Tonin Tershana died on September 22, 2015, at the age of 66. He was one of the most prominent names and distinctive voices in Albanian music. Born in Shkoder on June 1, 1949, Tershana began performing at a very young age. At 16, he took part in the 4th Song Festival on Radio in 1965 and won first prize with “Të dua o det” (I love you, sea), composed by Tonin Harapi.

The Song Festivals became one of the most important stages of his career. Tershana won first prize four times, in 1965, 1971, 1972 and 1983. He won in 1971 with “Kënga e nënës” (Mother’s song) and a year later with “Erdhi pranvera” (Spring has come). In 1983, he returned to the festival stage and won again with “Vajzë moj, lule moj” (Girl, my flower). Meanwhile, he remained active beyond the festivals. He was part of the Army Variety Theatre until 1993 and performed a wide repertoire over the years.

Tershana took part in more than 20 festivals during his long artistic career. His distinctive voice and style gave identity to the songs he performed and made them part of the musical memory of several generations. For his contribution to Albanian art and music, he received the title “Grand Master”. Today, songs such as “Të dua o det” (I love you, sea), “Kënga e nënës” (Mother’s song), “Erdhi pranvera” (Spring has come) and “Vajzë moj, lule moj” (Girl, my flower) continue to be heard, keeping his voice alive in the memory of the Albanian public.

/a.p./