Dull Dërhemi

Abdullah (Dull) Dërhemi (Tirana, April 22, 1898 – Voskopoja, July 13, 1969) is one of the most popular singers of folk music of the city of Tirana in the first half of the XX century. He was born in Tirana in the last decade of the XIX century in the well-known Dërhemi family. There is evidence that Dërhemi family came to Tirana from the Ndroqi fortress in the middle of the XIX century. Its members are known for their high values and level of civilization. Ali Efendi Dërhemi (1850-1938), former mayor of Tirana in 1923-1924, originated from this family as well. Abdullah Dërhemi became familiar with the folk songs of Tirana in weddings and family celebrations and in the celebrations of the city of Tirana as well.

According to his family members, he mainly sang at family parties or for his close friends. He was friends with Bet Shyrbe, another well-known singer of Tirana, and with master Isuf Myzyri, who played the violin and was part of their company. Because of his artistic talent, he recorded some Tirana folk songs on discs in the 1940s. 4 or 5 of the discs still remain. After the liberation, he joined the folk groups of Tirana and participated in main local and national activities, such as in the National Folk Festivals that were organized in Tirana during 1946, 1947, 1949, 1950 and 1952.

His daughter, singer Hajrie Dërhemi and son Shyqyri Dërhemi continued his legacy in the folk songs of Tirana. Dull Dërhemi died in Voskopoja from a heart attack, where he had gone on vacation on July 13, 1969. His musical legacy is an important part of the cultural and spiritual heritage of Tirana.

“LUM E LUM SI JA MRRINA”, by Dull Derhemi – YouTube