Ronela Hajati Sekret Albania Eurovision 2022

We all knew Ronela Hajati was a figurative queen. Now, in the official music video for her song “Sekret”, we see her getting literal as she portrays an ancient Albanian queen with a very storied past. The music video includes her revamped version of the song, which she’ll compete with at Eurovision 2022 in Torino.

The video, which goes heavy on the hair extensions, shows us everything from lovers getting down to Ronela’s man being chained up in a dungeon. But we aren’t talking kink — we’re talking torment. Can she save him in time? Watch the video to see if our girl breathes fire…

Ronela, who had the Festivali i Kenges jury say bye to ballads, has collaborated with well-known producer and songwriter Raoul Lionel Chen, better known as Diztortion. He’s famous for his work with Stylo G, Lethal Bizzle, Tinnie Timpah and more. 

The revamped version is mostly in English. But it also contains Albanian portions, which fans adored at FiK, and also some Spanish to celebrate her Spanish fans, who have been super supportive from the very first day Sekret was released. We should point out that Ronela Hajati is also a good Spanish speaker. 

For the video of the song, Ronela worked with famous Albanian producer and TV host, Ledion Lico, and stylist Niko Komani. In the video, Ronela portrays an Albanian queen who suffers and fights for love after her secret is revealed. During the video, Albanian actor, Florim Agalliu, joins her as her love interest. 

In her recent interviews Ronela has revealed that her Eurovision performance will go in a different direction to her music video and earlier stage show. While she performed in Festivali i Kenges as a warrior, in her video she is the Queen of Albania, so who knows what she will bring in the stage in Turin.

What do you think about the new version of the “Sekret”? Do you think it is going to qualify for the Grand Final?

131 Comments
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Mary
Mary
1 year ago

She has such a stage presence. Live performance will have a different energy. She will rock.

Ake
Ake
1 year ago

Eh, it sounds worse now? Not that the original wasn’t bad, but this is bad since it’s got three languages, less original sounds and it barely has anything we wouldn’t have heard in 2005.

Aaa
Aaa
1 year ago

Idk why people are criticising the revamp so much, it’s just as good as the original.

beewax69
beewax69
1 year ago

God, the mixing is so much better now. The song had already really grown on me and now I get to listen to it sounding like a proper song instead of a demo! It’s still a very fragmented song, but for me those kinda songs stick with me longer. The new break is kinda odd but it’s transition into the second verse sounds magnificent. I’m feeling like this is gonna be absolutely hype on stage. I’m hoping that this song will give Albania a new record at eurovision, the fact that Suus is their best entry is just kinda sad.… Read more »

Last edited 1 year ago by beewax69
Midnight Gold
Midnight Gold
1 year ago

Woah, an Albanian revamp that actually works, still a bit of a mess but an entertaining mess nonetheless. Never been a massive fan but it has grown on me and I actually wouldn’t mind it qualifying now…

Uck Sca
Uck Sca
1 year ago

That one Albanian twink once again praising his own country on twitter is so cringe, hoping he will multiply himself since this mess isn’t going anywhere without those selfpraising Albanians.

This is just bad and messy, awkward spots on the chorus flat it all down and who thought it would be a good idea to add even more languages to this? Even Swedes can’t save this one!

Kredential
Kredential
1 year ago

The revamp definitely tightened things up and the song feels high energy all throughout the song now, which I like. I think the revamp is great, my only criticism is that the first drop (which is not in the original song) is nowhere as good as the second original drop. Other than that, I like it. The song is already good enough as is, but like San Marino, this is the kind of song that is going to come to life on stage, and I’m looking forward to it!

Karl
Karl
1 year ago

Wow. This is a mess. It’s all over the place.

Bb T
Bb T
1 year ago

It’s soooo good.
The only song I like so far, really. I might vote for this one. ????

Jon
Jon
1 year ago

I don’t really care for this as it’s a bit all over the place, too many spoons in this soup.

Rufus
Rufus
1 year ago

Sounds even more messy than before, I’m kinda dissapointed. Too much everything, might have been a nice entry about a decade ago.

