Besa Kokëdhima (born 29 May 1986), also known mononymously as Besa, is an Albanian singer. In 2013, she won the 15th edition of Kënga Magjike. She represented Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 with the song "Titan".

Life and career

Kokëdhima was born on 29 May 1986 into an Albanian family in the city of Fier then part of the People's Socialist Republic, present Albania. At the age of 15, she emigrated to the United Kingdom to pursue higher education. In 2003, Besa released her debut song "Më Beso", which was written by producer Florian Mumajesi, and featured the then newly formed Albanian group Produkt 28. The song was awarded "Mikorofoni I Artë" in 2003. Besa released her debut album, titled "Besa", in 2006. The album was written in collaboration with well-known Albanian music industry personalities, including Dorian Gjoni, Flori Mumajesi, Genti Lako, Andy DJ and Stine. Besa has participated in a number of music contests including "Notafest", where she was awarded first prize for the R&B single "Lëshoje Hapin". In 2009, Besa participated in the Selecţia Naţională in Romania for the Eurovision Song Contest, with the English-language song "Nothin' Gonna Change", and reached the semi-finals. In 2010, Besa competed in Top Fest and won Best Female Singer with her single "Kalorësi i Natës". Since 2010, Besa has released a number of singles, including "Fishekzjarre", in 2012, "Burning" in 2013, and "Zemrën Dot Nuk ta Lexoj" in 2014. These were commercially successful and well received. Besa has released two albums, titled “Besa për Festat” and “Ti Je Festa Ime”. The tracks were accompanied by music videos featuring Besa and the National Orchestra. The album also featured a Christmas Version of the song “Tatuazh ne Zemer”. The album “Ti Je Festa Ime” received positive reviews, with one article calling the album ‘one of the most well-received projects of the year’. In 2013, Besa won Kënga Magjike. Besa has been a judge on the Albanian television show The Voice of Albania since 2017, and was voted as Albania's favourite judge later in the series by Top Channel polls. Besa made her debut in France with her French ballad "En Equilibre" in June 2022, which was positively received. "En Equilibre" is the first of her upcoming debut album produced within the French music industry. In 2023, she was selected to compete in the Festivali i Këngës 62 with the song "Zemrën n'dorë", where she won the public vote and was selected to represent in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. At the contest, the song was performed in an English version, titled "Titan". Besa failed to qualify from the second semi-final, placing 15th out of 16 with 14 points.

Discography

Albums

Singles

As lead artist