Albania’s Festivali i Këngës 59 is due to begin in just two weeks, but one of the contestants has tested positive for Covid-19. Manjola Nallbani — who is due to compete in the festival with “Ora e jetës” — has confirmed to her fans that she is unwell with the coronavirus.
In an Instagram post, Manjola shared her diagnosis, writing “For a few days I have been positive with Covid, therefore, I am isolated and I hope to return to normal soon. Thank you all for your support! I love you.”
The star is recovering from the virus at home, self-isolating in her apartment.
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Manjola’s self-isolation has meant she was unable to attend the Festivali i Këngës rehearsals that started this week in RTSH Studios. And with Festivali i Këngës so close, fans have been worried that this may mean that Manjola has to withdraw from the contest.
However, a FiK spokesperson told local media Zëri that “Manjola Nallbani has not withdrawn from the competition. There is enough time, if she recovers eventually. Let us hope and wish that there will not be any health complications.”
The team at wiwibloggs wishes Manjola a speedy recovery!
Festivali i Këngës 59 goes outside
Like most broadcasters, RTSH has made some changes to its national final to accommodate precautions around the Covid-19 pandemic.
This year’s show has been moved to an outdoor location. The festival will be held on an outdoor stage built at Sheshi Italia (Italy Square) in Tirana. FiK59 will not have an orchestra.
Last week, the broadcaster released a video animation of the outdoor stage plans, showing a dramatic set-up among the elegant cloisters of the square.
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Twenty-six artists will compete in the show, including familiar names like Orgesa Zaimi, Era Rusi, Mirud, and Inis Neziri. Festivali i Këngës will also be a mix of returning artists such as Anxhela Peristeri, Rosela Gjylbegu, Erik Lloshi and newcomers like Sardi Strugaj, Giglioala Haveriku, and Stefan Marena.
While the exact date of Festivali i Këngës 59 has not yet been confirmed, broadcaster RTSH has said that it will take place on 17, 18 or 19 December.
I hope we don’t have a Robin (JESC Netherlands NF) situation. I hope the broadcasters will think about this, and think of a solution.
I wish her to recover as fast as possible!
Manjola, we love your music and we wish you a speedy recovery with no complications!
At this moment, many of us are under constant fear for ourselves and our loved ones. We gotta stay strong!
Oh no, I hope she gets better.