• Source: Young Zerka

Donald Najtellari (Albanian: [dɔ'nald 'najtɛɫaɾi]; born 1 May), known professionally as Young Zerka, is an Albanian singer and songwriter. Born in Korçë and raised in London, Najtellari grew up in a Jamaican household and began singing and writing music as a teenager. He later relocated to Albania and eventually rose to significant prominence in the Albanian-speaking Balkans. His musical career is marked by fusing elements of reggae and pop as well as his distinctive vocal and writing style.




Life and career


Najtellari was born on 1 May into an Albanian family in the city of Korçë, Albania. At an early age, Najtellari emigrated to England settling in the city of London. He was raised in a Jamaican household, which according to him, had a particular influence on his artistic formation. In both 2008 and 2009, Najtellari appeared on the music competition Top Fest with the songs "Sfera" and "Shpirt i plakur", respectively. In 2014, he was featured on Kosovo-Albanian singer Dhurata Dora's "Roll" and "A Bombi", as well as on Albanian singer Alban Skënderaj's "24 orë". In December 2014, he collaborated with Albanian singer Aurela Gaçe on the single "Pa kontroll", with whom they eventually won the 16th edition of the annual music competition Kënga Magjike. His success continued in May 2015 with the release of the follow-up single "Boom Boom", which reached number 11 in Albania.
Following the 2022 release of his original song, "Nafije", produced by popular artist and producer Alandy, on January 12, 2023, a remix was introduced to the public. The collaboration between Young Zerka, DJ Geek, Dafina Zeqiri, and MC Kresha peaked charts in Albania at #2 on Top Music Awards. Young Zerka, along with Alandy, appeared on Albania's top performing television show hosted by Luana Vjollca, Zemër Luana, for a debut television performance of the original "Nafije".




Artistry


Najtellari's musical style has generally been regarded as reggae and pop. His musical inspiration varies from reagge musicians such as Bob Marley and Peter Tosh to pop artists as for instance Michael Jackson.




Discography






= Extended play

=
High Five (2020)




= Singles

=



As lead artist




As featured artist





References

Kata Kunci Pencarian:

• Young Zerka
• X Factor (Albanian TV series) season 5
• Ronela Hajati
• X Factor (Albanian TV series)
• Dhurata Dora
• Tayna
• Stresi
• Kënga Magjike
• Kastro Zizo
• Don Xhoni