In recent days, social networks have been abuzz with debate over a performance by Egli Tako at a nightclub, where he performed, among other things, “Mora fështe”, a song with historical significance, written by composer Naim Gjoshi in honor of the legendary commander Adem Jashari. The song, rightly considered an anthem of sacrifice and freedom, was sung playback, in a completely unceremonious setting and with an outfit perceived by most people as inappropriate.
What went wrong? Was this an innocent artistic blunder, or an ethical lapse?
First of all, “Mora fëshë” is a song that was not written to be sung after two glasses of vodka sour. It is a song that commemorates one of the greatest figures in modern history in Kosovo. A song that requires humility, sensitivity and respect. The minimum required is to understand where you are, what you are saying and why.
Secondly, the playback singing. Playback in itself is not a problem, but when it comes to such an emotional song, then it seems like a superficial choice. It sings about the blood shed for freedom and doesn't even bother to open its mouth live, but instead puts on the song performed by Shkurte Fejza?!
Third, the use of the song without permission shows a lack of professionalism. So far, there is no sign that Egli has received permission to perform this song. This is not only a violation of copyright, but also a lack of ethics. An artist who considers herself a professional should know: songs cannot be used at will, much less without prior agreement, and especially when they carry historical and spiritual weight.
Fourth, the setting and the attire. The criticisms of her attire (loose blouse and shorts) are not a matter of morality, but of context. The symbolism of a memorial song clashes with the energy of a nightclub.
But the biggest problem is not just related to Egli as an individual, but is part of a broader desire, where everything turns into "content" for the sake of virality. And in this way, even a song that talks about sacrifice for freedom is used without thinking twice to fill the minutes of a night performance.
In a time when everything goes viral, perhaps we should remember that not everything should be applauded. And thankfully, this time there wasn't much applause - at least on social media (I can't say in the club).
The online audience felt what was missing from the performance: sensitivity. Perhaps Egli did not think long about it, it was probably a spontaneous choice, without the intention of offending anyone. But even spontaneous choices should be criticized, not to attack the individual, absolutely not, but to point out an approach that should not be normalized.
Because some songs aren't about performance, they're about humility. And humility requires more than a microphone.
- Written by Sindi Salaj, editor-in-chief of Anabel, who still believes that, sometimes, more than a voice and a microphone, you need a bit of conscience.
