Ktheju tokës

Background and Release

Ktheju tokës is a song by Albanian singer Jonida Maliqi, released on March 8, 2019, by RTSH and distributed by Universal Music Group.

Festivali i Këngës and Eurovision Song Contest

The song was the winning title of the 57th Festivali i Këngës, a competition used to select Albania's contribution to the Eurovision Song Contest. This marked Jonida Maliqi's tenth participation in the festival, although it was her first win.

At the Eurovision Song Contest 2019, held in Tel Aviv, "Ktheju tokës" represented Albania and ranked 17th in the final with 90 points.

Description

The song is a sentimental ballad written entirely in Albanian, addressing the theme of the Albanian diaspora. It invites those who have emigrated to other countries to return to their homeland, Albania. The title can be translated as "Return to your land", summarizing the meaning of the text.

Musically, the song features traditional Albanian instruments such as the fyell brezi (a type of flute), gusla, and davul in the background.

Personal Significance

Jonida Maliqi revealed that the song also has a personal significance, as her sister lives in Cyprus. This adds an emotional depth to the song's message.

Instrumentation

The instrumentation is characteristic of traditional Albanian music, with the inclusion of the fyell brezi, gusla, and davul, which are typical instruments used in Albanian folk music.