“Speak Albanian” / Elton Ilirjani to Parashqevi Simaku: We are working on resolving things with her son

On the show “Shqipëria Live,” Elton Ilirjani spoke about the situation of the well-known singer Parashqevi Simaku, describing her as one of the rarest and most beloved voices in Albanian music, yet undervalued by institutions.

“Parashqevi spent 10 years on the streets and was left forgotten. Imagine the people who saw her back then on the street — they would even tell her, ‘Speak Albanian.’ I know that even her colleagues disliked her. She is an artist of great stature, a rare voice that will not return to Albania. I expected the President’s institution to give her a title, but that didn’t happen. Meanwhile, some artists in Tirana have received titles and have become memes,” Ilirjani said.

He added that the public loves Parashqevi Simaku and have called her a “People’s Artist.” “She will remain in history. Other artists do not appreciate her; she has gone through a tragedy. A great injustice has been done to her,” Ilirjani said, emphasizing that she is still highly valued by her city and by her audience.

He also recalled a moment when Parashqevi spoke on the phone with Alfred Moisiu:

“Her hand was shaking, and even when I ended the call, she said, ‘Why did you hang up? You must show great respect.’ When she met Alfred Moisiu and I uploaded the video on YouTube, she was as happy as a child and even teared up. Her hand was shaking, and she told me, ‘Please, you must be 100% respectful toward Moisiu.’”

Ilirjani also spoke about his special bond with Parashqevi: “I consider her like my mother; I won’t leave her. She has changed a lot, is calmer now, and has gained trust in me and in Elvira, who takes care of her. Her smile has returned, and we are working to help her sort out her personal life with her son.”

He emphasized that Parashqevi wants to return to the stage, perform concerts, and is eager to come to Tirana: “I am working on this, speaking with her lawyers, who know her very well.”

“KORÇA BOOM”