The third edition of the “Vaçe Zela for the Golden Microphone” Festival took place at Bylis Theatre in Fier, featuring 16 young performers aged 6 to 15. Participants from cities including Prishtina, Istog, Tirana, Munich, Fier, Vlora, Saranda, Librazhd, and Lushnja performed songs from the repertoire of Vaçe Zela, the iconic artist honored as “Nation’s Pride.”  

A distinguished jury comprising Zhani Ciko, Irma Libohova, and Pavllo Sopiqoti evaluated the heartfelt performances. The festival’s top prize was awarded to Era Hasanaj, a 14-year-old from Kamza, for her moving rendition of “Mesnate.”

The third prize was earned by Kristel Krasniqi from Fier with the song “Esperanza, while the second prize went to 12-year-old Rigerta Kojku from Librazhd for her interpretation of “Djaloshi dhe shiu.”

The Vaçe Zela for the Golden Microphone Festival not only highlighted emerging talent but also celebrated the enduring legacy of Albanian music, honoring the rich and timeless repertoire of Vaçe Zela.

/k.s/