Biography of Albina & Familja Kelmendi
Albania is a small but fascinating country in Southeast Europe, boasts a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant music scene. Among the many talented musicians to emerge from Albania in recent years is Albina Kelmendi, a young singer who rose to fame after her convincing performance on The Voice of Albania.
Born in Pejë, Kosovo in 1998, Albina Kelmendi grew up in a musical family and began studying music at a young age. She learned to play the clarinet and piano at the Halit Kasapolli music school in her hometown, and soon began performing with her family as the Family Band.
In 2014, Albina auditioned for the fourth season of The Voice of Albania and quickly made a name for herself with her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence. She joined Team Elsa after receiving chair turns from all four coaches and went on to finish as the runner-up of the season.
After her success on The Voice, Albina continued to pursue her music career and in June 2022, she released her debut album, Nana loke. The album showcased Albina's versatility as an artist, featuring a range of musical styles and genres.
Later that year, Albina and her family took part in the “Festivali i Këngës 61”, where they presented the song "Duje". The song captivated audiences with its haunting melody and emotional lyrics, and the public vote chose Albina as the Albanian representative at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in Liverpool.
The Song
Song: Duje
Writer(s): Eriona Rushiti
Composer(s): Enis Mullaj
Broadcaster: RTSH
"Duje" is about the significance of family traditions and the powerful emotion of love. As with many Albanian entries, the song incorporates classic folkloristic sound elements that are sure to enchant and captivate listeners. While the composition itself may not be the most extravagant, it's fascinating to note that Albina will be joined on stage by her parents and siblings, creating a heart-warming family performance that is sure to leave a lasting impression. This performance marks the 19th Albanian entry in the ESC.