Torkel
Torkel
1 year ago

I feel like they lost something in the chorus, like something is missing for me … its still one of the stronger Songs this year but I actually prefer the original version even though I know it was too long ?

chanson
chanson
1 year ago

If anyone’s interested, this Sunday at 6 PM CET NAVIBAND will give a concert in solidarity with Ukraine. The concert will take place in Warsaw, but it will also be streamed on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcMktaEleeQ

Geale de Vries
Geale de Vries
1 year ago

If Spain is accused of being too sexist, then what about Albania? The song has a certain appeal, but they simply want too much in this video and it’s so full of clichés (swinging bums and hair, Game of Throne references, dramatic expressions, wild costumes and scenery), all totally unnecessary, in my opinion. Let’s hope they tone down the whole thing in Turin, so the focus is more on the music because it is not a bad song and the new version is better than the earlier version.

Bledi
Bledi
1 year ago
Reply to  Geale de Vries

Game of thrones??? Sorry but Albanias HISTORY origin etc with these dressings is wayyyy earlier than GOT !! Uneducated kid

Craigee_mac
Craigee_mac
1 year ago

Albanian revamps are like a box of chocolates, you never know what youre gonna get.. But this time, it is a strong revamp, and the song has retained the parts that made it stand out. The Balkan spice is still there, Ronela’s fierceness comes through, and on stage – her vocals still have plenty of room to shine. Well done Team Ronela.

Last edited 1 year ago by Craigee_mac
Purple Mask
Purple Mask
1 year ago

I love the video. It’s raw, it’s risky, and it stands out. The song sounds almost the same to me, so perhaps the changes in language weren’t all that necessary. But bravo, great video.

Colin
Colin
1 year ago

The unusual structure of this song was always its main appeal, so I’m glad they kept it similar. Ronela’s fierce stage presence will definitely shine once again. Is this a bit chaotic compared to your usual ESC bop? Sure. Does it stand out more? Sure. How will it go compared to the more compact bop from Spain? I have no idea. But Albania isn’t playing safe, and I like it! 🙂
PS. I like the past life story intensity in the video.

Sabrina
Sabrina
1 year ago
Reply to  Colin

“Compact bop” is a great way to define “SloMo”. On the other hand, the chaos in “Sekret” can be quite charming. Spain has the advantage we already know they won’t mess up with the staging, since they have everything set by now. Do we already know if Sacha Jean-Baptiste will work for Albania again?

Colin
Colin
1 year ago
Reply to  Sabrina

I still don’t know who will stage songs at this point, but I am very excited to see how it will unfold. I am still unsure which bop I like more – Spain or Albania. They are quite different, and both good in what they are going for. Since I know that uptempo diva bangers usually get a good fan response, I am happy that this time I approve both of them as well.

Sabrina
Sabrina
1 year ago
Reply to  Colin

I’m in the exact same situation, can’t decide which I like more and even if it isn’t my go-to genre, I believe they’re solid additions to the lineup. In fact, I prefer them to some of the beloved bops from recent years.

Illi
Illi
1 year ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Wait what? You are talking about Spain and stagings, and if there’s something we’re the best at ESC is ruining everything.

The Benidorm Fest staging needs to be adjusted for Torino, at least. Camera work, lights, led screens… that’s a lot to do.

Bad frames and it doesn’t care how good Chanel dances, it’s over.

Sabrina
Sabrina
1 year ago
Reply to  Illi

Of course there’s a lot to do, but it’s more about adapting it to a different stage, since creatively most of the work is done. The choreography is awesome and camera work and lights usually only improve in Eurovision, because they have better equipment to use. The biggest change they’ll face is with the led screen, since now there will be stage elements between the performers and the screen, but it doesn’t seem difficult to use neon lighting to reproduce the the night scebe vibe. Can the delegation still ruin it? Sure, especially if they try to make unnecessary changes.… Read more »

Sophia
Sophia
1 year ago
Reply to  Colin

Yeah for me, Spain and Albania are my faves this year, although I tend to love the bops. It will be interesting to see how they do this year, especially considering that there aren’t nearly as many “female diva bops” as there were last year, where most of them, although made it to the final, got lost in the mix.

Rich
Rich
1 year ago

Oh dear, what happened to this song? It turned from funny ethnic to hully gully kitsch. So many cliches it became funny in the wrong way. Love the tattoos in the medieval times, and good to see that prisoners were well fed in Albanian prisons at the time.

Rich
Rich
1 year ago
Reply to  Rich

STOP PRETENDING TO BE ME

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
1 year ago
Reply to  Rich

Joke: That’s Rich. (Hides)

AlexisMateoFan45
AlexisMateoFan45
1 year ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

STOOOOOP LMAO

Rich
Rich
1 year ago
Reply to  Rich

Nobody wants to be you. Maybe check the history of this site iso make your ego believe the sun turns around you.

