The countdown to the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is well underway as artists across Europe prepare to take the stage in Basel, Switzerland on May 13, 15, and 17.
As national selections unfold, each country is choosing the act that will light up the stage at the St. Jakobshalle and compete for the coveted glass microphone.
One of the season’s most iconic pre-selections once again took place in Albania: the legendary Festivali i Këngëscelebrated its 63rd edition in December 2024, bringing together 30 artists over four spectacular nights.
In the end, Shkodra Elektronike triumphed with their entry “Zjerm”, securing both the professional jury’s favor and the popular vote. Albania’s 22nd Eurovision participation will be led by this dynamic duo, hoping to return the country to the Grand Final.
Get to Know Shkodra Elektronike: A Unique Fusion of Sounds
Shkodra Elektronike is an Albanian duo made up of Kolë Laca and Beatriçe Gjergji, who combined their musical talents under a name that pays homage to their hometown of Shkodër, in northern Albania. Though both emigrated early in life, spending much of their years in Italy, their music remains deeply rooted in their homeland’s traditions.
Their sound blends Balkan pop, electronic music, and traditional Albanian melodies, crafting emotional, personal lyrics wrapped in catchy, contemporary rhythms. Their mission? To reinterpret Shkodër’s folk music with a modern electronic twist, bringing heritage closer to younger generations.
Their “post-immigrant pop” style, as they describe it, reflects their experience living outside Albania while staying connected to its cultural essence. Using minimal synths and traditional harmonies, they give voice to the Albanian diaspora, offering a sonic bridge between past and present.
Kolë and Beatriçe share a vision: to find “a way to go back home without buying a plane ticket.” Their music speaks a universal language through electronic sounds, making Albania’s story accessible to new audiences.
Kolë Laca’s Musical Journey
Born in 1972, Kolë Laca is a professional pianist and keyboardist. He graduated from the Prenkë Jakova music school in Shkodër and later studied Political Science at the University of Padua, moving to Italy at 20 to further his career.
He has played with East Rodeo, Tam Teatromusica, and as pianist for Jino Touche, Jiandri, and Corleone Filmworks Ensemble alongside Roy Paci. One of his most acclaimed projects was 2Pigeons, an electronic duo formed in Milan with Chiara Castello, earning the 2009 Demo Award from Rai Radio 1.
Kolë’s experimental approach mixes techno, house, electro, trip-hop, dubstep, and hip-hop, showcased in albums like Land and Retronica. His work has taken him to prestigious European festivals, including the Freenetworld International Film Festival and Barcelona Musiclip Festival.
From 2012 to 2016, he was keyboardist for the alternative rock band Il Teatro degli Orrori, contributing to their edgy, genre-spanning sound. Beyond performing, he has produced tracks for numerous Italian and French artists, including Roy Paci, Afterhours, and Pierpaolo Capovilla.
Beatriçe Gjergji: The Voice Behind the Duo
Beatriçe Gjergji, Shkodra Elektronike’s powerful vocalist, brings warmth and depth to their sound with her high, emotive voice. Raised in Shkodër and later living in Umbria, Italy, she balanced factory work with her musical aspirations, performing with local groups before joining Kolë.
Their shared love for 19th and early 20th-century Albanian folk songs sparked a collaboration aimed at modernizing traditional sounds without losing their soul. Beatriçe’s striking vocal presence quickly became central to the project’s identity.
From Underground Project to Eurovision Stars
Meeting online, Kolë invited Beatriçe to a concert in Perugia, planting the seeds for Shkodra Elektronike. Initially a solo experiment in 2018, the project evolved into live performances in Milan and across Italy and Albania, eventually gaining momentum with a mini-tour that extended by popular demand.
Their early singles “Synin Si Qershia” and “Ku E Gjeta Vedin” brought recognition in the Balkans, with the latter winning a special award at Festivali i Këngës Luleborë. Performances at events like Venice Biennale 2019, Autostrada Biennale in Kosovo, and Zâ Fest solidified their reputation.
