Rikthehet Urta Fest Albania 2023 në kërkim të talentit më të mirë. Ke pasion muzikën dhe nuk di se ku të shpalosësh talentin tënd? Hip hop, RnB, reggae, reagon dhe pop – atëherë ky njoftim është për ty.
Pas suksesit të edicionit të parë në kryeqytet, Urta Fest hap dyert për të rinjtë nga e gjithë Shqipëria! Ideuar nga artisti, drejtori artistik, dhe producenti Klevis Bega (Kastro Zizo), me një juri profesionste, produksione origjinale, skena dhe publiku juaj i parë po ju presin. Më shumë lokacione dhe më shumë data për ju. Mos e humbisni mundësinë.
Urta Fest Albania është mundësia jote për të shkëlqyer!
Aplikimi
Nëse ke pasion muzikën dhe dëshiron të shpalosësh talentin tënd në Hip hop, RnB, reggae, reagon dhe pop music, dërgo aplikimin tënd në adresën e-email: urtafestalbania@gmail.com. Në e-mail përfshi këto të dhëna: emri, mbiemri, mosha, qyteti, zhanëri muzikor.
On December 10, 2022, the renowned Albanian artist Kastro Zizo (Klevis Bega) received the biggest award “Artist of the Year 2022” in Washington DC.
At the request of the Honorable Senator Charles E. Schumer, the American flag was flown over the US Congress building in Washington DC on December 10, 2022, in remembrance of the UN World Human Rights Day, honoring Kastro Zizo (Klevis Bega) Artist of the Year 2022.
Senator Schumer’s office honors artist Kastro Zizo (Klevis Bega) as the 2022 Artist of the Year, “for his exceptional achievements and significant contributions to creative arts in Europe and USA. In celebration of 2022 UN Human Rights Day, we commend you for your advocacy for dignity, freedom, and justice, especially for the youth in Albania and around the world.”
“It is a great privilege to receive an award of such high caliber. I am very honored and proud to receive recognition and support from the honorable senator Schumer. I am very appreciative to be seen as an artist coming from a small place like Albania. Art has the power to change the world,” said singer Kastro Zizo.
Recently, many prestigious American media have talked about the success and artistic achievements of the famous artist Kastro Zizo. NY Glamor Magazine called him the “father of urban rock” and an international sensation who has influenced generations in Albania and beyond. Kastro Zizo was also named the “Most Influential Artist of 2022” by NY Elite Magazine.
This is the second time that Kastro Zizo has been honored with the “Artist of the Year” award – in 2022 in DC and previously in 2010 by Zhurma Music Video Awards in Kosovo.
In addition to his immense contributions in the Albanian music and songs, the great Kastro Zizo has left a mark in Albanian society. Through his non-profit organization “My future, my present,” Kastro Zizo promotes the rights of youth through advocacy and organizing activities. Founded in Tirana in 2020, the non-profit organization creates opportunities for youth in education, dialogue activities, youth development, arts, culture and social issues.
In November 2022, the organization “My future, my present” (E ardhmja ime, e tashmja ime) organized the “Kasketa” project, in collaboration with Youth Tirana, and support from National Youth Congress. The project aimed to promote Albania’s tourism and to attract local and foreign tourists. The event was also a call for community action to clean up the city areas and to protect the environment.
Another important activity that the non-profit organized is “Ura Fest”, which is a cultural and artistic activity that brings talented young people closer to music, to make their dreams come true. The project was organized in cooperation with the Tirana Municipality and the multimedia center Ten, with artistic creators Kastro Zizo and VinSmoker, and the jury comprising of Alban Kondi and Indrit Topi.
“I believe youth is the driving engine that will take us towards the future. Therefore we have to become their instrument today so they can be our future tomorrow. I believe in the work that I do in building our youth for the future. It is important to create the foundation in this world for our children so they can be the next generation leaders,” added Kastro Zizo.
On Thursday, January 26, 2023, prominent singer, producer, actor, and TV host Klevis Bega aka Kastro Zizo was honored with the Mayoral Certificate of Recognition by the honorable New York City Mayor, Eric Adams. The mayoral award encourages excellence in artistic pursuits and community service and recognizes distinguished artists and community leaders who have made significant lifelong contributions, enriching our communities.
The award recognizes Kastro Zizo for his outstanding achievement in Arts and Entertainment in his more than 25 years of professional career in music and TV. Zizo gained national acclaim in Albania, creating art that is significant in the history of urban rock. The artist chose to make his career in Tirana and New York, making both cities a more culturally rich place.
