Hersi Matmuja

Hersi Matmuja
Hersjana Matmuja (2014)
Background information
Birth name	Hersjana Matmuja
Also known as	Hersi[1]
Born	(1990-02-01) 1 February 1990 Kukës, Albania
Genres	Pop, classical
Occupation(s)	Singer/songwriter
Years active	2005-present
Associated acts	Genti Lako, Gjergj Leka

Hersjana Matmuja^[2][3] (born 1 February 1990), also known as Hersi Matmuja or simply Hersi is an Albanian singer, best known for winning the 52nd edition of Festivali i Këngës. In 2014 she represented Albania in Eurovision Song Contest held in Copenhagen, Denmark, with the song "One Night's Anger".^[4]

Biography

Early life and career

Hersi Matmuja was born on February 1, 1990 in Kukës.^[5] She started singing when she was 8 years old and as a child participated in many festivals and talent shows. During that time, she also studied Canto at Liceu "Jordan Misja" in Tirana, where she received the highest possible grade of 10/10 upon completion. While studying at the Liceu, she participated for the first time at the Festivali i Kenges, when she was only 16 years old, winning First Prize in the Youth Category for her rendition of the song "Ah Jete Oh Jete" composed by Frederik Ndoci. She returned to participate in the Festivali i Këngës three more times. Hersi also participated twice in Kënga Magjike.^[6] In 2009 she auditioned for enrollment at the "Santa Cecilia" Conservatory in Rome (qualifying first among all applicants), where she studied canto and started committing professionally to music, participating in concerts and Classical music competitions. In October 2014, she graduated from the Santa Cecilia Conservatory with the maximum score of 30/30 and the title of "Maestro". ^[7]

She speaks Albanian, English and Italian.

Despite her classical music training, Hersi says her musical influences include Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, Rihanna, Björk and ABBA.^[8] She studies at Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome.^[9]

52nd Festivali i Këngës and Eurovision Song Contest 2014

Matmuja presenting herself and the song she was performing in the Eurovision Song Contest 2014.

Matmuja was among the 16 participants taking part at the 52nd edition of Festivali i Këngës. Her song "Zemërimi i një nate" (One night's anger) was written by Jorgo Papingji and composed by Genti Lako. She performed on the first presentation night and shortly became a favourite to win the show. She opened the final night and received 69 points from the jury, thus getting the rights to represent Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 in Copenhagen, Denmark. She left Klodian Kaçani and "Me ty" behind with 24 points. The Eurovision version of Zemërimi i një nate (One Night's Anger) and official video was released on 20 March.^[10] Matmuja performed in the first semi final, on 6 May. She didn't qualify for the final on 10 May.

References

External links

• Official website

Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest   Participation 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016   Artists 2000s Anjeza Shahini Ledina Çelo Luiz Ejlli Frederik Ndoci Olta Boka Kejsi Tola 2010s Juliana Pasha Aurela Gaçe Rona Nishliu Adrian Lulgjuraj & Bledar Sejko Hersi Elhaida Dani Eneda Tarifa   Songs 2000s "The Image of You" "Tomorrow I Go" "Zjarr e ftohtë" "Hear My Plea" "Zemrën e lamë peng" "Carry Me in Your Dreams" 2010s "It's All About You" "Feel the Passion" "Suus" "Identitet" "One Night's Anger" "I'm Alive" "Fairytale Love" (Note: Entries scored out are when Albania did not compete)