Fatime Sokoli, an honored artist, passed away. She was born in Dragobi, Tropoja district, in 1947. At the age of 10, she participated in the “Valbona” Folklore Assembly in her hometown, marking the beginning of her enduring connection to music and folklore. After completing her studies at the “Jordan Misja” Artistic High School, she worked as a music teacher at the 8-year school “Besëlidhja e Malësisë” (“Highland Covenant”) in the city of Bajram Curri from 1967 to 1987. Fatime became well-known for her vast repertoire of songs with both epic and lyrical content, reflecting the rich musical folklore of the highlands of Gjakova and beyond. She captivated audiences with her deep and melodious voice, performing accompanied by the couplet, and conveying profound values and emotions. She was an active participant in the Folk Song and Dance Ensemble “Dardania” from the Tropoja district and took part in the national festivals in Gjirokastra in 1973, 1978, and 1982, where she achieved notable recognition, winning first and second prizes. Sokoli also had a rich performance history, giving numerous concerts in Kosovo, Macedonia, Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, Turkey, and other countries. Quality recordings of her performances are preserved in the Archive of Albanian Radio and Television. In recognition of her contributions to music and culture, she was posthumously awarded the order “Grand Master of Work.” Fatime Sokoli’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of artists and music lovers. (In the photo: Fatima Sokoli)
Text: Albanian encyclopedic dictionary – Vol. 3, Academy of Sciences of Albania, “Kristalina-KH”, Tirana, 2009, page 2368.
Photo: © Albanian Telegraphic Agency
Graphic processing: AHCF
