Festivali i Këngës (Kosovo)

Festivali i Këngës
Logo of the Festival for the third edition (2025)
GenreVarious
DatesOctober
LocationsPalace of Youth and Sports
Pristina, Kosovo
Years active2023–present
Organised byRadio Television of Kosovo (RTK)
Websitertklive.com/festivali

Festivali i Këngës në RTK (Albanian: [fɛstiˈvali i ˈkəŋɡəs nə ɾətəˈkə]; transl. "The Song Festival on RTK"), simply known as Festivali i Këngës and informally as Fest, is an annual music competition in Kosovo organised by the national broadcaster Radio Television of Kosovo (RTK) since 2023. It is broadcast on RTK 1, RTK 2 and Radio Kosova 1, as well as on RTSH in Albania and on MRT 2 in North Macedonia.[1][2][3]

History

Further information: Festivali i Këngës

The contest was modelled based on the festival of the same name held in Albania since 1962 and used as the Albanian national final for the Eurovision Song Contest since 2003. Kosovo, formerly part of Yugoslavia, has never participated in the Eurovision Song Contest on its own, but the contest has been broadcast in the territory since 1961 and a number of Kosovan artists have represented Albania or Serbia in the event.

Despite its inability to become a full member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in order to take part in the contest,[4] in February 2023 Kosovan broadcaster RTK started to develop the format, with the long-term aim of using it as its national selection for Eurovision.[5][6] The format was ultimately defined on 7 March 2023.[7][8][9] In October 2023, shortly before the launch of its first edition, the festival's director Adi Krasta reported that he had been in contact with people at EBU who had expressed "extreme enthusiasm" regarding the event.[10] Director-general of the EBU Noel Curran made a remote appearance during the first night of the festival to express his congratulations.[11]

RTK stated it would apply for EBU membership in June 2024, having reaffirmed the intention to participate in Eurovision and use the next edition of the festival to select its 2025 entrant.[12]

Editions

2023

The inaugural edition of Festivali i Këngës was held at the Great Hall of the Palace of Youth and Sports in Pristina, directed by Adi Krasta and co-hosted by Krasta and Besim Dina (all shows) alongside Edona Kasapolli (first night), Anjeza Shahini (second night) and Edona Reshitaj (third night); it consisted of two qualification shows on 26 and 27 October 2023 and a final on 28 October 2023.[1][2][7][13][14] The artistic director for this edition was Florent Boshnjaku, while performances were conducted by Alfred Kaçinari, Edon Ramadani and Valton Beqiri; the four, as well as Shpëtim Saraçi and Visar Kuçi, also served as orchestrators.[15]

A submission period was open between 2 June and 9 September 2023 to select eighteen competing entries.[13] At the festival, a 5-member jury – consisting of Adi Hila, Alban Nimani, Zake Prelvukaj, Ulla Sjöström and chair Alma Bektashi[2][14] – voted to determine ten qualifiers from the first phase and the first three places in the final.[1][9][16] The winner was La Fazani (Arbër Salihu) with "Oj Kosovë".[17][18]

A number of guest performers also made an appearance in this edition, namely Bektashi herself, Alban Nimani, Dafina Zeqiri, Enver Petrovci, Fitnete Tuda, Genc Salihu, Ilire Vinca and her daughters, Irma Libohova, Kamela Islamaj and Teuta Kurti, Timo Flloko, Shpat Deda, and Xuxi.[19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26]

