Nexhmije Pagarusha, known as the icon of Albanian music, was born 88 years ago. Her 50-year musical activity is so vast that it is difficult to say which genre she belongs to. She is known for her excellent performances in folk music and opera.

When talking about Nexhmije Pagarusha, many epithets are used in one spirit, such as the Nightengale of Kosovo, the Queen of Albanian Song, the Primadona of Folk Music, and many other epithets. Her interpretive repertoire is extremely wide and varied. The songs “The bride”, “When at the gate”, “Waiting at the fig tree”, “Rexha’s song” etc. have become very popular.

“Shepherdness” is one of the masterpieces of her interpretation that preserves folk elements of the song. Nexhmie Pagarusha has also acted as an actress, appearing in several scenes of the films “Three people cross the mountain”, “Eating up the darkness”, “The Flight of Micak”.

From 1984 she decided to end her career as a singer. In 2012, she was decorated with “Honor of the Nation” by the President of Albania. Nexhmije Pagarusha passed away on February 7, 2020 at the age of 86.

/Klara Ruci/