Pavlina Nikaj (1931–2011) was an

Albania Albania ( ; sq, Shqipëri or ), or , also or . officially the Republic of Albania ( sq, Republika e Shqipërisë), is a country in Southeastern Europe. It is located on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas within the Mediterranean Sea and shares ...

n singer. Together with Anita Take and Pjetër Gjergji, she is considered the pioneer of the

easy listening Easy listening (including mood music) is a popular music genre and radio format that was most popular during the 1950s to 1970s. It is related to middle-of-the-road (MOR) music and encompasses instrumental recordings of standards, hit songs, n ...

interpretation in Albania. Nikaj was born in

Korçë Korçë (; sq-definite, Korça) is the eighth most populous city of the Republic of Albania and the seat of Korçë County and Korçë Municipality. The total population is 75,994 (2011 census), in a total area of . It stands on a plateau some ...

, on 15 May 1931. She started her career as a singer in 1945, in the so-called Syndicate's Chorus ( sq, Kori i Sindikatave) in Korçë, and later in Radio Korça. In 1950, she started as a professional singer in the Assembly of the Army ( sq, Ansambli i Ushtrisë), and in 1957 she was affiliated with the Theatre of Estrada of

Tirana Tirana ( , ; aln, Tirona) is the capital and largest city of Albania. It is located in the centre of the country, enclosed by mountains and hills with Dajti rising to the east and a slight valley to the northwest overlooking the Adriatic Sea ...

. There she would stay for around 20 years.
Her

repertoire A repertoire () is a list or set of dramas, operas, musical compositions or roles which a company or person is prepared to perform. Musicians often have a musical repertoire. The first known use of the word ''repertoire'' was in 1847. It is a l ...

includes songs which have remained as classic of the light Albanian music, and well-known during the Communist period. Between others: ''Udhët e lumturisë'' (Happiness roads), ''S’të harroj'' (I don't forget you), ''Kënga ime të kushtohet ty'' (My song goes to you), ''Midis gushës ke një pikë'' (A birthmark in your neck), etc.
Beside "easy listening" genre, she also interpreted folkloric music and was specifically known for the songs from Vlora town. Her last stage appearance was in 1986, in a recital concert of the Estrada of Tirana, directed by Kosta Kamberi.
For her significant contribution in the Albanian music, she was awarded by the

President of Albania The president of Albania ( sq, Presidenti i Shqipërisë), officially styled the President of the Republic of Albania ( sq, Presidenti i Republikës së Shqipërisë), is the head of state, commander-in-chief of the military and the representa ...

with the Silver "Naim Frashëri" Order, in 2005. The awards was personally delivered to her by back then

Minister of Culture A culture minister or a heritage minister is a common cabinet position in governments. The culture minister is typically responsible for cultural policy, which often includes arts policy (direct and indirect support to artists and arts organizati ...

Arta Dade Arta Dade (born 15 March 1953) is an Albanian politician and former member of Parliament for the Socialist Party. She served from 1997–2007. During her political career, she held several government posts such as Minister of Culture and Ministe ...

. The same year she declared "Qytetare Nderi" (Honorary citizenship) of Tirana.

References

1931 births 2011 deaths People from Korçë 20th-century Albanian women singers {{Albania-bio-stub