Besa | |
---|---|
Birth name | Besa Kokëdhima |
Born |
Fier, Albania |
29 May 1986
Genres | Pop, Dance/House, Rock, R&B |
Occupation(s) | Singer, Performer, Musician |
Instruments | Piano Vocals |
Years active | 2003–present |
Labels | Independent |
Besa Kokëdhima (born 29 May 1986) often referred to as Besa is a multi award-winning Albanian singer. She is known also for winning the tenth edition of Kënga Magjike with "Tatuazh në Zemër" (Tattooed heart) and the sixth edition of Top Fest with "Engjëjt vrasin Njëlloj" (Angels kill the same).
Besa Kokëdhima was born in Fier, Albania to Koço Kokëdhima, a mathematician and entrepreneur, and Brixhida Kokëdhima, also a mathematician. Her family roots lead back to Qeparo, Breg region, in Vlorë District. As a child, Besa aspired to be a singer. She was known locally for her singing in school and local talent shows and competitions. Aged 13, she firstly publicly appeared on Radio Televizioni Shqiptar. According to both Besa and her parents, they felt reluctant to encourage her to pursue a musical career, however, she was continually taking piano lessons. At the age of 15 she moved to the United Kingdom as a high school student. At that same year, she recorded her 1st Cover record, "Street Symphony" by Monica. A year later, her debut song "Më Beso" written by highly successful producer Florian Mumajesi, a featuring with then newly formed Albanian group Produkt 28, resulted a success, being awarded the Major Prize in "Mikorofoni i Artë" 2003. The Hit song granted her more public recognition. At the age of 19 she returned to Albania, and started working on her debut album which was published in 2006.
Besa stands out for her very distinctive voice, and very emotional deliverance of songs. Her passionate approach to music makes her one of the dearest artists in Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia.
At the age of 19 she permanently returned and settled in Albania, and started working on her debut album which was published on July 29, 2006. Her album "Besa" resulted in high sales for its big hits at the time "Zonja dhe Zotërinj", "Mëngjesi Im Je Ti" "Lëshoje Hapin" etc. Her debut album was written in collaboration with well-known Albanian music industry personalities such as Dorian Gjoni, Florian Mumajesi, Genti Lako, Andy DJ, Stine etc. She was chosen to represent Albania at the MTV Exit Concert, later that year. In 2006, she participated in "Notafest" Music Contest in Macedonia, where she was awarded the Jury's 1st prize with successful R&B single "Lëshoje Hapin". She participated in Albanian Music Contest "Kënga Magjike" both in 2006 & 2007 which she was awarded respectively "Best Dance" with "Tani të Dua" and "Jon Music" with "Pa Yllin Tënd".