Era Istrefi

Era Istrefi is a Kosovar-Albanian singer and songwriter. Istrefi has released a number of singles in both Albanian and English. In 2016, she gained international recognition following the release of her single "BonBon", which drew comparisons to the works of Barbadian artist Rihanna and Australian singer Sia. Following the song's success she signed to American record labels Sony Music and Ultra Music one month later. In 2017, she won the European Border Breakers Award. In 2018, she featured as one of the singers in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia (2018) song "Live It Up". Era Istrefi was born on 4 July 1994 in Pristina. Her parents are Suzana Tahirsylaj a Kosovar singer during the 1980s and 1990s and Nezir Istrefi a journalist. Following her father's death in 2004, her mother left her career in entertainment. Her sister Nora Istrefi is also a singer. Istrefi made her debut in her native country in 2013 with "Mani Per Money", eventually releasing material sung in Gheg Albanian featuring English phrases. A few months later, she released a follow-up recording, "A Po Don?", which was promoted with a music video; it similarly achieved recognition. Her third single "E Dehun" was filmed in desecrated orthodox church. Upon its release, "E Dehun" assured Istrefi three Videofest Awards, including one for "Best New Artist". In December 2014, the singer made the pop ballad "13" which was produced in the United States available for consumption. Its accompanying music video was viewed almost 200,000 times within 24 hours on YouTube, which later resulted its featuring on V Magazine. That year, she expressed her support of LGBT rights. She received Albanian citizenship in 2016. Istrefi experienced international recognition with her single "BonBon", which was released on 31 December 2015 together with a music video shot in Kosovo. The song became an immediate success, becoming viral on social media. Additionally, the singer began gaining support from American actress Chloë Grace Moretz, and various publications referred to her as the "Rihanna and Sia of Kosovo". In February 2016, Istrefi signed to American labels Sony Music Entertainment and Ultra Music. It was reported that Istrefi will record her upcoming debut studio album in collaboration with RCA Records. In June 2016 an English version of "Bonbon" was released. On 24 February 2017, Istrefi released a new single, titled "Redrum", which features producer Felix Snow. Few months later, on 29 September, Istrefi released another new single, titled "No I Love Yous", which is in collaboration with French Montana. On May 21, 2018 it was announced that Istrefi had joined with Will Smith and Nicky Jam to release the Official FIFA World Cup Song on 25 of May.