Rich
Rich
1 year ago
Reply to  Rich

I don’t know why you feel the need to pretend to be me but it’s pathetic. I’ve been here for years.

Lucille
1 year ago

The song is still just my 10th but I’m sure with the revamp it’ll do way better at esc

Kosey
Kosey
1 year ago

I like this song very much, apart from the chorus, which leaves me conflicted.

ESCFanGA
ESCFanGA
1 year ago

The revamp is a success in my opinion and Albania should definitely qualify for the grand final this year!

Nael
Nael
1 year ago

This is fire ! I prefer this version I think it will do well and it’s my personal winner ! The only comment that I have is that maybe in the studio version the instrumental is a little bit too low and if it was higher it would have been more powerfull but it’s still amazing !

Ben
Ben
1 year ago

This is definitely in my top 3 favorite Albanian ESC entries of all time! Punë të mbarë, Shqipëri!

Sabrina
Sabrina
1 year ago

Remember when people were overreacting about “Shum 2.0” and saying the song was ruined? 😀 The more you listen to a track, the more it takes to get used when they change something. And that’s why I spent a couple of months without listening to the original “Sekret”. I personally few the track is flowing better now. For my surprise, they haven’t changed the structure, smoothing transitions was enough. The biggest change was that they got rid of the long intro, which I always thought it was necessary. In exchange, we got a longer dance break divided in 2 parts.… Read more »

ete sech
ete sech
1 year ago

I was concerned but it’s a very strong revamp, she didn’t ruin the song at all. I think Albania’s still a top 5 contender, and I’m all in for that! 😀

Gianna
Gianna
1 year ago

I am albanian spoke. She doesn’t speak clear albanian. I don’t like it. In English version I think is better.

Alex
Alex
1 year ago

I think most of the people that are disappointed are the ones that have been playing Sekret a lot which is not my case and won’t be for locals and juries. English aside, I don’t think it’s that better or worse from what it was. It’s still messy but that’s why some people really love it.

soti
soti
1 year ago
Reply to  Alex

ive been playing sekret for too long but I enjoy the revamp as much as the FiK version. This is awesome, I love Ronela for this one

HEH22
HEH22
1 year ago

I have found that Albania’s revamps have mostly been very hit or miss. I think previous entries such as Karma and Ktheju Tokës were altered ever so slightly to a better version- whereas the originals of Sekret, Shaj, Botë were much more preferable in their national final versions.
Personally and sadly, Sekret has dropped out of my current top 10 due to the revamp.

damuner137
damuner137
1 year ago

Me after the first listen: Wtf…..
After the second listen: Hmm…
After the third listen: This is good!
After the fourth listen: YAS QUEEN SLAY

Isabella
Isabella
1 year ago

Okay I still prefer the original version but this one is fire, I’m forever a Ronela stan,
Albania is coming STRONG for that top 5.

ALESSIO MILANO
ALESSIO MILANO
1 year ago
calm down .... this will not be the version she will sing in turin
Alex
Alex
1 year ago

BTW she will be performing this live tomorrow in Romania. So we can get a taste of how it will sound LIVE. 🙂

Jake Dallas
Jake Dallas
1 year ago
Reply to  Alex

Ooh interesting. I was about to say something about two intriguing interval acts in the same show (her and Jamala) but then I remembered that Romania always has a ridiculous number of interval acts. I remember they played like five songs from Eurovision 2020 while Roxen was getting prepared for her next performance

Polegend Godnova
1 year ago

it’s a good revamp. she didn’t dramatically change it and she didn’t overdo it either.

Karl
Karl
1 year ago

I liked you Poloser Garbagerine name better.

Jamie
Jamie
1 year ago

How does it feel to use Putin’s puppet’s name?

Por no estar
Por no estar
1 year ago

Why she had to ruin it. Stop with these needless revamps, original one was my winner. Im sad

Por no estar
Por no estar
1 year ago
Reply to  Por no estar

Dont get me wrong, it should still qualify. First version gave me winner vibes

Rich
Rich
1 year ago
Reply to  Por no estar

You clearly don’t understand winner vibes if you got it from THAT.

Ukraine stan
Ukraine stan
1 year ago

LOVE IT. Okay writing this down as my winner.

Nikoletta
Nikoletta
1 year ago

Btw! The only ones that are salty are esc fans over here, go to the yt comments, there is a whole lot of positive comments..

ete sech
ete sech
1 year ago
Reply to  Nikoletta

Indeed! It’s a good revamp but I get some are salty – probably bc they were already used to the original version

Nikoletta
Nikoletta
1 year ago
Reply to  ete sech

I understand, however it’ll be first time that the juries and non esc fans will be hearing this song..

