On the first rehearsal day for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel, the Albanian entry “Zjerm” by the duo Shkodra Elektronike caused a stir.

As reported by the ESC specialist portal ESC Kompakt, the performance scored points with a mixture of minimalist aesthetics, modern stage technology, and cultural authenticity.

Stage in flames – concentrated message

Shkodra Elektronike’s visual appearance consistently focuses on red tones that reflect the song’s theme, “Zjerm” (English: “fire”). According to ESC Kompakt, singer Beatriçe Gjergji wears a strikingly cut red dress, while producer Kolë Laca provides a deliberate contrast in black. Together, they operate a sampler live on stage – an element that enhances the performance technically without overloading it.

The staging remains deliberately minimalist: there are no dancers or elaborate effects, which, according to Wiwibloggs, brings out the emotional depth of the song more strongly.

Musical mix: “folktronica” from Albania

Musically, “Zjerm” combines traditional elements with electronic club aesthetics – a style that the duo themselves describe as “folktronica.” The song remains entirely in Albanian – a conscious decision that, according to ESC Kompakt, is intended to underline the cultural identity of the entry and “make the soul of Albania audible.”

According to ESC Kompakt, the performance was also “surprisingly powerful” in terms of sound – despite the calm choreography.

From Shkodra to Basel: Albania’s road to the ESC

Shkodra Elektronike prevailed against strong competition at the Festivali i Këngës 63, Albania’s traditional preliminary contest. As ESC Kompakt reports, they received top marks from both the audience and the jury. Their mix of experimentation and emotion already impressed in December – and deservedly catapulted them to the ESC 2025.

Starting number 12 in the first semi-final

The duo’s ESC performance is scheduled for the first semi-final on May 13, 2025. Shkodra Elektronike will take to the stage in starting position 12. According to Wiwibloggs, “Zjerm” is considered a possible “dark horse” among fans – a contribution that could stand out positively with its authenticity.

Conclusion

With “Zjerm,” Albania 2025 is not only presenting a musically unique entry, but also one of the few acts that credibly weaves tradition with modernity. The performance is calm, clear, focused—and could stand out in the noisy environment of the ESC precisely because of this.

Image:
Pedro J Pacheco, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons