Hafsa Zyberi (Tiranë 15.05. 1928 +05.09.1994) – “Merited Artist”-1980.

Prominent singer of Tirana folk music in the second half of the XX century. Her father died young and it was her mother who raised the 5 children: sisters Hanke and Mereme, brothers Ramazan and Mustafa, and Hafsa herself. This was the composition of the large Zyberi family which, after a few years, could be compared to a true folk ensemble. Endowed with a wonderful, melodious and soft voice, in a few years she became an interpretation icon of Tirana folk songs, so much so that one could not think of a concert of Tirana folk music, without the voice of Hafsa Zyberi. It’s a suprise how Hafsa managed to climb those peaks considering that before she led a simple life as a packaging worker in the artistic enterprise “Migjeni” in Tirana.

Despite all, she adequately represented the Tirana folk music wherever the opportunity arose, in dozens of local activities, in the National Folklore Festivals of Gjirokastra, in international activities, etc. According to Fitnete Rexha:…none will forget how the weddings of Tirana turned into unforgettable, festive, wonderfully special manifestations. She performed dozens of popular songs, including the creations of Muharrem Gurre, Xan Zyber, Mustafa Bodini, Isuf Myzyri, etc. Hafsa never married nor had children. It seems that her legacy is the songs she performed and for which she was awarded with the high title of “Merited Artist”.

With time Hafsa started to sing less, but a few years later, the big Zyberi family of Tirana added other equally prominent singers. Ramadan’s children: singers Fatma and Lindita Zyberi; Mustafa’s children: Irma Zyberi, singer, Fatmir Zyberi, instrumentalist; as well as Mejreme’s children: singers Klotilda and Lindita Zyberi, etc.

Some documentary films were made for Hafsa and her Zyberi family including audio registrations and video interpretations of her songs.

“VALIZAKJA”, by Hafsa Zyberi. – YouTube