This week, Albanian broadcaster RTSH revealed the full list of artists competing in the 64th edition of Festivali i Këngës, which will take place at the end of December. The excitement had been intense, especially after last year’s strong edition that gave Albania a Top 10 Eurovision act, in the shape of Shkodra Elektronike. Big names were heavily rumored to join, but that didn’t turn out to be the case. Quite the opposite.
The final list mostly features new faces or artists who have been around for years without quite reaching the top. Among the few familiar names are Fifi, Vedat Ademi and Kastro Zizo. Since the list became public, die-hard fans of the festival and Albanian music lovers have called it one of the weakest lineups in years, comparing it to the edition when Hersi Matmuja won (the 52nd). However, we won’t know anything until we hear the songs closer to the show.
Can Albania impress past the initial reaction? With Eurovision 2015 icon Elhaida Dani at the helm, we can keep the faith for now. Let’s dive in deeper and get the low-down on FiK 64.
Fan Reaction gone sour
Responding to the growing criticism, Elhaida Dani, who is the Artisitic Director for the second year running, made a statement on the radio explaining that many well-known artists either withdrew or decided not to take part. Why? Albanian megastar Elvana Gjata were beaten to the winning post by then unknown group, Shkodra Elektronike. According to Elhaida, this loss made several big names feel discouraged. Her words on Albanian radio this week have caused plenty of debate and confusion among fans.
Still, there are many artists worth watching closely, as some of them could surprise everyone with their songs and performances. Here are the ones that have been talked about the most so far:
Fifi & Tiri Gjoci
Both coming from The Voice of Albania and Big Brother (in different seasons), these two strong live performers have joined forces for an atypical ballad. Their comeback has already made a huge impact online, with many predicting them as possible frontrunners. The combination was unexpected and instantly caught everyone’s attention across fan pages related to the festival and Eurovision. Fifi has promised something big and emotional, and in an exclusive statement for Wiwibloggs a few days ago, she said we should “get ready because we will cry while dancing to this song”.
Sheila (Haxhiraj)
The winner of the first season of X Factor Albania and a past participant in several editions of Kënga Magjike, Sheila seems to have turned her eyes toward Eurovision. She took part in Big Brother VIP, and used that experience to push her music career forward, releasing several well-received songs but still remaining somewhat underrated. Sheila is known to take risks, but what will she bring to FiK? A touching ballad or a brave, bold performance, like her song “Mall” at Kënga Magjike 2022?
Evi Reçi
A name once known for her hits alongside Flori Mumajesi, Evi has over the years lost the formula of making viral songs but has never stopped creating music with a different, more artistic touch. A frequent participant in both Kënga Magjike and FiK, she’s back once again. An artist with a capital A who never compromises to please everyone, this also marks her return after becoming a mother, starting her parenting podcast and welcoming her son Aster. The question is, will Evi experiementthis time or stay true to her usual elegant style that always pleases both the ear and the eye?
2 Farm
A band that dates back years in the Albanian scene, led by Kastro Zizo. They have been part of Top Fest and finished third at FiK 61; which was the edition which sent Familija Kelmendi to Liverpool for Eurovision. 2 Farm have always stood out for their unique approach and their ability to bring something fresh and provocative to the stage. With their trademark mix of energy and unpredictability, they are once again among the main contenders for the win. Their previous performance of “Atomike” earned strong applause and many votes, and they promise to deliver even more this year.
Kimi (Freskim Rama)
A name no one expected but that is being warmly welcomed. Kimi became viral after his appearance on American Idol a little over a year ago, where besides performing brilliantly, he shared a touching personal story. It seems he hasn’t given up on his dream of being an international artist and making real art, even after voluntarily withdrawing from the competition for reasons that remain unclear. The attention around him is huge, and with his vocal talent, expectations for a strong entry are high. Will he bring an American touch to his song, or will he stay closer to the Albanian sound? We will find out in November when the songs are released and later in December during the live performances.
Inis Neziri
One of the strongest young voices in Albanian music. Winner of Gjeniu i Vogël and several international festivals, Inis returns to FiK once again. Rumour has it that this time she will come with something very different, a rhythmic dance track unlike her Covid-era FiK appearance with the ballad “Pendesë”. She has a busy end of year as she ais also competing in Kënga Magjike with her song “Në krahët e dikujt tjetër”.
Vedat Ademi
A name that once made everyone fall in love with his voice, Vedat slowly stepped away from the music scene over the years, moving to the United States and leaving a noticeable gap behind. His return is a big surprise and one that fans didn’t expect at all. Having already performed on stages such as Top Fest, Kënga Magjike and previous editions of FiK, Vedat’s comeback raises plenty of questions. Will his star shine again? Will he make a strong return? Could he even be this year’s winner?
There is also plenty of curiosity online around Alis Kallaçi, Enxhi Nasufi, Gerta Mahmutaj, Kamela Islamaj, Lorenc Hasrama, Rezarta Smaja, Rigersa Loka and Sara Kapo. But the real surprise may also come from names that have not been talked about much yet. So, let’s wish good luck to everyone, and may the best artist win.
What do you think of the names lined up for this years FiK-mas? Have you already got a favourite act, and who will you be rooting for on their road to Eurovision? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
