Besa Kokëdhima, also known as Besa, is one of the most recognised and awarded Albanian singer/performers. Besa is known for being a contestant and award winner in countless Music Festivals and shows in Albania, Kosova & North Macedonia. She has released 5 solo albums. In 2009, Besa participated in the Selecţia Naţională in Romania for the Eurovision Song Contest, with the English-language song "Nothin' Gonna Change", and reached the semi-finals. Besa was also a contestant and winner on Albanian music festivals Kënga Magjike 2013 and Top Fest 2008. Besa is currently a judge on the Albanian television show The Voice of Albania.
Biography
In 2003, Besa released her debut song "Më Beso", which was written by producer Florian Mumajesi, and featured the then newly formed Albanian group Produkt 28. The song was awarded "Mikorofoni I Artë" in 2003. Besa released her debut album which was titled "Besa", in 2006. The album was written in collaboration with well-known Albanian music industry personalities, including as Dorian Gjoni, Flori Mumajesi, Genti Lako, Andy DJ, and Stine. Besa has participated in a number of music contests including "Notafest" where she was awarded first prize for the R&B single "Lëshoje Hapin." In 2006, Besa was chosen to represent Albania at the MTV Exit Concert. In 2009, Besa represented Romania in the Eurovision Song Contest, and reached the semi-finals. Besa competed in Ohrid Fest, where she won Best Performance. Besa has also participated in a number of televised music competitions, including the Albanian television competitions "Kënga Magjike", and Top Fest. In 2010, Besa competed in Top Fest, and won Best Female Singer with her single "Kalorësi i Natës." Since 2010, Besa has released a number of singles and, including the single "Fishekzjarre", in 2012, the single "Burning" in 2013, and "Zemrën Dot Nuk ta Lexoj" in 2014. These singles were commercially successful and well received. Besa has also published two holiday albums titled "Besa për Festat" and "Ti Je Festa Ime". Besa për Festat consisted of 8 traditional English songs adopted in the Albanian language. The tracks were accompanied by music videos featuring Besa and the National Orchestra. The album also featured a Christmas Version of the song "Tatuazh ne Zemer." The album Ti Je Festa Ime received positive reviews, and one article called the album "one of the most well-received projects of the year". In December 2016 Besa announced she was joining the panel of The Voice of Albania as a judge and coach for the new season. Besa was voted as Albania's favorite judge later in the series by Top Channel polls.
