Donika Nuhiu

Donika Nuhiu (Albanian pronunciation: ['doʊnika nuː'hiu]; born 18 July 1999) is an Albanian singer. She rose to fame after appearing in various music television shows, concerts and other music events in the Albanian-speaking territories.^[1]

An ethnic Albanian from Serbia, Donika developed her music career between three major cities: Tirana, Prishtina and Skopje.^[2] She initially appeared in children's television shows and music events and later released songs that became hits. In 2012 she was ranked as the second most-influential child singers in Albania.^[3] She stopped releasing children's music and her early career in 2011, whereas her songs are still listened by children. She later started posting videos on YouTube, covering songs from the national and international music scene. Her versions of "Refuzoj" (I refuse), originally sung by Alban Skenderaj, and "Chandelier" by Australian singer-songwriter Sia, became instant hits.^[4]

Prior to the music scene début, Donika sang at various events, but mainly at charity concerts. In February 2014 she held a concert in Kumanovo to help children in need.^[5] In December 2013 she had a similar concert in Tirana, Albania.^[6][7] She was the special guest at one of Alban Skenderaj's concert, held in March 2014.^[8] On 7 December 2014, she did a duet with Alban Skënderaj at E Diela Shqiptare (Albanian Sunday), a television show on TV Klan.^[9]

Early life

Donika Nuhiu was born on 18 July 1999 to an Albanian family of doctors and artists. Her first-cousin, Hevzi Nuhiu is one of Albania's biggest sculptors, whose work was recognized internationally.^[10][11][12] Donika attended elementary and the medicine high school in her hometown.

Career

2009–2012: Childhood career

She discovered her musical talent after participating in local and national singing competitions. After releasing her first songs, she shortly became one of the most influenced child-singers in the Albanian-speaking territories. Her cover songs "Ti je dritë" and "Ejani këndojmë" remain hits and are constantly listened by children. She won numerous awards and prizes. She is a two time Albanian Junior Song Contest winner, annually held in Skopje, and has won the local music contest in her hometown.^[13] Donika was mostly active in Skopje, Macedonia singing at music shows and competitions, until she quit her teen career in 2011.

Donika performing at a charity concert in Kumanovo, Macedonia (February 2014).

2012–present: Nationwide breakthrough and YouTube career

In late 2012, Donika decided to sign up on YouTube and shortly started posting cover-videos. She initially covered Albanian songs, and then began following the popular songs from the mainstream media. After releasing a few videos, she hit over 300,000 views. Her videos were shared and noticed by many people, including the pop star Alban Skenderaj, who later invited her to perform at his concert.^[14] A small fan base was shortly created, and she was often asked to perform at concerts and music events. She joined a charity organization Thejmura to promote talents from Albania, and toured around the Balkans. She then joined Art of Dance, and performed twice in the weekly show.^[15]

Her philanthropist work was shortly noticed. Donika began organizing and performing at charity concerts to help poor kids and others in need. She performed in her hometown, also in Kosovo, Albania and Macedonia. To an interview for the Albanian newspaper Shekulli, she announced that she had been signed and is expected to release her first record in early 2015.^[16]

Artistry

To an interview in 2014, Donika expressed that her music idol is Rihanna, with her main music preferences ranging between Loreen, Lykke Li, Lana Del Rey, Beyoncé, Adele and Rihanna because of their originality.^[17]

References

External links

• Official website