Shkodra Urban Song emerged and evolved in Shkodra, in certain historical circumstances and developments. Over the centuries, this song has attained features defined by an original physiognomy in terms of musical language, poetic lyrics, and mode of interpretation.

This strand of songs originally created by gifted artists has over the years been assimilated by the people. Shkodra Urban Songs include the songs of the Wedding Ceremony and the Urban Aheng. There is also a number of other songs, such as: lullabies (“Nina nana”), kids’ songs (“Mirëdita për kollana”), etc. Earlier layers include wedding songs or singing-accompanied dances. On many occasions, these songs are also sung at shtregulla gaiety (swings fixed under a big tree), going on a stroll, social and family celebrations, and the like.

In terms of interpretation, Shkodra Urban Songs are sung in groups, but there are also solo songs that have been sung by singers with special vocal skills. In most cases, the aheng songs already linked with the special relations with the oriental culture, are accompanied by instrumental formations, which at different phases have been enriched with instruments adapted to that music (clarinet, violin, guitar, accordion, double bass, etc.)

These songs share a strong spiritual connection with the people carrying them forward. Even though the city itself has undergone numerous changes in the urban aspect, ways of communication, and social life, it is still enriched with new compositions, which in terms of content, correspond to this reality.

The Shkodra Urban Song Corps (songs still sung today) can be found at the end of this index card.