YAY
YAY
1 year ago

Is it on spotify?

Alex
Alex
1 year ago

AMAZING VIDEO!!!! TOP TOP TOP!!! However, the revamp is a bit of a downgrade. The song is still good though. So that is the most important part. I am surprised about the DROP… what were they thinking? It’s a bit weak. What happened to the drums too…the drums created the goosebumps. Also for people complaining about negative comments. It’s not negative to really like the FIK original version. Deep down we all want Ronela to do the best. Feedback = Love. Now since the final version is out, she just needs to focus on the staging. I just hope she… Read more »

Last edited 1 year ago by Alex
Isabella
Isabella
1 year ago
Reply to  Alex

yeah, the drop change was the only part I didnt understand. they def made it worse.

Tedd
Tedd
1 year ago

Albania is my favorite this year. This version is okay, but however, the old version is undeniably better. This one seems little messy to me, and three languages is a bit much. Or maybe it just makes no sense in this song. Music video is a terrible idea. 🙁 But I still love this song, love this beat.

ALESSIO MILANO
ALESSIO MILANO
1 year ago
Reply to  Tedd
calm down .... this will not be the version she will sing in turin
Donkey
Donkey
1 year ago

help i can’t stop listening to the revamp omd. It is acc so good i have no words. I rly thought I was gonna be disappointed but I was proven wrong, Albania is now officially my winner. A lot of ppl don’t like the new drop but I quite like it. No words!!

Astrid
Astrid
1 year ago

Personally im more disappointed by the video than the song itself? The revamp was not bad in my opinion; Just the drums in the background were a bit higher than the traditional instruments which everyone used to like. Thats one of the negative points of the revamp. I personally have no problem that she changed the language of the song even if in albanian sounded better. I think that in general people can like it but still it doesn’t give me at all winning vibe feels. Im sure with a good staging it will pass in the finals for sure.… Read more »

Dane
Dane
1 year ago

So many negative comments, but keep in mind that many people only hear the songs when Eurovision starts. So they have not even heard the old version

Héctor
Héctor
1 year ago

It is actually good. I’d prefer it in Albanian I think but I’m loving the traditional flutes and the ethnic vibe of the package.

Licko
Licko
1 year ago

Top 3 this year, best song from what we listened so far. The atmosphere it creates is super.

Karl
Karl
1 year ago

And this, ladies and gentleman, is how NOT to do a revamp.

Song: ruined.

Karl
Karl
1 year ago
Reply to  Karl

Yeah. The new sounds are not doing it for me. And the English overload takes away from its uniqueness. It fell out of my top 10. Oh well.

Karl
Karl
1 year ago
Reply to  Karl

I never liked the Spanish song (still don’t), but yeah, her performance is great. Spain is also not in my top 10. A good performance alone isn’t going to make me like a song.

Kaiser
Kaiser
1 year ago
Reply to  Karl

You will get used to it after 2 or 3 listens.

Dane
Dane
1 year ago

Look at the odds guys. Albania is now in 21 place – its rising 😉

Donkey
Donkey
1 year ago
Reply to  Dane

oof it is down to 25th now. Below Germany. I honestly don’t get these odds man

Dane
Dane
1 year ago
Reply to  Donkey

and now its 23. It change all the time haha

Donkey
Donkey
1 year ago
Reply to  Dane

lmao I hope it rises even more. Ronela deserves top 10

Dane
Dane
1 year ago
Reply to  Donkey

I do agree

Liam Lindsay
Liam Lindsay
1 year ago

I really like this, Loved the old version, this meets former’s expectations and meets them and easily surpasses them, With Albanian revamps some are meh and some are god awful, within the expectations, the past 3 contests 2018, 2019 and 2021 all of the Albanian entries were revamped for the contests and all sounded as good as their original counterparts if not better, and the live performances seem to only serve them better and elevate them. There will be a lot of naysayers out there, saying that it wasn’t needed or necessary (NEWSFLASH: it was needed to cut it to… Read more »

Xxx
Xxx
1 year ago

They ruined the song. That’s all i’ve got to say.

Hu Hu Hu hurricane
Hu Hu Hu hurricane
1 year ago

ITS AMAZING. the best of this year

Andon
1 year ago

I’m confused. I dont know what to think of it