Parashqevi Simaku

Parashqevi Simaku (born 1 September 1966) is an Albanian singer who rose to prominence in the 1980s and became one of the most recognizable voices in Albanian popular music during the late communist period. She is best known for her performances at Festivali i Këngës, winning first prize in 1985 and 1988.^[1]

In 1985, at the 24th annual edition of the national song festival, she won first prize with "Në moshën e rinisë" ("In the Age of Youth"). She would repeat her success in 1988 with the song "E duam lumturinë" ("We Want Happiness"), composed by Pirro Çako. These performances brought her national recognition.^[2]

An incident, which included symbolic gestures such as burning papers and waving flashing lights from balconies, was documented by the state security apparatus Sigurimi in an internal report later declassified in May 2020. While authorities described the event as disorderly and naïve, it has since been interpreted by observers as reflecting the cultural influence of artists during the final years of the regime.^[3]

In 2006, she signed a recording contract with Sony Music and BMG for the release of her Albanian-language album "Echoes from Iliria" (Jehonë nga Iliria), which she co-produced with Nolfe. The album combined traditional Albanian musical elements with contemporary production techniques.^[4]

In subsequent years, Simaku largely withdrew from public life. In December 2024, she was reported to be experiencing homelessness in New York City after being identified in a news segment by WABC 7 News.^[5]