Road to Basel: Albania
Road to Basel: Albania! As the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel approaches, we continue our daily spotlight on this year’s contestants. Today, we focus on Albania.
photo: RTSH/Luca Rossi
Shkodra Elektronike
Shkodra Elektronike is an Albanian musical duo formed in 2019, comprising vocalist Beatriçe Gjergji and producer Kolë Laca. Both artists were born in Shkodër but grew up in Italy, bringing a blend of cultural influences to their music. They describe their style as “Post-Immigrant-Pop,” merging traditional Albanian sounds with modern electronic music. Their innovative approach has garnered attention in the Albanian music scene, leading to their selection as Albania’s representatives for Eurovision 2025.
“Zjerm” (What does AI say?)
Their Eurovision entry, “Zjerm” (translated as “Fire”), is an electronic track infused with folkloric elements. The song was co-written by Beatriçe Gjergji and Lekë Gjeloshi, while the production was handled by Kolë Laca. Moreover, “Zjerm” explores themes of passion and resilience, which are symbolized through the powerful metaphor of fire.
In addition, the lyrics are delivered in the Gheg dialect of Albanian, further adding a unique cultural touch to the performance. Upon its release, the song quickly garnered praise for its innovative fusion of genres and its compelling narrative. As a result, it stood out as a distinctive and memorable entry in the Eurovision lineup.
Festivali i Këngës 63
Albania selected its Eurovision 2025 representative through the 63rd edition of Festivali i Këngës, which took place from December 19 to 22, 2024, at the Palace of Congresses in Tirana. The festival, as in previous years, featured two semi-finals and a final. In total, 30 entries competed for the top spot.
The winner was determined through a combination of votes: a professional jury, online voting from the Albanian diaspora, and SMS votes from viewers in Albania and Kosovo. As a result, Shkodra Elektronike’s performance of “Zjerm” stood out. Their entry captivated both the jury and the public alike. Consequently, they secured the victory and, with it, the opportunity to represent Albania in Basel.
These are the results of the final:
- Shkodra Elektronike, “Zjerm”
- Elvana Gjata, “Karnaval”
- Alis, “Mjegull”
- Vesa Smolica, “Lutem”
- Djemtë e Detit, “Larg”
- Lorenc Hasrama, “Frymë”
- Ardit Çuni, “Amanë”
- Orgesa Zaimi, “I parë”
- Jet, “Gjälle”
- Gjergj Kaçinari, “Larg Jetës Pa Ty”
- Algert Sala, “Bosh”
- Kejsi Jazhxhi, “Kur Bota Hesht”
- Mal Retkoceri, “Antihero”
- Nita Latifi, “Zemrës”
- Stine, “E këshim Nis”
Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest
Since debuting in 2004, Albania has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 21 times. The country’s best result came in 2012 when Rona Nishliu‘s “Suus” achieved fifth place in the Grand Final. Over the years, Albania has showcased a variety of musical styles and continues to be recognized for its passionate performances and distinctive entries. Often, their entries reach the final of the contest.
A Random Albanian Entry
Reflecting on Albania’s Eurovision history, random.org selected a rock song: “Identitët” by Adrian Lulgjuraj and Bledar Sejko. Bledar took part in Festivali i Këngës before, but that was not a success. It was the first rock performance on Albanian tv since rock was allowed anyway. People didn’t dare to vote for it back in those days!
Betting Odds
As of now, Shkodra Elektronike’s “Zjerm” is doing very well in the betting odds. With a 9th place in order to win the contest and a 5th place to win semifinal 1, it looks like Albania is having a success again!
We eagerly await the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel and look forward to witnessing Shkodra Elektronike’s performance on the grand stage.
