Passed away today/ The life and work of singer-songwriter Nonda Kajno

2025-10-08 09:05:00, Kulturë CNA

The well-known Korça seretani player, Nonda Kajno, was born on August 18, 1945 in the city of Korça, a hearth known for its rich cultural and musical traditions, which profoundly influenced his artistic formation.

He completed his secondary education at the Artistic High School of Korça, "Tefta Tashko Koço", while he continued his higher studies at the Tirana Conservatory, where he was professionally trained in the field of music.

Passed away today/ The life and work of singer-songwriter Nonda Kajno

He comes from a wealthy family, which during the communist regime brought many persecutions and difficulties. However, thanks to his talent and dedication, he managed to work in several companies as a designer and artistic director, demonstrating high creative and organizational skills.

Kajno began his artistic career in local cultural activities as a performer of serenades and civic songs and then created original compositions, bringing beloved songs to the public.

Passed away today/ The life and work of singer-songwriter Nonda Kajno

In the 1970s, during the period of cultural liberalism, he was involved in the professional music scene of the city of Korça, at a time when the artistic director was Todi Lubonja. It was during this period that he created the first musical group in Albania with a modern lineup, which included only electric guitar and drums. He was the soloist of the group and the author of some of the songs that were performed. The group had an extraordinary success, bringing a new and modern spirit to the Albanian scene of the time.

After the 11th Festival at RTSH, the group was banned and he was forced to interrupt his artistic activity for several years, working in mining and in the agricultural sector. However, his love for art never faded.

After the '90s, with the democratic changes, he returned to musical creativity, continuing to compose and perform. He has received awards at home and abroad, at various festivals. His songs have been performed by well-known names in Albanian music such as Kastriot Tusha with the song "Lërmë të të puth", Rovena Dilo with the song "Edhe malet më të të të puth", Ermira Kola with a series of songs, Ermira Babaliu, the Ritfolk Group, as well as by many other singers.

Passed away today/ The life and work of singer-songwriter Nonda Kajno

There has been a long collaboration with the group Ritfolk, where one of the group's songs "Desire and Silence" is a creation of Kajno.

After decades of experience and contributions in the field of art, he headed the "Korça" Performance Agency, where he promoted Albanian creativity and supported new generations of artists.

Passed away today/ The life and work of singer-songwriter Nonda Kajno

Those who wish to become more familiar with his creativity can find him on YouTube, where a large part of his compositions and interpretations are published./ CNA