Tradition Meets Tech: Albania’s Eurovision Flame

The team behind Albania’s Eurovision entry Zjarm aren’t just riding high after their latest rehearsals, they’re sparking something deeper: a revival of identity, pride, and a fresh love for Albanian traditions – if a press release is to be trusted.

In a recent appearance on Albanian RTSH’s Një Shqipëri, hosted by journalist and presenter Mentor Nazarko, the spotlight was firmly on … Shkodra Elektronike. The segment wasn’t just a promo piece—it was a celebration of what this group represents: the “good Albanian,” as Nazarko put it. The tireless creative spirit, proud of their roots whether at home or in the diaspora, making their mark with dignity.

The conversation with the Zjarm team was less a formal interview and more a gathering of kindred spirits. Artists, collaborators and friends shared stories of how the track came to life—a song that captured not only Albania’s vote, but also its heart.

Artists abroad

Nazarko addressed Albanian artists living abroad, acknowledging their place in a wider cultural movement: “You are part of this success. You affirm this identity—this national feeling—with pride. And it shows.” For him, Zjarm isn’t just a strong entry for Eurovision; it’s a flame reignited in the global Albanian soul.

Shkodra Elektronike first emerged by uploading electronically reimagined versions of traditional Shkodran folk songs—never expecting the emotional response they’d receive from young Albanians around the world.

“We got messages from people saying, ‘These are my grandma’s songs—I never got to hear her sing them because she passed away,’” shared Bea and Kola, two of the group’s members. “Now, I can hear them in a modern way. I can sing them myself.”

Tradition

This isn’t nostalgia—it’s cultural resonance. What began as a niche musical experiment has become a movement. In one poignant moment, a group member quoted the German composer Carl Maria von Weber:
“Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.”

That ethos has attracted artists like Arjan Paci to join the project, helping turn Shkodra Elektronike into a bridge—between generations, countries, and ways of being Albanian.

One of the project’s rising voices, Beatrice, closed the segment with a reflection that landed hard with viewers—especially the diaspora kids. “I grew up outside Albania,” she said. “I know what it feels like to be a little bit Italian, a little bit Albanian, a little bit European—and not fully sure who you are. But when you have your own things—your cultural baggage—you feel more whole. And that’s what we love about this.”

Now don’t say OnEurope is just another website. You learned something new here today.

🇦🇱 RTSH has shared a teaser of Shkodra Elektronike's second #Eurovision rehearsal!

[📹 eurovision]

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— ESC Discord (@escdiscord.com) May 7, 2025 at 9:23 PM