Zaho Balili
- Writer
Zaho Balili was an Albanian poet, writer, rhapsodist,author of iso-polyphonic songs and lyricist, widely recognized for his contributions to iso-polyphonic music and Albanian folklore. Born in Rexhin, (Tepelenë), Albania, Balili started writing at a young age, eventually publishing several significant poetry volumes : "Paskan çelur manushaqet (1997)," Drithërimat e pranverës (1998)", and "Brengat e shpirtit (2001)". His work explores themes of love, nostalgia, and the Albanian diaspora experience.
As the leader of the Hormova iso-polyphony group in the 1980s, Balili won first prize at the Gjirokastër Folklore Festival in 1985 with the song Flaka mbuloi fshanë. His songs have been performed by polyphonic groups from Vlorë, Gjirokastër, and Tepelenë, with : "Balada e Nënës" ("Mother's Ballad") becoming one of his most cherished pieces. In 2001, he formed the group "Lot Kurbeti" in Athens, Greece where he also served as chairman of both the patriotic association Labëria and the Albanian Writers' Association in Greece.
His posthumous works include : "Puth ballin tënd Shqipëri (2002)," "Lot Kurbeti (2003)", and "Kur dy zemra dashurohen (2011)," a prose work. Balili's dedication to Albanian culture earned him the Silver "Naim Frashëri" Medal in 2012 agreed by the President of the Republic of Albania Bamir Topi,and the title "Honorary Citizen" of Tepelena ,agreed by Mayor of city of Tepelena Termet Peci in 2014. He passed away on his 50th birthday in Athens,Greece leaving a lasting legacy in Albanian folklore, poetry, and the tradition of Labëria.
As the leader of the Hormova iso-polyphony group in the 1980s, Balili won first prize at the Gjirokastër Folklore Festival in 1985 with the song Flaka mbuloi fshanë. His songs have been performed by polyphonic groups from Vlorë, Gjirokastër, and Tepelenë, with : "Balada e Nënës" ("Mother's Ballad") becoming one of his most cherished pieces. In 2001, he formed the group "Lot Kurbeti" in Athens, Greece where he also served as chairman of both the patriotic association Labëria and the Albanian Writers' Association in Greece.
His posthumous works include : "Puth ballin tënd Shqipëri (2002)," "Lot Kurbeti (2003)", and "Kur dy zemra dashurohen (2011)," a prose work. Balili's dedication to Albanian culture earned him the Silver "Naim Frashëri" Medal in 2012 agreed by the President of the Republic of Albania Bamir Topi,and the title "Honorary Citizen" of Tepelena ,agreed by Mayor of city of Tepelena Termet Peci in 2014. He passed away on his 50th birthday in Athens,Greece leaving a lasting legacy in Albanian folklore, poetry, and the tradition of Labëria.