Qualifying phase
Artist(s)[27] Song[27] Author(s)[27] Draw Result[28]
Show 1 Show 2
Albin Nikprelaj "Ajo"
  • Enis Mullaj
  • Erjona Rushiti
 3 16 Qualified
Angus Dei "Një zemër për dy" Erjon Zaloshnja 4 15
Ariela Krasniqi "Emri grua" Gjergj Jorgaqi 5 14 Did not Qualify
Auron Deva "Çmimi i dashnisë" Korab Shaqiri 6 13 Qualified
Bana Zahiti "Dukat" Arbana Zahiti 2 17 Did not Qualify
Ermal Demiri "Merri"
  • Gentiana Azizi
  • Gëzim Hasani
 7 12
Franc Koruni "Shqip" Franc Koruni 15 4
Hilmi Obertinca "Pa ty s'më rrihet" Hilmi Obertinca 16 3 Qualified
InorgA "Shumë herë më nervozojnë" Agron Hajdari 1 18 Did not Qualify
Klea Dina "Trenat"
  • Drenusha Zajmi
  • Memli Kelmendi
 12 7 Qualified
La Fazani "Oj Kosovë" Arbër Salihu 8 11
Mentor Mripa "Po ju rrëfehem"
  • Bekim Bislimi
  • Riza Dolaku
 13 6 Did not Qualify
Neki Emra "Heroi im" Neki Emra 9 10 Qualified
Nita Latifi "Marrëzi" Nita Latifi 17 2
Saranda Alija "Mendoj ku je" Arbër Krasniqi 14 5
Teuta Statovci "Sekreti i tij"
11 8 Did not Qualify
Urban Band "Ëndrrat s'kanë faj"
  • Endrik Beba
  • Klodian Rexhepaj
 18 1 Qualified
Vjosa Shehu "Vetes"
  • Junior Akwety
  • Vjosa Shehu
 10 9 Did not Qualify
Final
Artist(s) Song Author(s) Draw Result & Awards[17]
Albin Nikprelaj "Ajo"
  • Enis Mullaj
  • Erjona Rushiti
 7 3rd place
Angus Dei "Një zemër për dy" Erjon Zaloshnja 4 2nd place
Auron Deva "Çmimi i dashnisë" Korab Shaqiri 1 Unknown
Hilmi Obertinca "Pa ty s'më rrihet" Hilmi Obertinca 8
Klea Dina "Trenat"
  • Drenusha Zajmi
  • Memli Kelmendi
 5
La Fazani "Oj Kosovë" Arbër Salihu 9 1st place & Municipality of Pristina Award
Neki Emra "Heroi im" Neki Emra 3 Unknown
Nita Latifi "Marrëzi" Nita Latifi 6
Saranda Alija "Mendoj ku je" Arbër Krasniqi 10 Orchestra Award
Urban Band "Ëndrrat s'kanë faj"
  • Endrik Beba
  • Klodian Rexhepaj
 2 Unknown

2024

The RTK Song Festival took place at the Palace of Youth in Pristina, and was broadcast live on RTK. In its second edition, the Kosovo Radio Television Song Festival featured 16 artists on October 24, 25, and 26, 2024.

The winner’s trophy for this edition was the 'Blue Diamond', symbolizing Kosovo, its flag, and its blue color. The festival jury consists of Minire Fetahu, the chairperson, Jane Sugarman, Ardiana Pajaziti, Valbona Selimllari, and Blerta Zeqiri.

Before the festival commenced, Festim Kabashi and Fëllënza Çitaku recited poems by Gjergj Fishta, Faik Konica, Fan Noli, Atë Zef Pllumi, and Ukshin Hoti.

Semi-Final

Artist(s)[27] Song[27] Author(s)[27] Draw Result[28]
Show 1 Show 2
Ardita Begu "Fundosu në dritë"
  • Ylljeta Kokolli
  • Atdhe Marku
 7 10 Did not Qualify
Agim Poshka "Ndarja erdhi"
  • Ismail Kadare
  • Agim Poshka
 3 14 Qualified
Ardit Stafaj “Faji” Ardit Stafaj 11 6
Arnitë Kastrati "Blla Blla"
  • Ardiana Gashi
  • Arnitë Kastrati
 13 4
Bruna Sata "Ti je i pa shpirt"
  • Ramazan Ceka
  • Artion Qamili
 16 1 Did not Qualify
InorgA ”SEKS MASHINA NGA PRISHTINA” Inorga 5 12
Jehona Lumi "Shko"
  • Jehona Lumi
  • Rinor Ukimeri
 4 13
Besmir Shishko "Unë Ajo"
  • Armend Shala
  • Besmir Shishko
 8 9 Qualified
Bledi Kaso "Një të vetme ka në jetë"
  • Eriona Rushiti
  • Endrit Shani
 9 8
Dea Strica "N'Shqipni" Dea Strica 1 16
Endrit Krasniqi "Flas me gjethen" Bekim Këpuska 10 7
Greta Azizi "Verës"
  • Ardiana Gashi
  • Valon Gashi
  • Diell Gashi
 2 15
Luna Çausholli "Dielli të më shohë"
  • Pandi Laco
  • Endrit Shani
 15 2 Did not Qualify
Rei Bezhani "Zonja tradhëti"
  • Eriona Rushiti
  • Enis Mullaj
 6 11 Qualified
Santino De Bartolo "Unë jam Arbëresh" Santino De Bartolo 12 5 Did not Qualify
Vlona Boshnjaku "Lotët" Rozana Radi Kledi Bahiti 14 3

