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Era Istrefi

Era Istrefi
Born (1994-07-04) 4 July 1994 (age 22)
Pristina, Kosovo
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Years active 2013–present
Labels
Associated acts
Website Eraistrefi.com

Era Istrefi (born July 4, 1994) is a Kosovo-Albanian singer and songwriter.

She gained recognition locally following the release of her debut single "Mani për money" in 2013 at the age of 19. In 2016, Istrefi achieved international recognition after the release of her single "BonBon", which drew comparisons to the works of Australian singer Sia and Barbadian artist Rihanna. Following the song's success she signed to American record labels Sony Music and Ultra Music one month later. In 2017, she won the European Border Breakers Award.

Era Istrefi was born on 4 July 1994 in Pristina, Kosovo. Her parents are Suzana Tahirsylaj—an Albanian singer during the 1980s and 1990s—and Nezir Istrefi—a journalist. Following her father's death in 2004, her mother left her career in entertainment. Her sister Nora Istrefi is also a singer.

Istrefi made her debut in her native country in 2013 with "Mani për money", eventually releasing material sung in Gheg Albanian—featuring English phrases. A few months later, she released a follow-up recording, "A Po Don?", which was promoted with a music video; it similarly achieved recognition. Her third single "E Dehun"—inspired by Nexhmije Pagarusha's recording of the same name—as well uses lyrics and some parts of the recording's instrumental. Upon its release, "E Dehun" assured Istrefi three Videofest Awards, including one for "Best New Artist". In December 2014, the singer made the pop ballad "13"—which was produced in the United States—available for consumption. Its accompanying music video was viewed almost 200,000 times within 24 hours on YouTube, which later resulted its featuring on V Magazine. That year, it was as well reported that Istrefi was a supporter of LGBT rights. Since 2016 she holds Albanian citizenship.


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