Eurovision 2019 – Albania

By Steve McSteveface

The Albania song is called ‘Ktheju tokës‘ and is performed by Jonida Maliqi.

ARTIST

Jonida Maliqi is a singer with a unique voice and an unmistakable style. She first hit the Festivali i Këngës stage in 1995 at the age of 13, in a duet. From 1999, with more artistic experience, Jonida entered the competition again for several times. Her return in 2004 would be rewarded with the third prize.

Next to performing she has also hosted the Festivali i Këngës , the 49th edition in 2010 to be exact.

SONG

The song translates as ‘Return to the Land’, with music and lyrics by Eriona Rushiti.

In an interview with Eurovision fansite Wiwibloggs, Maliqi revealed that the song was written “for Albanians, for immigrants, for all the people around the world”. The lyrics deal with the topic of Albanian emigration, especially in relation to the Kosovo War

VIDEO

LIVE PERFORMANCE

OPINION

It’s very tribal and a little bit too whiny for me I’m afraid. Jamala has been there and done this and I didn’t much like when she did it either.

PREDICTION

I really doubt that this will qualify to the final.

LYRICS

Ti kendon edhe qan

Në duar lotët mbledh

I mban

Një ditë jeton

Në tjetrën vdes

Sa mall, pak shpresë

I vetëm, pa identitet

Ktheju tokës tende

O njeri që zemrën lë peng

Ktheju tokës tende

Ti e di një zemër të pret

Një ditë jeton

Në tjetrën vdes

Sa mall, pak shpresë

I vetëm, pa identitet

Ktheju tokës tende

O njeri që zemrën lë peng

Ktheju tokës tende

Ti e di një zemër të pret

TRANSLATION

You sing and cry, In hands, tears are gathered You held them,

One day you live The next you die How much nostalgy, how little hope Alone, no identity

Return to your Land Oh man that held hostage the heart Return to your Land You know there is a heart waiting for you

One day you live The next you die How much nostalgy, how little hope Alone, no identity

Return to your Land Oh man that held hostage the heart Return to your Land You know there is a heart waiting for you