The award certificate states: “The City of New York certificate of Recognition presented to Klevis Bega for your accomplishments as a singer, songwriter, and actor known professionally as Kastro Zizo. You have engaged and inspired people in your native Albania, its diaspora, and beyond, I am pleased to join the Albanian Roots Club of Brooklyn’s St. Francis College in applauding your work as a gifted performing artist and your contributions to New York City’s vibrant Albanian American community. Together we wish you continued success as we unite to #GETSTUFDONE and forge a brighter, more harmonious, and prosperous future for all. – Eric Adams, Mayor, January 26, 2023, New York.”
Kastro Zizo (Klevis Bega) receives NYC Mayoral Certificate of Recognition (Photo By Olsi Beci)
The award was presented to Klevis Bega (Kastro Zizo) by Mr. Maliek Sterrett, Director of Multicultural Affairs during the “Unlimited Edition” lecture series held at St. Francis College on January 26, 2023, where Zizo was invited as the special guest speaker.
“On behalf of St Francis College Office of Multicultural Affairs, it is an honor and privilege to present this mayoral award to Kastro Zizo. Thank you for taking this time to pour into our students, staff, and guest to give them the inspiration to pursue all that their hearts desire. Cheering you on as you continue to be the difference needed to really make an impact in the world,” stated Maliek Sterrett, Director of Multicultural Student Affairs at St. Francis College.
“I am honored to have received such an important award from New York City Mayor Eric Adams, The Mayoral Certificate of Recognition. I am earnestly grateful for the recognition I have received for my work and I am committed to bring about positive change through art, “artivism”, and cultural diplomacy to bridge Albania and United States of America,” stated the well-known artist Kastro Zizo.
“This award is very meaningful to me as it marks my 25+ years of professional career in arts and TV, and commemorates my non-profit work in youth advocacy through “My future, My Present.” I would like to thank the honorable Mayor Adams for the recognition. It’s a great honor for me to receive this special award. I would like to express heartful thanks to NY St. Francis College (SFC), Maliek Sterrett, and the Albanian Roots Club of SFC for the support,” added the award-winning artist, Kastro Zizo.
The recognition certificate from the Office of the Mayor of New York City came shortly after another historic award for Kastro Zizo. In December 2022, the artist was honored by the United States Congress and named Artist of the Year 2022 in Washington DC for his artistic achievements and contributions through the work of “My future, my present!” NGO.
Kastro Zizo uses local Albanian art to create international connections. Zizo created a new original concept which he calls “artivism” – making a difference through art. Zizo’s efforts to advocate for artistic freedom and expression, to transform art history, and to empower youth in Albania to pursue their dreams, have influenced generations of artists, creative thinkers, and leaders. Furthermore, Kastro Zizo has helped raise awareness on cultural diversity, by promoting Albanian cultural heritage in United States and stimulating US-Albanian cultural and artistic relations.
“Artivism can be a powerful tool for our society to bring positive social change. By engaging people and encouraging their interaction through artistic and cultural expression, we can transform society for the better. I am proud that “My future, my present” NGO has given our youth a voice and a chance to pursue their dreams. I want our youth to feel empowered, valued, and they matter,” said Kastro Zizo, President of “My present, my future” non-profit organization.
Unlimited Edition Lecture Series:An Evening with Musical Guest Kastro Zizo, Artist of the Year at St. Francis College Brooklyn
On Thursday, January 26, 2023, musician Kastro Kizo (Klevis Bega), Artist of the Year 2022 and President of “My future, my present” NGO held the “Unlimited Edition” Lecture Series at St. Francis Brooklyn College (SFC).
Unlimited Edition is an artistic and cultural series conceptualized by musician Kastro Zizo. Unlimited Edition Lecture Series aims to cultivate a growth mindset and make a difference in the lives of youth and the community. Unlimited Edition opens the door to a life of unlimited possibilities to unleashing one’s full potential.
Musician Kastro Zizo discussed at the “Unlimited Edition” lecture the impact of his music in Albanian arts and entertainment industry, the meaning of success, how public features cope with fame. Zizo also talked about the social climate of Albania, including its latest scientific advancements, diaspora engagement, “My future, my present” NGO, and the role of Artivism” – making a difference through Art.
Organized by Kastro Zizo and the Albanian Roots Club of SFC, the event was hosted by Herta Hada (presenter, President of ARC), Megi Rama (moderator, Secretary of ARC), Alkida Koleci (event interpreter and VP of SFC), and Albion Veliu (visual media coordinator).
After the lecture, artist Kastro Zizo was was honored with the Mayoral Certificate of Recognition by Mayor Eric Adams. The award was presented to Klevis Bega (Kastro Zizo) by Mr. Maliek Sterrett, Director of Multicultural Affairs at SFU.
My Future, my present! 