The 54th Festivali i Kenges, the long-running Albanian music competition which has served as the country’s national selection method since their debut at Eurovision in 2004 will take place in late December. We can find many familiar names in the participant list who will fight for the opportunity to represent Albania in Stockholm next year. There are also a few newcomers to this festival, one of whom is Andi Tanko who will perform the song titled “Dielli vazhdon të më ngrohë” in second semi final. Andi spoke to ESCBubble about his forthcoming participation.

What was your first reaction when you found out that you will take part in the Festivali i Kenges?

I was a litle bit surpised because I wasn’t prepared for this festival with my own song and then Etmond Mancaku invited me to participate with his song. I was unprepared for the moment but I totally loved the song.

We heard your song “Dielli vazhdon të më ngrohë” as it was published by RTSH. Did you received any comments about your entry already?

I had comments from my friends and my band as I showed them the song first. They liked it and were happy for me.

How are the preparations for Festivali i Kenges going? Do you have any ideas about your stage performance, outfits etc.?

The orchestra is pretty good and I loved the first day of singing the song with them. The performance and the outfit is up to me and I am still thinking of that.

What’s your goal during the Festivali i Kenges?

Well, I’m a new singer and I really hope to go to the finals. Winning this festival is like a big dream.

If you win Festivali i Kenges, would you like to sing your song in Albanian or English at the Eurovision Song Contest?

I would like to sing this song in English because it sounds better.

Can you tell us more about yor music and career?

Well, I got a band called Elementium and I perform live in several clubs of Tirana. I’m still unknown for most of Albanians, and I love to be a bit underground.

Are you a Eurovision fan? What’s your favorite Eurovision song and why?

Of course I’m a fan of Eurovision, I’ve been watching it since I was young. “Hard Rock Hallelujah” it’s the best song of all times in Eurovision for me. Meanwhile I like Athena’s “For real” too and I sing it live sometimes.

What do you think about previous Albanian Eurovision participants?

I got to say most of them are poor, but “Suus” of Rona Nishliu and the performance of Adrian Lulgjuraj were pretty special.

Finally, do you have any message for Eurovision fans who will watch Festivali i Kenges online?

Hello Eurovisions fans, I hope you like my song and especially the winning song of this festival. I’m sure one day I’ll be a part of Eurovision and amaze you with my work! Love you so much! Take care!

Andi Tanko’s entry “Dielli vazhdon të më ngrohë” is available below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV23wbtKVv8

ESCBubble would like to thank Andi Tanko for his time, and our team wishes him the best of luck in Festivali i Kenges!