In 2022, they released their debut EP Live @ Uzina, blending traditional Albanian songs with electronic flair, recorded live in a symbolic abandoned studio near Tirana. The EP’s standout track, “Turtulleshë”, even featured an extended version with Greek DJ Valeron.
Shkodra Elektronike Win Festivali i Këngës 63
At Festivali i Këngës 63, directed by Elhaida Dani, the duo’s “Zjerm” captivated both juries and audiences. The competition introduced online diaspora voting alongside professional and televote points, culminating in a well-deserved victory for Shkodra Elektronike, who also won the Critics’ Prize.
About “Zjerm”: Albania’s Eurovision 2025 Entry
The Albanian entry for Eurovision 2025, titled “Zjerm” (meaning “Fire”), is performed in the Gheg dialect of northern Albania. Written by Beatriçe Gjergji and Lekë Gjeloshi, and produced by Kolë Laca, the song blends pop, electronic beats, and Balkan folk instruments.
“Zjerm” explores human compassion through a modern lens, evoking hope, strength, and the power to overcome adversity. Through metaphorical lyrics, it symbolizes inner fire as a force of renewal and resilience, weaving together tribal dances, folk rhythms, and hypnotic synths.
The song invites listeners to reflect on identity, belonging, and the search for clarity in a chaotic world—while celebrating Albanian heritage with a futuristic sound.
“Zjerm” Lyrics (Original + English Translation)
Looking for the lyrics to Albania’s Eurovision 2025 song “Zjerm”? Here you’ll find both the original Albanian lyrics and their English translation side by side so you can follow along while watching Eurovision!
Albanian
Në këtë minutë,
Në këtë çast,
No paranoia.
Pas shiut,
E ylbertë duket bota.
Nëpër rrugë,
Asnjë ambulance.
Kurrkush s’të flet
Me arrogance.
Edhe sot na thane,
Që s’prishet koha.
Përfundova nën ujë
Kurrë s’mu tha goja.
Imagjino një minutë
Pa ushtarë,
Pa jetimë.
Asnjë shishe në oqean.
Naftës i vjen era jargavan.
lirinë e fjalës
T’a mëson shkolla
Krijo në mua një zemër t’pastër.
Në natën time, të dërgoj dritën.
Aman miserere.
Aman miserere.
Në zemrën time.
Në zemrën time.
Ky minutë do të vazhdojë.
Njerëzit e mirë.
Njerëzit e mirë
Kërcejnë valle në shpirt.
Jarna ne ti toka ime,
Ku kam lindë s’do të harroj.
Jarna ne ti bota ime,
Vazhdo më shndrit,
Shndrit,
Shndrit,
Shndrit,
Shndrit.
Zjerm!
Bjer mbi vallet tona tribale,
Që ushtojnë sa orteku kur bjen n’male.
Zjerm!
Njerëzit pa emën e njerëzit e dlirtë,
Njësoj këputen e bijnë.
Si 7 thika që t’ngulen n’shpirt.
Zjerm!
Këtu flen deti, rana e hana.
E yjet s’i shohim se yjet na i shkel Kamba.
Kur ecim n’jerm.
Zjerm!
Jena t’untë për flakë e dritë,
E t’kërkojmë…
N’kyt terr që s’pranë tuej shndritë
Krijo në mua jë zemër t’pastër
Në natën time, të dërgoj dritën
Aman miserere
Aman miserere
Krijo në mua jë zemër t’pastër
Në natën time, të dërgoj dritën
Aman miserere
Aman miserere
Në zemrën time
Në zemrën time
Ky minutë do të vazhdojë.
Njerëzit e mire.
Njerëzit e mire.
Kërcejnë valle në shpirt.
Jarna ne ti toka ime.
Ku kam lindë s’do të harroj.
Jarna ne ti bota ime,
vazhdo më shndrit
Shndrit,
Shndrit.
English
Albania’s Journey at Eurovision
Since debuting in 2004 with Anjeza Shahini’s “The Image Of You” (7th place), Albania has participated 22 times, reaching the Top 10 twice. Its best result came in 2012 with Rona Nishliu’s “Suus” (5th place). Albania continues selecting entries through the long-standing Festivali i Këngës, a beloved national treasure since 1962.