In an interview with OGAE Albania, Head of Delegation Mrs Zamira Koleci spoke about the changes to Zemren e lame peg, the plans for the staging and the promotion.
According to Albanian Head of Delegation Mrs Koleci, Olta Boka will appear on stage in Belgrade dressed in green and white, accompanied by guitarists and a drummer dressed in a classic style. A light guitar theme has been added to the song after it won Festivali I Kenges and the duration has been adapted to the three minute EBU limit for Eurovision.
When asked whether the song would remain in Albanian or performed in another language Mrs Koleci said: "The song will be performed in Albanian. The lyrics have many Albanian metaphors which were very difficult to translate, it didn't sound good in English. We had the same problem last year. That's why we are presenting this song entirely in Albanian and it has nothing to do whatsoever with nationalistic feelings."
The video clip was shot and produced entirely in Albania and it is now heavily rotated on TVSH, the local broadcaster. The red heart in the background refers to title and main theme of the song. Whilst the promotion will be focusing on the region, approximately 1000 CDs and DVDs are currently being dispatched to TV and radio stations all over Europe.
Mrs Koleci also discussed their visit to Belgrade recently: "During our visit in Belgrade, we were presented the head of delegation offices, make up rooms, green room and everything seemed to be ready. The Albanian delegation was very well received, and we were promised extra protection because of the delicate situation in Serbia."
The Albanian delegation will head to Belgrade on the 12th of May. The first dress rehearsals of Albania are scheduled for the 13th of May.
Many thanks to Roni Klein of OGAE Albania for his contribution.