The live broadcast on RTK began at 20:10 with the arrival of guests on the red carpet of the Palace of Youth, while the festival officially started at 21:00. The contest was broadcast live on RTK 1, RTK 2, Radio Kosovo, and on the digital platforms of the public broadcaster.

The jury awarded the second prize to Greta Azizi for the song “Verës”, while the third prize went to Dea Strica for the song “N’Shqipni”. Endrit Krasniqi is the winner of the second edition of the RTK Song Festival, receiving the “Blue Diamond” trophy for the song “Flas me gjethen”. The prize from the Palace of Youth and the capital was awarded to Besmir Shishko for the song “Unë Ajo”. The orchestra prize was awarded by the festival's artistic director, Florent Boshnjaku, to Arnite Kastrati for the song “Blla blla”.[29]

Final

Artist(s) Song Author(s) Draw Result & Awards
Agim Poshka "Ndarja erdhi"
  • Ismail Kadare
  • Agim Poshka
 6 Unknown
Ardit Stafaj “Faji” Ardit Stafaj 8
Arnitë Kastrati "Blla Blla"
  • Ardiana Gashi
  • Arnitë Kastrati
 7 Orchestra Prize
Besmir Shishko "Unë Ajo"
  • Armend Shala
  • Besmir Shishko
 9 Palace of Youth Prize & The Capital Prize
Bledi Kaso "Një të vetme ka në jetë"
  • Eriona Rushiti
  • Endrit Shani
 1 Unknown
Dea Strica "N'Shqipni" Dea Strica 4 3rd Place
Endrit Krasniqi "Flas me gjethe" Bekim Këpuska 2 1st Place
Greta Azizi "Verës"
  • Ardiana Gashi
  • Valon Gashi
  • Diell Gashi
 3 2nd Place
Rei Bezhani "Zonja tradhëti"
  • Eriona Rushiti
  • Enis Mullaj
 5 Unknown

2025

The third edition of the Kosovo Radio and Television Song Festival took place in the Palace of Youth.[30] The festival was moderated by Dukagjin Podrimaj and Rina Krasniqi.[31]

The third edition opened with the song “Këngë Moj” by composer Musa Piperku, performed by the Siparantum choir, under the direction of conductor Memli Kelmendi.[32]

Qualifying phase
Artist(s) Song Author(s) Draw Result
Show 1 Show 2
Almir Krraba Nuk ka si ti Almir Krraba 2 8 Did not Qualify
Arjeta Palushaj Andrra Eriona Rushiti 17 1 Qualified
Arsi Bako Rreze Zjarr Gjergj Kacinari 8 5
Art Lokaj Ty Art Lokaj 5 15
Bledi Kaso S’do të doja dy jetë
  • Pandi Laqo
  • Endrit Shani
 15 13 Did not Qualify
Dea Berisha Afër
  • Lis Boshtrakaj
  • Besart Zhuja
 13 14
Egzon Pireci Kënga Jonë Ilir Berani 7 9
Elmedinë Ramushi A po m’sheh Elmedinë Ramushi 3 4 Qualified
Florent Abrashi Unë dhe ti Florent Abrashi 12 2
Kiara Juba Nirvana
  • Eriona Rushiti
  • Enis Millaj
 6 17
Klea Dina At Ana 11 16
Laorjan Ejlli Një natë shkruajta për ty
  • Elvis Mula
  • Osman Mula
 9 12
Nita Latifi & Algert Salaj Pija Algert Salaj 16 18 Did not Qualify
Santino de Bartolo Naze Naze
  • Vorea Ujko
  • Santino de Bartolo
 18 6
Semi Tafaj Vazhdoj
  • Algert Salaj
  • Kejdi Musta
 4 20
Teutë Halili Amin Diell Gashi 1 19 Qualified
Vjosa Shehu Alo Valon Gashi 10 3 Did not Qualify
Vlera Kastrati Nanë Vlera Kastrati 19 7
Xuxi Identitet Andos 20 11 Qualified
Zergjina Hasanaj Pres Jetmir Mehmedaj 14 10 Did not Qualify


