Besa Kokëdhima (born 29 May 1986), also known mononymously as Besa, is an Albanian singer.
Kokëdhima was born on 29 May 1986 into an Albanian family in the city of Fier, then part of the People's Socialist Republic, present Albania.
At the age of 15, she emigrated to the United Kingdom to pursue higher education.
2003
In 2003, Besa released her debut song "Më Beso", which was written by producer Florian Mumajesi, and featured the then newly formed Albanian group Produkt 28.
The song was awarded "Mikorofoni I Artë" in 2003.
2006
Besa released her debut album which was titled "Besa", in 2006.
The album was written in collaboration with well-known Albanian music industry personalities, including as Dorian Gjoni, Flori Mumajesi, Genti Lako, Andy DJ, and Stine.
Besa has participated in a number of music contests including "Notafest" where she was awarded first prize for the R&B single "Lëshoje Hapin."
2009
In 2009, Besa participated in the Selecţia Naţională in Romania for the Eurovision Song Contest, with the English-language song "Nothin' Gonna Change", and reached the semi-finals.
2010
In 2010, Besa competed in Top Fest, and won Best Female Singer with her single "Kalorësi i Natës."
Since 2010, Besa has released a number of singles and, including the single "Fishekzjarre", in 2012, the single "Burning" in 2013, and "Zemrën Dot Nuk ta Lexoj" in 2014.
These singles were commercially successful and well received.
Besa has published two albums titled Besa për Festat and Ti Je Festa Ime.
The tracks were accompanied by music videos featuring Besa and the National Orchestra.
The album also featured a Christmas Version of the song "Tatuazh ne Zemer."
The album Ti Je Festa Ime received positive reviews, and one article called the album "one of the most well-received projects of the year".
2013
In 2013, she won the 15th edition of Kënga Magjike.
She is set to represent Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 with the song "Titan".
She also won Kënga Magjike in 2013.
2017
Besa was a judge on the Albanian television show The Voice of Albania since 2017, and was voted as Albania's favorite judge later in the series by Top Channel polls.
Besa made her debut in France with her French ballad "En Equilibre" in June 2022.
The debut single got positive feedback.
"En Equilibre" is the first of her upcoming debut album in the French Music Industry.
In 2023, she was selected to compete in the Festivali i Këngës 62 with the song "Zemrën n'dorë", where she won the public vote and was selected to represent in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024.
At the contest, the song will be performed in an English version, titled "Titan".
