Some of the figures that have a large audience of Kosovar youth
There can even be a disagreement on who qualifies as a modern “influencer” and who doesn’t. Undoubtedly, there is a measurement and evaluation process based on the consistency and range of individuals deemed deserving of such status; yet, in Kosovo, several facets of life have their own “superstars.” One may classify someone as a “influencer” in the sports industry and someone else entirely in the political or artistic domains; yet, the extent to which these influencers sway each other’s domains’ preferences and realms of influence is also an issue unto itself.
Perspektiva Plus has compiled a list of the most significant individuals in Kosovo’s public and social spheres.
FROM POLITICS
The one and only, who hasn’t had any challengers in this race for many years, is unquestionably the one who currently holds the trophy. He has been a very serious candidate for this position since he first entered the political arena at a very young age. It is about who else but the Prime Minister of the country, Albin Kurti? His influence is so great that no matter how many scandals come to light about his government doings, his support from the youth does not only remain stoic but grows continuously. He is seen as a figure of resistance, as a figure of change, as the white that stands out from the dark and with the dark are associated the people, and everyone else who does not support Kurti’s side. So, in other words, even the word “influencer” can be seen as a synonym of Albin Kurti, and the figure of Albin Kurti can be seen as the epitome of absolute influence in terms of scope and duration. Still, Kurti is the only one of the other political figures who could come close to being named. Vjosa Osmani was appropriately viewed as a person with a lot of potential impact during the elections. But that powerful person passed away “as soon as the embryo became a fetus,” meaning that when Vjosa Osmani took office, her influence drastically decreased since Osmani did not make as much of an effort to remove Kurti’s shadow from her presidency or overall, her figure.
FROM THE MEDIA
Two names are worth mentioning when it comes to television studios: Rron Gjinovci and Valon Syla, and both have come to publicity as the result of the promotion by another television figure named Berat Buzhala, who in terms of viewership surpasses the two aforementioned. Buzhala has promoted both of the above figures, both Gjinovci and Syla. Gjinovci is known for his bias towards the government, even though it is evident that he can and is critical of the current government, when necessary, while Syla tends to deny his existence before admitting that the Kurti government may not be wrong in everything. All of these names are extremely extreme in their opinions, and the main role in their society is that of the opinionator. When it comes to journalism, Jeta Xharra from BIRN Kosova has held the trophy for many years now, thus being seen as an unshakable figure in investigative journalism in Kosovo. Vullnet Krasniqi is the journalist who has really broken taboos and barriers both in terms of what he presents during his work and in terms of what he as an individual represents. The above figures are faced with both positive and negative comments on a daily basis, not to mention the threats they have taken with their lives.
FROM THE SHOWBIZ
The famous reality show “Big Brother” is the one that, for the second year in a row, has kept the youth of Kosovo close to the screen, so much so that on the night of the finale of this reality show, hundreds and thousands of young people appeared in minus temperatures on the night of February 2 of this year, cheering and whatnot for their favorites. And when it comes to the favorites of these young people from this reality show, they vary, and those celebrities’ influence usually doesn’t last very long, hence they are seasonal or sensational for as long as it last. As a conclusion, a show that lasts for three months, during which 21 people are locked in a closed space and are observed until the most intimate moments by the cameras that surround them from all sides. Apparently, we like to look at other people’s work and do so for hours on end, every day. And this is exactly what this reality show has offered us. As with other influencers, Kosovo is known as the country of origin for many bloggers and young and conventionally beautiful girls. One of them, or rather the most popular, is Festa Qoqaj. She is known for her lifestyle, travel, body shape, makeup, and the like. I know it may sound limiting, especially since Festa is a girl in our society, but this is what Festa is known and celebrated for. As for the singers, Dafina Zeqiri is also the most famous and the one who creates the trends. The concerts of Kosovo singers have the greatest concentration of young people, which inevitably reflects their influence on these young people. And when the trends are mentioned, the world superstar Dua Lipa, apart from being liked and adored all over the world, is held even closer to the heart by Kosovar youth, given that she comes from Kosovo and does not hesitate to mention this fact wherever she meets the chance to.
The crowd of youngsters that had come out in cold weather for the finale of this reality show
Ultimately, what draws Kosovar youth together is the allure of wealth and recognition from the influencers they admire on social media. Above all, the priority is money and luxury, focusing on a life of privilege with endless vacations, expensive cars, gold jewelry, and big villas, rather than innovation and hard work. Desire for a Western lifestyle in Balkan circumstances. Oh, I nearly forgot. The interpreters of the Islamic religion are also highly regarded and popular, but you can find more information about this in the upcoming articles. Till then, stay tuned!
Writes: Hanmie Lohaj
