aminata’s Love Injected as well!
If Inis wins (there’s a big chance it’s happening) this should be brought up to her attention so she can take care of it during the revamp.
I’m so obsessed with Gigliola’s song, what the hell
It’s a nice song! It was the first of this playlist that I wanted to listen to all of it until its end
For me: Mirud, Era Rusi, Erik Lloshi or Xhesika Polo for the win
Yeah…for me also Xhesika. Then Mirud
lacks BUM BUM material
oh yeah, I’ve been missing that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMR95UMeL0o
Era Rusi, Anxhela Peristeri, and Kastro had my top 3 but there are tons of good potential here and I am excited to see the live performances!
Albania every year the A in our Eurovision Alphabet. Again interesting and exciting to find out which of this years selection will be chosen at FiK.
Time for some remenisence? Remember when we all were in “flames” about this 😉
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sud1YEaczsg
Kastro Ziso 🙂 Great!
I agree, Sardi Strugaj and his song – very interesting, I really like it. But I fear it is too interesting a song for the crowd.
Yes! I hope such risky choices never die out!
Era Rusi is the best imo
There are a lot of songs that I like here (including Orgeza Zaimi’s). It’s really difficult to pick one that I like the most because of their variety, which I adore. If I was forced to pick one favourite, I’d probably go with Kastro Zizo, because it is so different from what we usually listen to at Eurovision. It reminded me of Lordi and Hatari but with a Balcan essence. Totally loved it! It is really hard for Albania to disappoint me this year, because there are like 10 songs that I would really like to hear at Rotterdam.
I don’t know, but a lot of the times I really don’t get they hype for fik. It’s not a bad selection, but I’m never excited for it, since it’s mostly dated rock and ballad songs. That being said I do enjoy Mirud’s song the most, I just hope for an amazing staging – not too much dance more subtle choreography perhaps in a box with leds in neon green colour.. but I really doubt it will win since this is Albania we’re talking about (so a country which sends women drama ballads 90% of the time). Inis and Anxhela… Read more »
FiK definitely doesn’t take chances and plays it safe when it comes to its winner but I think the participant lineups have been quite interesting since 2018 at least, so maybe that’s why us fans discuss and follow it. I say this in regard to your hype comment.
i do respect the artists and they have always have great voices, but I feel like fik doesn’t showcase the albanian music scene as it should, and I fell I’m watching and listening to the same songs every year.
It most certainly doesn’t showcase the Albanian music scene, and we can blame that on the juries. RTSH has created a catch 22 situation, because FiK has different requirements for a winner, Eurovision has others. And combining both is pretty hard. The reason they keep using FiK for Eurovision it’s because they fear it would die without it. As I said I personally have liked the song lineups since 2018, but as Efendi said the Eurofans mostly crave for Eurovision content after many months.
I guess the hype is mostly because of the fact that it’s the first national selection. I mean, even if I don’t like most of the songs as well, I’m also always excited to have a listen to the songs. But, yeah, I definitely have to agree that most of the songs are either not really appropriate for Eurovision, or just how to say.. bland and that most of the songs sound kinda similar. I’ve said it x times, and will say it again, even tho people somehow don’t want to understand it, but Albania would do much much much… Read more »
agree with every word u said. yeah diversity doesn’t mean ethnic bops, but like is rock and ballads really all albanian music industry has to offer?! I really think they will never learn and will stick with fik and getting those either non-qualifications or mid placings in the final..
Before I say anything else, am I the only one here that Orgeza Zaimi’s Valixhja e kujtimeve reminded me of ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ by Yohio (Melfest 2013)??
Nëse Vdes is a good entry but it doesn’t resemble Me Tana all that much. I imagine that Inis will win. A really good start to the selection, we’ve not got a winner here but I actually listened to all the songs, and there’s nothing I would rank below 5/10
It reminds me of Me Tana, but in a bad way, like a bad copy of it. I would be OK if it ends up at Rotterdam but I think that there’re better songs. And I don’t think that this is a type of song that the FiK jury would vote for. FiK has 2 modes, a rock one and a diva’s ballad one. Hopefully this year they ‘ll go for the rock mode.
