After competing in 2015 with “Sa të dashuroj”, Genc Tukici is back in Festivali i Kenges this year, and he is competing to represent Albania in the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Të pandarë”, in a duet with his brother David.

We had a great pleasure to chat with Genc Tukici about his participation in this year’s Festivali i Kenges. In between other things, we asked him about their song and the meaning behind it, and also how him and his brother are connected. You can check out everything he told us in this interview right here:

First of all, congratulations for being back in FiK! How was your experience in the 2015 Contest, and what made you come back?

My first experience was really amazing, and very inspiring. I came back because I love singing…. What could be more beautiful than writing and singing your own music ?

This time you are taking part together with your brother, who had already won FiK in the past. How did you two decide to collaborate this time?

This year, singing for such a special love that brotherly love is, became essential for me. It’s a very particular and deep love. And with Agim Xheka’s lyrics, who could be a better partner than my own brother, David?

What have you been doing in the meanwhile, between your two participations?

I continued my life of a musician, pianist and teacher, and I performed many concerts worldwide: Paris, New York, Montreal, Toronto, Vienne, Gstaad, Luxembourg, Tirana, Prishtina…. At the same time, I’ve been very lucky to be chosen as the composer of the hymn to Mother Teresa which was played at the occasion of her canonization in September 2016 in Vatican.

Can you tell us more about the meaning of your song “Të pandarë”?

Since forever, my brother David says that we are an apple separated into two pieces, and that together we are the whole apple. “Të pandarë” means “inseparable” in Albanian. In reality, we live far from each other, we live in different cities, in different countries. But spiritually, we are always together.

What kind of a song can we expect from you guys?

A song that everybody could be able to sing, and connect very deeply with…. For the “kind of the song”, I let you choose!

How are your preparations for Festivali i Kenges going? Do you have some ideas about your stage performance, outfit, how is everything going to look like?

Preparations are going very well, the musicians play really well, and David will have a super look, very classical, and I’ll be in a deep blue costume, a little more sporty… Yes, I think we’ll be really handsome….. 😉 

Have you had a chance to hear any of the other competing songs in this year’s Festivali i Kenges? Who do you think is that one act, who is going to be your biggest competition?

No until now, I haven’t hear any song, but I’m sure there will be very beautiful creations.

If you guys win Festivali i Kenges, and represent Albania in Eurovision – would you sing your song in English or Albanian?

In Albanian, of course.

What are your thoughts on the past Albanian Eurovision participants?

I think Albania has always been represented with dignity in Eurovision, but that we can always do better.

Albania now failed to qualify for the Grand Final two years in a row. Should you win Festivali i Kenges, what would you do to make sure Albania is back in the Grand Final?

Nothing special but clinging to my music and giving the maximum for the interpretation.

Are you engaged in any other projects currently, apart from Festivali i Kenges?

Yes, in my life of pianist, I prepare and continue my concerts.

Thank you very much for your time, and I wish both you and your brother the best of luck at Festivali i Kenges!

You can also give a listen to Genc Tukici’s entry in this year’s Festivali i Kenges right here: