Exclusive for OGAE Serbia: Shkodra Elektronike reveal all about “Zjerm” and their road to Eurovision 2025!

In less than a month, the 69th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest will take place. As we count down to this major music event, our portal had the chance to speak with the representatives of our southern neighbors.

Albania will be represented at Eurovision 2025 by the artistic duo Shkodra Elektronike, comprised of Kolë and Beatriçe. Their song “Zjerm” captured the hearts and attention of the audience. Although they weren’t considered frontrunners ahead of the national selection, their authenticity, powerful artistic expression, and captivating performance managed to surprise everyone — including themselves.

In their interview for OGAE Serbia, they shared how they experienced their win, the message behind their song, how preparations are going for the Eurovision stage in Basel, and what fulfills and relaxes them outside the world of music. Delighted by the warm reception from audiences in the region, they say every encounter with fans is — a new spark.

Get to know this charming and unique duo better in the interview below.

Albania’s Representatives at Eurovision 2025

Congratulations on winning Albania’s national selection! How did you feel when you were announced as the winners? Were you surprised by the outcome, considering you weren’t among the pre-contest favorites?

First of all, thank you for the congratulations. Not only were we surprised, but in all the excitement, with the crowd cheering and the voting system we didn’t fully understand at the time — we didn’t even immediately realize we had won!

Your song has a striking sound and a distinctive rhythm that immediately drew in the audience. How would you describe it, and what message do you want to convey through it?

Kolë: We tried to harmonize the music and lyrics. The message, both musically and poetically, is simple and complex at the same time — like two sides of the same coin. The music carries both traditional/tribal elements and modern ones. The lyrics deliver a simple message: kindness, and at the same time, the difficulties we face in trying to achieve it.

On one hand, Beatriçe says: “Imagine a minute… No ambulance sirens, no one speaking arrogantly… no soldiers, no crying orphans. No bottles in the ocean, diesel smells like lilac…”

On the other hand, I say: “Fire! For the flame and light that hunger, for you who endlessly search, in this glow of darkness thirsty for brightness.”

I should note — my part wasn’t written by me, it was written by Lek Gjeloshi, a contemporary visual artist from Shkodra, while Beatriçe wrote her part. Just to give credit where it’s due. :)

“Zjerm” currently exceeds the three-minute limit allowed for Eurovision entries. When can we expect the final version? Will it remain entirely in Albanian or include some English? In your opinion, is it an advantage to sing in your native language or in English?

It will be the same version, just three seconds shorter. We’ll perform it in Albanian, because the lyrics are conceived not only as meaningful words but also as sound in and of themselves. That’s why we think it’s an advantage to sing in Albanian.

Your performance in Albania was visually striking. Are you planning any changes for the big stage in Basel? Can we expect any surprises?

We don’t know if we’d call them surprises, but the performance will be a bit more developed than what we had at Festivali i këngës. In any case, the stage performance will reflect the ideas behind the song — the ones we talked about above.

Participating in Eurovision is a dream for many artists. What does this opportunity mean to you, and how are you preparing for one of Europe’s biggest stages?

Of course, Eurovision is a huge opportunity for any musician. We can’t say it was our dream because we hadn’t followed it closely before — and maybe that’s a good thing, because now, as participants, it’s an incredible experience! Thanks to the pre-parties we’re doing now, we’ve met so many wonderful people and discovered a community full of love!

Right now, you’re the highest-ranked Balkan country according to the odds, sitting in 9th place. Does that create extra pressure, or does it motivate you even more?

Actually, we don’t feel a lot of pressure at the moment. And that’s thanks to the pre-parties we mentioned. We’ve already performed in Thessaloniki and Oslo. We have five more to go, and they’re definitely preparing us for the atmosphere, so we don’t suddenly find ourselves thrown straight onto the Eurovision stage.

What kind of result are you hoping for, and which position on the scoreboard would make you happy?

We’re already happy just to be participating, so whatever comes will be something extra and unexpected for us.

Do you have any pre-show rituals or a lucky charm that brings you good fortune?

Kolë: I have some rituals that I can’t share here. :)

Beatriçe: I seek silence, places where I can relax my ears and mind. Reading a few pages from a book helps me focus and calm down before a show. Of course, all of that comes after proper vocal and body preparation. For me, concentration is more important than any superstitious habit. So, to anyone managing our backstage — please give me a quiet corner! A closet would be perfect. Or a box full of pillows!

How do you like to spend your free time when you’re not making music? Is there something the audience doesn’t know about you that you’d like to share?

Kolë: I watch all the football matches I can! Serie A, Premier League, Champions League, key games from South America… I love football! If I end the day watching a match, it’s a perfect day for me (quoting Lou Reed).

Beatriçe: I love being in nature. I live among the beautiful Dolomites, and whenever I can, I go into the forest to take a deep breath. When I have more free time, I try to reach a peak and look at the world — from above, it all seems so peaceful and calm.

What’s the funniest or strangest comment you’ve ever received about your song or performance?

There have been many funny comments, like:

• What exactly is the man next to the singer doing?
• Morticia and Uncle Fester are winning Eurovision this year!

And a few more that we can’t write here. :)))

Eurovision is full of iconic songs and performers. What’s your favorite Eurovision song of all time? And if you could record a duet with any past Eurovision act, who would it be?

ABBA, of course!

Albanian Eurovision entries are known for their powerful ballads and energetic performances. Who are your favorite former Albanian representatives? Did any of them give you advice for this year’s competition?

We can say that all Albanian voices heard on the Eurovision stage have been beautiful and powerful. We’re proud of our country for showcasing such vocal talent to the world.
Among our favorites: Anjeza Shahini, Hersi Matmuja, and of course — Rona Nishliu!

Your song has received a very positive response from Serbian audiences. Have you ever been to Serbia, and are you planning to come? Is there a Serbian Eurovision entry that you particularly like?

Yes. We performed at the Exit Festival in Novi Sad three years ago, and we’ll definitely come again.

Kolë: And yes, I’m jealous of Prince’s hair!

Finally, what message would you like to send to Eurovision fans in Serbia?

Thank you so much for listening to our song and for your support! We hope to return soon to one of your amazing music festivals — to perform and enjoy it all with you!

We thank Albania’s representatives for taking the time to chat with us and wish them the best of luck on the Eurovision stage this May in Basel.

A reminder: this year marks Albania’s 20th participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. They will perform in the first semi-final, on May 13, in 12th position, with the song “Zjerm”, which means “Fire” in Serbian.

In the video below, Albania’s Eurovision 2025 representatives in Basel send their warm greetings to Eurovision fans in Serbia.

Shkodra Elektronike expressed their gratitude to the regional audience for their support and the warm reception they’ve received so far. As they say, each encounter with the audience is a new spark and an extra source of inspiration.

Watch their message and feel a piece of the energy guiding them to the grand Eurovision stage!

Albania’s Representatives for OGAE Serbia