On this day in 2023, the Festivali i Kënges (“Festival of Music”) commenced at the Great Hall of the Palace of Youth and Sports in Prishtina.

In a groundbreaking move, the Kosovan broadcaster RTK initiated the development of Festivali i Këngës in February 2023. Inspired by the Albanian event of the same name, which has served as Albania’s national final for the Eurovision Song Contest since 2003, the festival aimed to become Kosova’s official selection mechanism for the renowned song contest. Despite Kosova’s unfulfilled aspiration to become a full member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and participate directly in Eurovision, RTK embarked on the project with the long-term goal of achieving this objective.

By October, Festivali i Këngës had evolved into a significant cultural and musical event in Kosova. The festival’s director, Adi Krasta, reported positive interactions with the EBU, including remote congratulations from the director-general, Noel Curran, during the inaugural edition. This development not only demonstrated Kosova’s commitment to musical expression but also hinted at the potential future inclusion of Kosova as an independent participant in the Eurovision Song Contest, marking a noteworthy step in the country’s cultural representation on the international stage.

The first edition of Festivali i Këngës unfolded at the Great Hall of the Palace of Youth and Sports in Pristina on October 26-28, 2023. Directed by Adi Krasta and co-hosted by Krasta and Besim Dina, the festival comprised two qualification shows and a final. La Fazani (Arbër Salihu) emerged as the victor with the song “Oj Kosovë,” setting the tone for the festival’s future editions. The event not only showcased Kosova’s rich musical talent but also attracted a diverse array of guest performers, solidifying its place as a cultural highlight in the region.