REMI

Born in Medvegja, Serbia on November 24, 1966, singer/songwriter Remi Jakupi is one of Albania's most renowned performers. Remi spent most of his time in Kosovo as a child but even at an early age, Remi was deeply engrossed in the world of music and was eager to learn and play musical instruments. At twelve, he learned to play the guitar and performed his first guitar solo that same year. The enjoyment of playing the instrument encouraged him to perform in class and at holiday parties with a friend. At fifteen, his mother Qamilje bought him an accordion. He was so engrossed in the instrument that he learned to play some popular songs at the time. Around the same time, clarinetist and performer Mala Jakupi (known as Cowboy Xhema) invited Remi to join his band as a lead singer and accordion player.
In 1992, Remi and close friend Shkumbin Kryeziu decided to focus their efforts on recording a professional folk album, which Shkumbin published under his self-owned label. In 1993, Remi recorded his debut solo album, Llokum Me Badem, at Polifonia studio in Pristina. Remi wrote, composed, and produced a majority of the songs on this album. After the completion of Llokum Me Badem it was later published in 1994. Later that year he formed a band named Sevdalit, which soon became one of the most popular Albanian groups known worldwide.
In 1997/1998 Remi released a solo performance video titled "Sevdalit mar e mrapsht", which was later declared one of the best performances on Albanian video. During his still thriving career, Remi published 13 albums including a collaboration album with albanian female singer Gili. The collaboration, titled Shaj e qaj, was released in 2002. Since that time Remi has conducted 16 music videos. One video he created for Dy Kandila in Las Vegas won third place for Best Picture in the Tirana Video Fest 2005, which was aired in Albania. The music video he directed for Po vin krushqit, which was shot in the Rugova Mountains in Kosovo, was promulgated as the most meaningful and authentic Albanian video in 2008 during the same festival.
Remi has been living in the United States since 1999 but is still maintaining his musical relevance in the Albanian territories and the Diaspora. He is currently working with Grammy-nominated, multi-Platinum Producer Arty Skye with the SkyeLab Music Group, located in New York City. SkyeLab is currently working with Remi on his upcoming projects that will contribute to his success in Albania and give him additional exposure in the United States.