Albania: Alban Ramosaj wins Kënga Magjike 2021

Remember the name Alban Ramosaj. The Albanian heart throb has won the 22nd edition of the prestigious Kënga Magjike festival in Tirana. The contest is known to take existing stars even higher, and its winners frequently come from or go on to the world of Eurovision. Past winners include Eneda Tarifa, Anxhela Peristeri, Jonida Maliqi, Juliana Pasha and Aurela Gaçe.

This year’s festival, which was moved to May 2021 from its original dates in December due to the pandemic, took place at the KLAN TV studios with a limited audience in compliance with Albanian laws and corona restrictions. Competing against 55 other artists, Alban beat some local favourites including Orghesa Zaimi, Xhesika Polo, Erik Lloshi and Aurel Thellimi.

His winning song “THIKAT E MIA” (Knives Of Mine) is a metaphorical take on the toxicity found in some relationships. We’re talking jealousy, possessiveness, anger and repressed feelings that can cause people to lash out. Alban draws from his personal experiences whilst diving in to the drama: “We’re extinguished like candle flames, even though I no longer crave your body, I still can’t bear to think of you with someone else.”

When he belts out those notes and beats his chest, you realise he isn’t just unleashing anger and pain. He’s ready to lay down his armour. Sometimes vulnerability can be one’s greatest strength.

Speaking to Wiwibloggs, Alban said:

“‘Thikat E Mia’ has been one of the most difficult songs for me to write. Despite coming up with the top line, the melody, the arrangement and most of the lyrics, it was left unfinished for over a year. In short, I was going through a series of personal crises, and I was too emotionally challenged to find the creativity I needed to complete it. I have lived through some of the tortured emotions of anger, rage, jealousy in a way I didn’t think I’d survive.

“‘Thikat E Mia’ is my personal story. With a little help from my friends Fifi, Bruno and the Three Dots production team, I was able to able to complete this track, and release it on a mainstream Albanian platform — a new challenge I achieved after being considered ‘underground’ for so long.”

The Kenga Magjike presentation included stunning LED effects — and subtle vocal support from live musicians and backing vocalists. However, during the final show, he was front and centre on stage slaying his performance totally solo. Alban was dressed in all black, and wore a striking amulet on his left arm. When he sings, he wears his heart on his sleeve, and transfixes his audience with his hypnotic eyes. Despite the tough competition, which featured vocal greats including Eurovision star Lindita Halimi, Alban earned top votes from his fellow artists, the panel of music experts and the public vote — a landslide victory across all categories.

 

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About Alban Ramosaj

Alban Ramosaj’s breath of talent and artistic expression spans film, theatre, music and fashion. In addition to releasing several charting singles that received critical acclaim, he’s experimented with voiceover work, music production, directing music videos and choreography. He was also cast in the Dolce and Gabanna 2018 Spring/Summer campaign.

In 2017 he opened for Emeli Sandé during the Albania leg of her European tour, and was the lead actor in the first-ever Albanian digital series “Love Likes Tirana” directed by Dalina Buzi.

About Kënga Magjike 2021

Ardit Gjebrea — the mastermind behind Kenga Magjike — has weathered a few storms. After the major Albanian earthquakes came the coronavirus. Albania suffered harder than most nations with two major crises back to back. However, instead of cancelling the annual festival, Ardit moved the dates to May 2021.

It was significantly scaled down from its former home at The Palace of Congresses to the recently renovated KLAN TV studios. However, the celebratory spirit remained fully intact. The festival, which dominated its time slot on all three nights, became the first major live event in the country, and it gave Albanians something to celebrate after so many dark days. So many wonderful performances including Soni Malaj‘s visual treat, and Eneda Tarifa’s duet with Italian jazz star Walter Ricci, still linger with us.

Familiar faces in the audience included Albania’s Eurovision stars Anxhela Peristieri and Aurela Gace. Eurovision 2021 jury winner Gjon’s Tears also attended the event.

 

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Are you loving Alban’s performance as much as we are? Did you feel the passion and emotion? Would you like to see him at Eurovision? Let us know in the comments section below.