It lacks the energy of Me Tana, but in a way I think that’ll make it more palatable to the juries, as it could cross into the territory of respectable folk as opposed to folk inspired bop.
That’s for me
It was an unbearably long wait, but we finally made it! Having just listened to all the songs, I must say I’m positively surprised. While the level of last year’s entries was probably a little higher, I nonetheless managed to find plenty of really great songs among the 26 that were revealed. And I can already tell that a lot of them are gonna grow on me, the same way that last year “Shaj” gradually became my second favourite song of ESC 2020 (the Albanian version, that is). Anyway, enough babbling, here’s my current top 5: Fatos Shabani – “Ty”… Read more »
That’s part of “E moren boten”‘s charm, though! The questionable vocals make it all the more interesting, and, let’s be honest here, they add to the undeniable guilty pleasure quality of Franc’s entry.
As for “Ty”, Fatos’ singing didn’t bother me all that much, I’d say the imperfection of his voice is endearing and, in a way, it only intensifies the impression of authenticity that I get from “Ty”.
And look, you don’t need a perfect voice to make great music, look at Bob Dylan!
Can Albania stop sending ballads for once? I mean, it’s obvious that Inis is going to Rotterdam because that’s the song the jury will vote for. I find Mirud’s song quite interesting and best choice, but having in mind that they chose ‘Shaj’ last year when they had a bop (‘Me tana’) in the national selection, I don’t expect anything different this year. My favorite artist in this selection was Orgesa, but I’m a bit disappointed with the song. Manjola’s song sounds kind of mysterious and I like it. Era’s song is unique but I it’s way too much for… Read more »
Tibor, may I ask if you have a problem with tenors’ voices in general or if there’s something with Erik’s style in particular? I’m asking because I’m also not a fan of whiny vocals, but I haven’t thought this about his. Also curious to hear your opinion on “Tjerr”.
I actually like that he goes up because it gives a nice contrast to the verses. But it’s something he may need to be careful when going live. I bet you’re also one of those that actually gets annoyed when you have to get the volume of the device down when some people go for high notes out of nowhere. 😀
Oh, come on, is there always that one artist who just has to block their video hours after it’s been uploaded! A question for everyone who actually has managed to listen to the first song – Vendi im – Is it any good? What’s the issue of it being blocked?
Honestly, at least before I read the lyrics, there’s no song I would label as bad in this selection. But this one hasn’t caught my attention, Colin. I would say you’re not missing anything, though I hope they unblock the song.
Thanks, Sabrina. 🙂 I hope so too. I really wouldn’t like to make a rating based on snippets on other people’s lists.
Yeah, so far, so good. I am 8 songs in and not a single ”filler”. Every one has something to offer. I am still unsure which songs I’d categorize as ”okay” and which as ”amazing” on the first listening, but some are pretty striking!
That’s exactly how I felt about this selection. At least half of the songs are something I intend to listen again and pay closer attention, while none gave me the “move on to the next track” itch. I won’t say I found a “Ktheju tokës” or a “Mall” yet, but there are many options that could seduce me in the long run.
Yeah, I’m actually looking forward to my second re-listening even more to discover some finesses. For instance, Evi and Klint both have very original beats in choruses and I’m all in for more. Xhesika’s song seems very deep just by listening to it. Manjola gave me some ethereal vibes I did like too. I really hope the lyrical content is as good per average as it was last year.
Thanks, Tibor. 🙂
Okay, the entry is up again. I am glad this all worked out pretty soon. 🙂
The opening’s great but then, imagine the type of music you’d hear at an Indian restaurant but if somebody took an abrasive rock guitar to it. Don’t think you missed much here.
I would have to agree with you, Briekimchi, Tibor and Sabrina. I’ve heard it. It has a really striking intro and then it becomes stale and repetitive, without even cashing in the atmospheric vibe it had going for it at the beginning. It’s not terrible (none of the songs here are), but it’s easily a bottom 5 song here.
