Mumajezi second in Balkan Music Awards

TIRANA, May 16 – Albanian singer Flori Mumajesi came second in the first edition of the Balkan Music Awards held in Sofia last Sunday night. Mumajezi, who had also composed Bulgaria’s song in this festival, represented Albania with the Play Back song.
The event was organized by the Bulgarian-owned Balkanika Music Television, a cable and satellite television which airs music from all Balkan countries.
Serbian singer Zeljko Joksimovic won the top prize at the first Balkan Music Awards presented in the Bulgarian capital Sofia late Sunday night.
The awards ceremony was actually a concert open to the public and was held at the Alexander Batenberg Square in downtown Sofia. The event attracted thousands of spectators despite the pouring rain, Novinite reported.
Serbian performer Zeljko Joksimovic received the 2009 Best Song of the Balkans award for his song Ljubavi. He also won the prize for Balkan Singer of the Year.
The Best Balkan Music Videoclip Award went to Greek star Anna Vissi, who also carried home the award for “Overall contribution to the development of Balkan music”.
Romania’s Akcent grabbed the prize for Best Balkan Group/Duet of the year. Hadise from Turkey won the award in the category for Best Female Actress of the Balkans.
Mariza Ikonomi, Elvana Gjata, Soni Malaj and Genta Ismajli were the four other singers competing to represent Albania in the festival.