Interviewed by Medina Shala
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
Born in Kosovo in 1985, I grew up in an old-school folk-roma musical family in Gjakova, I got to develop an interest in different music styles over time. As an artist I love using my musical skills for various human rights activities to help kids and youth in villages around Kosovo and the Balkans.
I’m co -founder of NGOs GAIA and Balkan Art Zone. I’m also Leader of the band called Gipsy Groove, this was created in 2010 together with close friends of mine, with the mission to fight and tell the story of the true power of music and fight the monoculturalism that is happening in our small world.
I have created the Erdhlezeti Festival, and the first Music Residency in the Balkans “Onebeat Balkans” with the aim of all ethnic groups in the Balkan region to create music/artistic networks. For me is important to give opportunity as much as possible to those who never get a helping hand from the society.
How did you get into music?
Coming from a sufi family, music is one of the great parts of the traditional lifestyle we live in and I consider this to be what helped me going. The Music journey I had to pass through is one of the greatest powers that I hold and has been developed with the help of the good friends that stood by me. Coming from a second class rank in this country filled with racism and discrimination I used music as a passport to be accepted and I’m more than grateful that Music opened people’s heart and put them in a position to judge differently!
What is your favourite thing about music?
Everything, by this I mean meeting the moods of every emotion people get to experience when exposed to music. My absolute favorite thing is meeting good souls, touring, sending good vibes and even trying to change people’s perspective. Music for me It’s the God and healer of our mood that hits you only when you fully realize that you are living in the moment.
What makes you really happy?
Being loved and taken care of! Cooking and traveling!
How is your personality reflected in your work?
I can say 102% :P. I’m not a good liar, I can’t fake it, I love being direct and concise. Sometimes I even find it hard to work with people because of being so direct and honest!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Listen and work on yourself, don’t stop your journey of your vision!
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