Ronela Hajati

Ronela Hajati (born 2 September 1989), also known mononymously as Ronela, is an Albanian singer, songwriter and dancer. Born and raised in Tirana, she began performing in various singing and dancing competitions as a child before pursuing a career in music. Hajati is noted for her versatility in music, style and interpretation. After winning the 60th edition of Festivali i Këngës in 2021, she was designated as Albania's representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2022. Ronela Hajati was born on 2 September 1989 into an Albanian family in the city of Tirana, then part of the People's Socialist Republic, present Albania. Her mother originally hailed from Korçë while her father, Marash Hajati, was from Shkodër. Showing interest in music from a very young age, Hajati studied both ballet and piano during her elementary school years. She also participated in a series of Albanian singing and dancing competitions. Hajati continued her early career with participations on various music events at different occasions, such as Top Fest and Kënga Magjike. She rose to significant prominence in the Albanian-speaking Balkans upon the release of the acclaimed single "Mala Gata" in May 2013. In late 2013, she participated in the 15th edition of Kënga Magjike with the song "Mos ma lsho", which earned her the Internet Award in the grand final. In December 2015, Hajati released her follow-up single "A do si kjo" and peaked at number 13 in Albania. The succeeding charting single, "Marre", followed in June 2016 and peaked at number 13 as well.