In only a couple of days time, some of Albania’s biggest and most talented performers will be taking to the stage of Festivali i Këngës, where the Albanian public will choose who will carry the Albanian flag to Malmö, Sweden, as their representative at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. 31 participants will be competing for this honour, and one of those is debutant Irma Lepuri who appears at Festivali i Këngës for the first time. Irma will be competing with her self-composed song “Me prit”. We had the pleasure of catching up with her ahead of her upcoming performance.

Check out our interview below to find out more!

D: Firstly, a huge welcome to Festivali i Këngës 62! How does it feel that in a few days, you will be performing for all of Albania and for viewers across Europe?  What are you most looking forward to?

I: I’m excited and happy, it’s a blessing and also a privilege. I’m looking forward to enjoying it and doing my best.

D: You were chosen as a replacement for an artist that had dropped out, which is a very lucky second chance! How did you feel when you received that news that you had been chosen? And are you nervous this puts you at a disadvantage?

I: I don’t think it puts me at a disadvantage, I’m happy I got in and I believe in my song.

D: Tell us more about your song “Me prit” – the song has been fully composed and written by yourself which is great to see. What is the song about and what does it mean to you? Is it about somebody or a life experience in particular?

I: It’s about a life experience, the second I wrote the song I knew I wanted to present it in stage like this and I’m happy it’s happening finally.

D: Moving away from your upcoming Festivali i Këngës performance, we would love to find out more about you. Have you always wanted to be a singer and songwriter? Who are your main musical influences?

I: Music has always been second but an absolute part of my life , I enjoy it and I believe I have something to give to Albanian music.

D: Checking out your songs and performances on YouTube, you have a very soft acoustic-R&B style vocal which sounds so delicate on the songs. It’s really easy and great to listen to! How would you describe yourself as a musical artist?

I: It’s something that comes from within and it’s honest what I write and perform so I think that’s what makes it special.

D: How are rehearsals going for Festivali i Këngës 62? Can you tease anything about what we can expect from your performance?

I: It’s going to be heartwarming, I believe. The song is melancholic but at the same time it gives you a sense of hope, the rehearsals are going great I’m enjoying it.

D: The winner of Festivali i Këngës will go on to represent Albania at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, to be hosted in Malmö, Sweden. Are you a fan of the contest?

I: Yes definitely, it’s been a once in a life time event for so long.

D: And what would winning and representing Albania in front of over 150 million people worldwide mean to you?

I: It would mean a lot, but for me and all the other artists as long as you believe in the beauty of your song it’s like you’ve already won.

D: Do you have any other music projects or personal projects coming up? Let us know what is next for you after Festivali i Këngës.

I: I’d like to publish an album but it would take some time.

D: Thank you so much for taking the time to answer the questions above. Finally, do you have a message for our readers and your fans?

I: Make art for the sake of love and truth!

Thank you to Irma! You can watch her perform her entry “Me prit” for the first time live on Wednesday 20th December during the second semi final of Festivali i Këngës 62. The winner will be decided during the fourth night of the music festival, on Thursday 21st December, and we will find out who will be taking the baton from last years winner, Albina & Familja Kelmendi with “Duje”.