Luiz Ejlli: “Today, I know the importance and value of representing my country in Eurovision” (Albanian Finalist – Interview)

ESC+Plus has talked to Luiz Ejlli, the 2006 Albanian representative who will be taking part in the next edition of “Festivali i Këngës”!

Hello Luiz! First of all, thank you so much for your time!

E+: What impelled you take part in Festivali i Këngës 2015?

L: I always loved to be part of this festival, since I was young I dreamt to be on that stage, and in 2005 this dream become true. I won the second price but for me it was like a victory, and because of that I enjoyed so much so the next year I participate again and I won the first prize. Thanks to the victory I represented Albania in Greece 2006.

E+: What it would mean for you to represent Albania in Eurovision for second time?

L: I was only 20 years old when I represented my country in Greece, of course I was too young to realize the enormous privilege that it was given to me. Today with the experience that I have developed these years, I know better the importance and the valor of representing my country in Eurovision, also in the stage I will be more professional.

E+: Can you tell us about your song “Pa mbarim”? What is the story behind the lyrics?

L: The idea was mine and the lyrics are written by Agim Doci, music composer Mario Deda. The lyrics of this song talks about a very important issue that we are living nowadays. It talks about emigration how people are obliged to leave their homes, their family’s their lives, in order to find hope and a better life. In the song, I am a guy who is leaving Albania but not only, I am leaving my girlfriend, my mother my everything… but this story does not refer only to Albanian emigration but much more than this.

E+: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Stockholm?

L: There are 30 songs in competition and if you make the same question to them, they will all say because it’s the most beautiful song. My song it’s an epic ballad and for me the most important thing is to transmit to the people the emotion but also the sufferance that this song talks about. But to do that, I should do my best, and I hope that people stay with me in each step each word and each note of the song.

E+: Although is too early, have you thought about your stage performance for the national final?

L: I thought that here in festival of RTSH, I will perform alone on stage. I want to do something simple, I want people to be focused in the song. I want them to feel the music and the lyrics and I don’t want anything else in the stage to have their attention.

E+: In 2006 you represented Albania in Eurovision. Can you tell us about the experience in Athens? How has your musical career changed since then?

L: It was another dream come true. You can never describe with words the emotions of being there and knowing that all Europe is watching you, you are representing your country and as you know the songs last only three minutes, but if you ask me, they looks infinite. As I said before I was young at that time and the emotions were so strong. After the Eurovision during these years I have participated in different competitions, and I have won first prize in Kenga Magjike, I have won second prize in festival of Rtsh, and being on the stage of Eurovision has helped me to be more professional and more responsible.

E+: Do you think your song “Zjarr E Ftohtë” would have achieved a better place with the current voting system (Jury and Televote)?

L: I respect all the countries for their voting not only when I was there, but for all the Eurovision’s contests. I hope that if I represent my country again, I will gather more points than the last time.

E+: What is your opinion about the last Albanian representatives in Eurovision?

L: I think Eurovision is a lifetime event, and it’s a dream come true for each singer. All the participants try to do their best.

E+: Besides Eurovision, what are your plans for next year?

L: My profession is a lawyer. I work as a Notary in Albania, Tirana. Music is my first love, but if I win in Stockholm too I will change my profession.

E+: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?

L: Vote Albania hahaha… love you guys all over the world.

Luiz will sing the song “Pa mbarim” at the Albanian national selection for Eurovision 2016.