Rustem Çela, one of the renowned voices of Albanian rhapsody and the folkloric tradition of the Has and Kukës regions, has passed away.
The passing of the rhapsody has brought pain to family, friends, colleagues, and the artistic community.
Rustem Çela became known for his interpretations of rhapsodic song, having been part of one of the most prominent traditions of Northern folklore for years.
His name is closely associated with the rhapsodists Hysen Dida and Rexhep Kovaçi. All three, through historical and patriotic songs, conveyed the history, events, and important figures of the Albanian lands to generations.
One of the most popular interpretations featuring Rustem Çela’s voice is “Thërret Prizreni, mori Shkodër”, a song that has been part of the Albanian folk song repertoire for years.
Closely associated with Hasi, Rustem Çela was one of those rhapsodists who kept traditional song alive not only as an artistic form, but also as a way to convey the historical memory and identity of the region.
He rose to the top of folklore scenes and artistic activities, leaving behind a well-known repertoire and a name associated with Kuksia and Hassia rhapsody.
With his departure, Albanian folklore loses another representative of the generation of rhapsodists who gave voice to history and tradition through song.
A renowned voice of rhapsody has passed away, but Rustem Çela’s songs and his contribution to Albanian folklore will remain part of the memory of this region.
Rustem Çela, the rhapsody of Has and one of the well-known voices of Northern song, now belongs to the history of Albanian folklore./Top Channel