Another good selection from Albania. Also a very close one, it will be hard to pick a winner. Some thoughts: – Erik’s “Jo” is my highlight so far. Interesting mix of haunting verses, emotional chorus and modern beat. I’m very curious to know what the lyrics are about. – Intrigued by Evi Reçi’s “Tjerr”. Some cool and unexpected choices there, this would be a fun song to stage. – Don’t see Kamela, Wendi or Xhesika winning without a killer live performance, but those are 3 very classy and well thought entries. – Era Rusi has again a very catchy and… Read more »
I’ll third this observation about Orgesa’s entry. By no means bad (and judging by the title probably has lyrics with a meaning behind them), but it loses me with it’s melody once the chorus starts. Idk… It’s not bad, but doesn’t stand out. I found other songs thus far more interesting.
It’s an OK entry, but I guess we were all expecting Orgesa to be Orgesa. So the shock when the song hasn’t went anywhere was bigger, I suppose.
I plan to check the whole playlist again, so I promise you Sardi will have his chance. I liked his voice already, I tell you that. About “Tjerr”, I can totally get why you feel this way about it, but I don’t know, it just worked for me. Not saying it will be my winner or anything, but I like when songs avoid the predictable development Kamela was my favorite last year, so yeah, I was also disappointed when the chorus reached. But there’s something about her, an ellegance about her music that I really enjoy. Oh, and about complaints… Read more »
Okay, I’m *just* getting started, and this will go on for days, but finally my first 2021 list can take a first step forward.
So far, I’ve listened to only 4 entries: Mirud,Wendi, Inis and Klint. On first glance, I really dig all of them! Of course, there are lyrics to consider (could be deep poetry, could be total wreck, I have no idea), but the music + voice = very good.
Only 22 more songs to go… Good luck, Albania!
I listened 3 times and my top 5 are
5, Agim
4, Mirud
3, Inis
2, Erik
1, Anxhela
But i like 19 songs, it was difficult to choose from
haha here is one more Tom if you scroll down. He is the opposite of you, he dont like anything ;).
Thats why i have listened 3 times haha
Inis winer. Amzing voice
I listened to all of them: Not bad.
3rd Giliola Haveriku – “E lirë”
2nd Klinti Çollaku – “Do t’ja dal
1st Inis Neziri – “Pendesë”
Inis the best ever. Super song.
Amazin voice. Winer
Mirud’s song is very much in style with Me Tana and if you ask me I would send that song to Eurovision, but Inis has also fine song that is most likely to win as it is ballad. 🙂
I think it will be Anxhela vs. Inis, but as always it depends on jury. Manjola Nallbani will get a lot of points due to being who she is and singing about the pandemic, and Kastro Zizo will likely get those unusual high points that normally went for Bojken.
On first listen Gjergj Kaçinari has a good entry but there’s a few in there that could take the win.
However no major standout like in 2018/19
Based on FiK history, Inis has the best chances of winning.
Power ballad? Check. Great young vocalist? Check. Other awards? Check. It’s the FiK winning formula, the jury loves that stuff.
I mean, yeah. More or less every entry since 2014 could fit that formula except Eugent.
I’m sorry but a NONE of these songs sound spectacular… not even one of them peaks my interests, all I have to say is that this selection is just weak… 🙁
maybe the quality last year was just exceptionally good?
let’s see if my opinion changes soon 😉
I think they have potential to be better when performed live
let’s hope so! a good revamp could change a lot too
Ok y’all the more I listen the more Zjarri Im goes SO HARD. It’s honestly reaching Me Tana levels of bop for me, and I desperately want it to win, but I just KNOW the juries will slaughter this. Or maybe just one juror in particular, should Mikaela Minga judge again.
Also small note to make, Enis Mullaj composed my top two entries of this year. Will be looking out for them in regards to new music.
I think the best option is MIRUD…. love the beat, the language and the instrumentation of the song. Albnania have to try something new. No more screaming ladies 🙂
Super unlikely the jury will go with Mirud. They love the power ballads.
Also I get what you mean, and I agree for something different from my country, but reducing those great vocalists to just ‘screaming ladies’ is very demeaning.
Didn’t mean to offend as I really like most of the Albanian entries in ESC. I just meant something different would be perfect. Good luck 🙂
I agree with you. Mirud is my second favourite beside Kastro Zizo.
It might be weird but… I like Erik Lloshi as well.
Very strong national selection!!