Ylli Baka
Ylli Baka | |
|---|---|
| Born | 16 May 1969 |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1992–present |
| Children | 3 |
| Musical career | |
| Genres |
|
| Instrument | Vocals |
Ylli Baka (born 16 May 1969) is an Albanian folk singer and songwriter. He is primarily associated with the traditional folk music of southern Albania.
Early life and education
Baka was born in Tepelenë, Albania. He spent parts of his youth in Berat and later in Memaliaj, where he completed his secondary education. He did not attend a formal music conservatory. During a period of emigration in Greece, he undertook a four-year vocal training course.[1]
Career
Baka first appeared before the public as a professional singer in 1992, performing in concerts in Tepelenë and Përmet. Shortly afterward, he emigrated to Greece, where he worked as a singer and drummer, performing regularly in music venues in Athens. During this time, his repertoire included both folk and non-folk material.[1][2]
His first album, Fllad Jugu, was recorded in the 1990s but received limited distribution. Wider recognition followed the release of his 2004 album Këngët e vendit tim, which focused on traditional and regional Albanian songs.[3]
Since the 2000s, Baka has continued to perform primarily Albanian folk music. His concert activity has included performances within Albania as well as for Albanian communities abroad, particularly in Europe, the United States, and Australia. He is based in Tirana.[4][5]
Discography
Albums
- Fllad Jugu (recorded in the 1990s; limited release)
- Këngët e vendit tim (2004)
Selected songs
- Më vjen mall për Tepelenën
- Baba Tomorri
- Lëmë, o Zot, të rroj
- Sa e dua Shqipërinë
- Shëndeti është i pari
- Ku ka rrjedhur, do pikojë
Awards and honors
Baka has received several forms of official cultural recognition in Albania, including the following:
- On 22 January 2021, he was awarded the state title Mjeshtër i Madh (Grand Master) by the President of Albania, Ilir Meta, in recognition of his contribution to Albanian folk music and cultural life.[6]
- On 23 January 2021, he was named an Qytetar Nderi i Memaliajt (Honorary Citizen of Memaliaj) by the Municipality of Memaliaj, the certificate was presented during an official ceremony by the mayor, Gjolek Guci.[7]
References
- ^ a b c "Ylli Baka, Biography". Teksteshqip. Retrieved 9 January 2026.
- ^ "Ylli Baka: Profesioni dhe familja" [Ylli Baka: Profession and Family]. Top Channel (in Albanian). 21 October 2011. Retrieved 9 January 2026.
- ^ "Albumet e publikuara nga Ylli Baka" [Albums released by Ylli Baka]. Teksteshqip (in Albanian). Retrieved 9 January 2026.
- ^ "Ylli Baka zbulon nga SHBA sa paguhet në koncerte: 2021 ishte i suksesshëm" [Ylli Baka reveals from the USA how much he is paid at concerts: 2021 was successful]. ABC News Albania (in Albanian). 31 December 2021. Retrieved 9 January 2026.
- ^ ""Kam kënduar edhe me 20 Euro", Ylli Baka flet për kohët e vështira" ["“I even sang for 20 Euros”, Ylli Baka talks about hard times]. Dosja.al (in Albanian). 20 January 2020. Retrieved 9 January 2026.
- ^ "Ylli Baka vlerësohet me titullin "Mjeshtër i madh"" [Ylli Baka is honored with the title “Grand Master”]. TV Klan (in Albanian). 22 January 2021. Retrieved 9 January 2026.
- ^ "Pas titullit "Mjeshtër i madh", Ylli Baka vlerësohet "Qytetar Nderi" i Memaliajt" [After the title “Grand Master”, Ylli Baka is honored as “Honorary Citizen” of Memaliaj]. Balkanweb (in Albanian). 23 January 2021. Retrieved 9 January 2026.