AAB College, in a grand gala evening, honored the nightingale of Albanian song, Nexhmije Pagarusha, marking her 80th birthday. In a live broadcast from Radio Television of Kosovo, hosted by the well-known Adi Krasta, memories were evoked from Pagarusha’s long and successful career.
Director Ekrem Kryeziu recalled how, although Pagarusha was a singer, she achieved extraordinary success as an actress in one of his films—a film which, according to him, took first place not only in former Yugoslavia, but even beyond.
“She was not an actress, but her originality triumphed as a value,” said Kryeziu.
In honor of Pagarusha, soprano Sanije Matoshi performed songs of the Albanian diva.
“An honored person honors you,” were the words of the primadonna of Albanian music as she thanked AAB College for the magnificent celebration dedicated to her 80th anniversary.
During her speech, she also recalled the greatest award of her career, granted by the President of Albania, Bujar Nishani—“Honor of the Nation.”
Meanwhile, the Rector of AAB College, Lulzim Tafa, praised Pagarusha’s musical career, saying that she fully deserved this grand celebration because she has been the most dignified representative of Albanian culture not only in former Yugoslavia, but also abroad, leaving indelible marks for the new generation of artists.
The well-known actor Enver Petrovci evoked memories from working with Pagarusha. He chose to recite a poem dedicated to her by poet Din Mehmeti.
“She sang and sang until she turned into a song,” were the verses recited by Petrovci, affirming that “Nexhmije herself has turned into a song.”
Present at this gala evening were numerous prominent figures not only from Albanian arts, but also from politics, science, and other fields. AAB College awarded the Nightingale of Albanian Song, Nexhmije Pagarusha, a special decoration in honor of her remarkable career and immense contribution to the Albanian artistic heritage.
The Albanian artist Nexhmije Pagarusha was born on May 7, 1933, in the village of Pagarushë, Malishevë, Kosovo. Speaking of her, many epithets are used in one breath: The Nightingale of Kosovo, The Queen of Albanian Song, The Primadonna of the Popular Melos, The Albanian Yma Sumac, Madam Butterfly, The Crystal Voice, and many others. She received many awards, including “Singer of the Century.”
Her 40-year musical career is so broad that it is difficult to categorize into a single genre. She is known for her brilliant interpretations in both folk music and opera.
Nexhmije Pagarusha was also a successful actress, both in film and theater.
She studied solo canto in Belgrade, which she left in her third year, never continuing it formally. She also had her first musical stage appearance in Belgrade.
In 1948 she was accepted as a soloist at Radio Prishtina.
She collaborated with singers from Albania and performed in Albania with the ensemble “Shota” during a tour.
“Baresha” is one of the masterpieces of her interpretation. This song was composed by her husband, Rexhep Mulliqi, with lyrics by poet Rifat Kukaj.
Pagarusha performed in a classical music concert featuring translated works of Beethoven, Puccini, Verdi, etc. This concert was the first of its kind. Unfortunately, none of the technical organizers remembered to record it. Sadly, not all her concerts and songs have been documented, because, as she once said, only the music mattered to her; she and the music were one. It is believed she performed more than 150 songs.
She participated in concerts in Kosovo, Albania, Bulgaria, Israel, and other countries. Her musical career ended in 1984 after a concert in Sarajevo.
After 16 years away from the stage, she appeared again in 2000 with the song “Për ty,” in a show hosted by Ardit Gjebrea, who persuaded her to return for that performance.
She served as a jury member of the “Kënga Magjike 2005” festival.
She later became a senior music advisor at Radio Kosovo and Radio Blue Sky.
Some of her best-known songs include:
“Baresha,” “Ani mori nuse,” “Mora testin,” “Kur më shkon si zog n’hava,” “Kur më del në derë,” “Ke selvitë,” “Ç’u ngrit lulja në mëngjes,” “Çil njat zemër plot kujtime,” “Dallëndyshe,” “Një lule,” “Zambaku i Prizrenit.”
She appeared in films and theatrical productions such as:
“Dasma e përgjakur” (1967), “Jugovizioni” (1973), “Gëzuar viti i ri” (1976), “E kafshoja terrin” (1977), “I ikuri” (1980), “Tre vetë kapërcejnë malin” (1981), “Lepuri me pesë këmbë,” “Fluturimi i Micakut,” “Daullet e të çmendurve,” “Rexha i nënës në grazhd të kalit,” “Vrasësit bëjnë dasmë natën” (1997).
