When Soni Malaj and Jonida Maliqi were first greeted as farmers of "Ferma VIP 3", their relationship seemed correct, a little distant, but nevertheless a normal relationship between colleagues who are not even friends. But within a few days, something began to appear. Residents noticed that they were avoiding each other. And then came yesterday's prime, where what seemed like distance took a clearer form.
A debate that didn't just stop at hygiene
It all started with a clash between Jonida and Malbora, about hygiene. Jonida got involved in a heated debate, while later Soni was asked for her opinion. Her answer was measured, but with a clear subtext:
"Hygiene is definitely very important. We have a daily problem, but there is a great truth – that things have a way of being said."
A sentence that was immediately read as criticism of the way Jonida had addressed Malbora. But the situation did not stop there.
After this, Soni was involved in a clash with Sara Karaj, to whom he addressed more harshly:
"It was the Jonida-Malbora debate, not Jonida-Malbora-Sara. Sara, there's no need for a prompter Jonida, which you do all the time. Stop laughing, because you've become like those at school, which is always a group that bullies others."
"You are Soni Malaj, I am Jonida Maliqi"
Following the discussion, Jonida said that women should be more supportive of each other and not resort to insults, a sentence that made Soni react by telling her that she should have chosen the right words.
The debate between them quickly turned personal.
Jonida: “I didn’t ask for your opinion at all, Soni.”
Soni: “Arbana asked me.”
Jonida: “To be honest, I’m glad I listened to you speak.”
Soni: “No [you didn’t hear me speak], because it’s none of your business.”
Jonida: “How? You’re not? You’re not me for once. You can’t be me. You’re Soni Malaj, I’m Jonida Maliqi.”
Soni: “And thank God [that I’m not], oh my God. Fixed. Soni Malaj.”
Jonida: “So don’t compare yourself, please.”
Soni: “I’m comparing myself to you?! Uuu, far be it!”
Jonida: “‘I’m not like you,’ you said. You compared yourself.”
What happened during the publicity?
During the publicity, Jonida appeared surprised by Soni's intervention and told the other contestants she was discussing with: "What was the matter? How did the voice sound and now it spoke. And right at me, but I got past that because it started by comparing," she said before the director told her, "Jonida, fix the microphone."
"I'll fix the microphone for what? For a situation that happened and I can't discuss it? It's strange, or did they remember now after 10 days when Jonida comes out and becomes... Well, let people see the real faces of people, how they are. They stay in the shadows, they make decisions, because they live off their friends. I didn't expect it from her. It's a shame, a shame for her as a character. It seems that she has this inner, deep, ancient feeling. She has it with herself. People who throw themselves in vain when it's not their turn, have their own kind of complexity, because I would never throw myself for another person. What business do I have to deal with it! It means that you have a problem with yourself, not with me."
But what was their relationship like in the past?
This is what makes the situation more interesting. Soni and Jonida are not two names that are being recognized now. On the contrary, they belong to the same generation and have shared important scenes over the years.
In "Magic Song 2008", they were competitors. Jonida Maliqi was declared the winner with the song "Njëri nga ata", while Soni's song, "Shpirti im binjak", won the "Internet Award".
And yet, until 2020, the relationship between them seemed good. Soni was a guest on Jonida's show, "Jonida's Room" on Vizion Plus. They shared memories of the past and Soni said that Jonida had helped her create the outfit she would perform in "Kënga Magjike 2008".
So what could have changed?
One of the tracks circulating is the one connected to Flori Mumajesi.
Nearly 2 decades ago, Soni Malaj had a relationship with Mumajesin. After their relationship ended, they remained friends. In 2019, Jonida Maliqi was rumored to have a shorter romance with Florin, which attracted attention after a video of them in Paris was released that was made a year earlier. When the video was released, Jonida was in a relationship with Romeo Veshaj.
These are stories that happened at different times and there is no confirmation that they are directly related to the current situation. In such cases, public perception often builds connections that are not necessarily true.
Was Eurovision 2019 the cause?
Another moment that may have left its mark is the “Festival i Këngës 2018”, where Jonida won and represented Albania in Eurovision 2019, while Soni came in fifth place. However, Soni's reaction at the time was publicly supportive.
"I returned to a competition believing, loving and working hard for a song, with which I believe, also with your support, we will have a long chorus together! In every journey, I have learned my lessons... I have this December in my heart! Congratulations to the colleagues with whom we shared the stage, Jonida, good luck in Israel!"
So...?
What was seen on “VIP Farm” does not seem like a random debate. It seems more like a relationship that has been calm on the surface, but not necessarily so in substance. However, it remains to be seen whether this was simply a momentary situation or a dynamic that will continue.