Final

Artist(s) Song Author(s) Draw Result & Awards
Arjeta Palushaj Andrra Eriona Rushiti 1 3rd Place
Arsi Bako Rreze Zjarr Gjergj Kacinari 4 1st Place & The Capital Prize
Art Lokaj Ty Art Lokaj 5 Orchestra Prize
Elmedinë Ramushi A po m’sheh Elmedinë Ramushi 9 Unknown
Florent Abrashi Unë dhe ti Florent Abrashi 2 2nd Place
Kiara Juba Nirvana
  • Eriona Rushiti
  • Enis Millaj
 10 Unknown
Klea Dina At Ana 3
Laorjan Ejlli Një natë shkruajta për ty
  • Elvis Mula
  • Osman Mula
 6
Teutë Halili Amin Diell Gashi 8 Silver Pen "Best Text" Prize
Xuxi Identitet Andos 7 Unknown

References

  1. ^ a b c "Festivali i Këngës në RTK" (PDF) (in Albanian). RTK. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
  2. ^ a b c Pasoma, Medina (23 October 2023). "Krasta: Edicioni i parë i Festivalit të Këngës vjen si festë" [Krasta: the first edition of Festivali i Këngës comes as a celebration]. RTKLive (in Albanian). RTK. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
  3. ^ Tejeci, Erdi (26 October 2023). "Kosovo: Festivali i Këngës në RTK premieres…and lays groundwork for future Eurovision selection". Wiwibloggs. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
  4. ^ Juhász, Ervin (28 June 2019). "No changes in the EBU statutes, thus Kosovo can't apply for full membership". ESCBubble. Archived from the original on 12 July 2019. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
  5. ^ Kurris, Denis (12 March 2023). "Eurovision: Kosovo is creating a Eurovision national selection". ESCplus. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
  6. ^ "Nga ky vit, nis Festivali i Këngës në RTK". Demokracia (in Albanian). 9 February 2023. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  7. ^ a b "Miratohet rregullorja e Festivalit të Këngës në RTK, Adi Krasta emërohet drejtor i festivalit" [The regulations of Festivali i Këngës në RTK have been approved, Adi Krasta has been appointed presenter of the festival]. Indexonline.net (in Albanian). 8 March 2023. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  8. ^ Granger, Anthony (8 March 2023). "Kosovo: RTK Launches Festivalit të Këngës to Select Future Eurovision Participants". Eurovoix. Archived from the original on 15 March 2023. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  9. ^ a b "Rregullore e Festivalit të Këngës në RTK" [Rules of Festivali i Këngës në RTK] (PDF) (in Albanian). RTK. 7 March 2023. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  10. ^ Heap, Steven (19 October 2023). "Kosovo: EBU Reportedly Positive of Festivali i Këngës ne RTK". Eurovoix. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
  11. ^ RTK [@festivalirtk]; (26 October 2023). "Drejtori i Përgjithshëm i EBU-së , Noel Curran, përgëzon RTK-në për organizimin e Festivalit të Këngës" [The Director-General of the EBU, Noel Curran, congratulates RTK for organising Festivali i Këngës] (in Albanian). Retrieved 26 October 2023 – via Instagram.
  12. ^ Granger, Anthony (24 May 2024). "Kosovo: RTK to Apply to Participate in Eurovision 2025 in June". Eurovoix. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  13. ^ a b "Festivali i Këngës". RTKLive (in Albanian). RTK. Archived from the original on 16 October 2023. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  14. ^ a b Pasoma, Medina (25 October 2023). "Një ditë nga Festivali i Këngës, gjithçka gati për festën e RTK-së" [One day until Festivali i Këngës, everything is ready for RTK's party]. RTKLive (in Albanian). RTK. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  15. ^ Pasoma, Medina (19 October 2023). "Orkestra e Festivalit të Këngës gati për debutim me emra të dëshmuar" [The orchestra of Festivali i Këngës ready to debut with established names]. RTKLive (in Albanian). RTK. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
