16 Must-Listen Albanian Pop Music Tracks of the Year

Barbara GreenBarbara Green
5 min read

Albanian pop music has grown into a dynamic and influential force across the Balkans and beyond. With a unique mix of traditional Albanian sounds, modern pop, and international influences, artists from Albania and the Albanian diaspora continue to shape the regional and European music scenes. In this article, we highlight 16 important Albanian pop music stars in 2025, exploring their styles, stories, and major songs.

16 Must-Listen Albanian Pop Music Tracks of the Year

1. Dua Lipa – Global Icon with Albanian Roots

Dua Lipa may be internationally known, but her heritage ties back to Kosovo. She has used her platform to promote Albanian culture, performing at major events like the Sunny Hill Festival. Her blend of dance-pop and disco revival has influenced many Albanian Pop Music Artists.

Key Hits

“Don’t Start Now,” “Levitating,” and “Houdini” continue to top global charts. Her ability to switch between catchy pop beats and powerful ballads sets her apart.

2. Elvana Gjata – The Queen of Albanian Pop

Known as the “Diva e muzikës shqiptare,” Elvana Gjata blends R&B, pop, and traditional Albanian influences. She began her career in the early 2000s and remains a staple of Albanian music charts.

Major Contributions

Her 2019 Eurovision attempt with “Me Tana” received global praise. In 2025, she continues to produce strong albums and collaborate with regional artists.

3. Noizy – Mixing Pop and Rap

Noizy is one of the most recognized male artists in Albania. Though he began in hip-hop, his recent work leans into pop crossovers, drawing massive YouTube views and Spotify streams.

Collaborations and Influence

Noizy has collaborated with artists from Germany, Kosovo, and the UK. His style influences younger Albanian Pop Music Songs by blending street culture with pop trends.

4. Era Istrefi – From Kosovo to the World

Era Istrefi gained global attention with her hit “BonBon.” Her voice and visual aesthetics often draw comparisons to Rihanna and Sia. She mixes reggae-pop with electronic music.

Recent Projects

Her 2025 EP includes songs in both English and Albanian, showing her versatility and commitment to dual markets.

5. Dafina Zeqiri – Bold, Raw, and Unique

Dafina Zeqiri has remained a bold voice in Albanian pop music. Known for her expressive lyrics and fashion-forward videos, Dafina addresses themes like self-love and mental health.

Artistic Identity

Her experimental beats and emotional ballads have helped redefine what Albanian pop can be in 2025.

6. Alban Skënderaj – The Gentleman of Pop

Alban Skënderaj is known for romantic ballads and polished performances. With over 15 years in the music scene, he remains one of Albania’s most respected male vocalists.

Family and Collaborations

He often collaborates with his wife, Miriam Cani, creating beautiful duets that resonate with fans across generations.

7. Kida – The Voice of Gen Z

Kida is a rising pop sensation whose music speaks directly to younger audiences. Her songs blend R&B and pop with urban rhythms.

Top Tracks

“Drunk,” “Paranoia,” and “Dinero” showcase her versatility and emotional range.

8. Tayna – Fierce and Fearless

Known for her fiery lyrics and trap-influenced beats, Tayna is both a rapper and a pop star. She represents a new generation of Albanian female artists who are bold and outspoken.

Style and Image

Tayna’s fashion-forward image and strong presence have made her a favorite in Albanian clubs and on international stages.

9. Ledri Vula – Kosovo’s Star Performer

Ledri Vula is a versatile artist whose pop-rap fusion is loved across Albania and Kosovo. He is known for positive lyrics and energetic live shows.

2025 Highlights

His latest album showcases more melodic, emotional songs, attracting an even broader fanbase.

10. Yll Limani – Smooth and Soulful

Yll Limani’s voice stands out for its softness and emotion. He often performs ballads and mid-tempo pop songs that blend soul and pop-rock.

Hits like “Marre” and “Nuk Po Kalojka” have received millions of streams. In 2025, he continues to impress with introspective lyrics.

11. Ronela Hajati – A Chameleon in Pop

Ronela Hajati’s ever-evolving style keeps fans curious. She represented Albania in Eurovision 2022 and continues to experiment with genres.

Stage Energy

Known for her powerful stage performances, Ronela pushes boundaries both musically and visually.

12. Butrint Imeri – The Smooth Charmer

Butrint Imeri is a Kosovo-Albanian artist whose romantic pop hits appeal across all age groups. He combines dance beats with catchy melodies.

Rising Popularity

With consistent releases and a large online following, Imeri is now one of the most streamed Albanian pop stars of 2025.

13. Enca Haxhia – Controversial but Captivating

Enca Haxhia is often in the spotlight for her provocative lyrics and imagery. But her musical talent is undeniable, producing many chart-topping hits.

Top Singles

Tracks like “Dua” and “Kujt Po i Han” show her ability to mix pop with club rhythms effectively.

14. Beatrix Ramosaj – Melodic and Emotional

Beatrix Ramosaj has built a loyal fanbase with her emotional ballads and soft pop songs. Her music often discusses personal and relational experiences.

2025 Releases

Her new album features collaborations with Yll Limani and other pop icons, signaling a strong return to the charts.

15. Capital T – From Rap to Pop Crossovers

Capital T began as a rapper but has increasingly adopted pop elements in his recent music. He often addresses themes like love, heartbreak, and success.

International Reach

He is one of the few Albanian artists to tour across Europe regularly, proving his widespread popularity.

16. Arilena Ara – From Talent Shows to Stardom

Arilena Ara gained fame after winning “X Factor Albania.” Since then, she has developed a strong pop career with a focus on powerful vocals.

Musical Direction

Her style ranges from emotional ballads to club-ready hits, often accompanied by cinematic music videos.

The Influence of Albanian Pop on Global Music

Albanian pop music in 2025 is not just about entertainment—it reflects identity, modernity, and cultural pride. With artists like Dua Lipa and Era Istrefi crossing over into the global mainstream, Albanian talent is earning well-deserved recognition.

Conclusion

The 16 artists above represent only a portion of the vibrant Albanian pop music scene. Their work contributes not only to the national music industry but also helps shape the sound of European Pop Music Artists. As they continue to evolve, expect Albanian pop to keep surprising global audiences with its rich creativity and passion.

0
Subscribe to my newsletter

Read articles from Barbara Green directly inside your inbox. Subscribe to the newsletter, and don't miss out.

Written by

Barbara Green
Barbara Green