Albina Kelmendi was born in Pejë, Kosovo (then part of FR Yugoslavia). She studied clarinet and piano at the Halit Kasapolli music school in her hometown, and started performing together with her family under the name Family Band.[1][3]
Career
2014–2021: The Voice of Albania and Top Fest
In 2014, she auditioned for the fourth series of The Voice of Albania.[3] After getting chair turns from all four coaches, she joined Team Elsa. She finished as the runner-up of the season.
The following year, she took part in the twelfth edition of Top Fest, where she presented the song "Nuk ka ma mire".[4]
2022–present: Nana loke, Festivali i Këngës, and Eurovision Song Contest
In June 2022, Albina Kelmendi released her debut album, Nana loke.[5] In December of the same year, she and five members of her family took part in the Festivali i Këngës 61 as Albina & Familja Kelmendi, where they presented the song "Duje".[6] While coming in second place on the final night, the result of which was decided by a jury, the public chose her as the Albanian representative at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.[7]
At Eurovision in Liverpool, she performed in the second semi-final on 11 May 2023, and managed to successfully qualify to the final. She placed 22nd in the grand final.[8]
Discography
Studio albums
List of studio albums with album details
Title
Album details
Nana loke
Released: 25 June 2022
Label: Fole Publishing
Singles
As lead artist
List of singles as lead artist, showing year released and album name