  16. ^ "MKRS: Festivali i Këngës, kthesë serioze për muzikën shqipe" [MCYS: Festivali i Këngës, a serious turning point for Albanian music]. RTKLive (in Albanian). RTK. 27 October 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  17. ^ a b "La Fazani fitues i Festivalit të Këngës në RTK" [La Fazani is the winner of Festivali i Këngës në RTK]. Festivali i Këngës (in Albanian). RTK. 28 October 2023. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
  18. ^ Tejeci, Erdi (28 October 2023). "La Fazani wins Kosovo's first edition of Festivali i Këngës në RTK with 'Oj Kosovë'". Wiwibloggs. Retrieved 29 October 2023.
  19. ^ "Dafina Zeqiri shkëlqen në skenën e Festivalit të Këngës" [Dafina Zeqiri shines on the stage of Festivali i Këngës]. Festivali i Këngës (in Albanian). RTK. 26 October 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  20. ^ "Ilire Vinca me dy vajzat artiste elektrizojnë skenën e Festivalit të Këngës" [Ilire Vinca and her two artist daughters electrify the stage of Festivali i Këngës]. Festivali i Këngës (in Albanian). RTK. 27 October 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  21. ^ "Teuta Kurti dhe Kamela Islamaj shkëlqejnë me këngët e divave italiane" [Teuta Kurti and Kamela Islamaj shine with the songs of Italian divas]. Festivali i Këngës (in Albanian). RTK. 27 October 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  22. ^ Pasoma, Medina (27 October 2023). "Shpat Deda sjellë në skenë 'Këngën e Bilbilit' të Jusuf Gërvallës" [Shpat Deda brings to the stage "Kënga e Bilbilit" by Jusuf Gërvalla]. RTKLive (in Albanian). RTK. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  23. ^ "Timo Flloko drithëron skenën me Himnin e Flamurit" [Timo Flloko shakes the stage with the Anthem of the Flag]. Festivali i Këngës (in Albanian). RTK. 28 October 2023. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
  24. ^ "Alma Bektashi gjallëron skenën me 'Dancing Queen'" [Alma Bektashi livens up the stage with "Dancing Queen"]. Festivali i Këngës (in Albanian). RTK. 28 October 2023. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
  25. ^ "Mjeshtri Enver Petrovci nderon skenën me intepretim të veçantë" [Master Enver Petrovci honours the stage with a special interpretation]. Festivali i Këngës (in Albanian). RTK. 28 October 2023. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
  26. ^ "'Kur bjen fyelli e çiftelia', Libohova ndez skenën kuqezi" ["When the fiddle and the couplet are played", Libohova lights up the red and black stage]. Festivali i Këngës (in Albanian). RTK. 28 October 2023. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
  27. ^ a b c d e f "Festivali i Këngës në RTK – Zbulohen 18 këngët finaliste" [Festivali i Këngës në RTK – The 18 finalist songs have been revealed]. RTKLive (in Albanian). RTK. 20 September 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
  28. ^ a b Pasoma, Medina (27 October 2023). "Përzgjedhen 10 këngët finaliste në Festivalin e Këngës në RTK" [The 10 finalist songs of Festivali i Këngës në RTK have been selected]. RTKLive (in Albanian). RTK. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  29. ^ Granger, Anthony (1 June 2024). "Kosovo: Festivali i Këngës në RTK 2024 Song Submissions Window Opens". Eurovoix. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  30. ^ "Festivali i Kenges – Festivali i Kenges ne RTK". rtklive.com. Archived from the original on 4 August 2024. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  31. ^ "Festivali i Kenges – Festivali i Kenges ne RTK". rtklive.com. Archived from the original on 4 August 2024. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
  32. ^ "Festivali i Kenges – Festivali i Kenges ne RTK". rtklive.com. Archived from the original on 4 August 2024. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
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