"Sekret" (Albanian:[sɛˈkɾɛt]; transl. "Secret") is a song by Albanian singer-songwriter Ronela Hajati. It was written by Hajati herself and produced by Marko Polo. Musically, it is an Albanian-language upbeat "ethno" pop song with folk instrumentation included in its instrumentation that tells the tale of a forbidden relationship and Hajati's "intense longing for the sexual desire of her love interest to be fulfilled." Originally released as a single on 5 March 2022, it represented Albania at the Eurovision Song Contest 2022inTurin, Italy, after winning the 60th editionofFestivali i Këngës in December 2021.
"Sekret" was written by Hajati herself and produced by Albanian producer Marko Polo.[2] Combining traditional and modern elements, "Sekret" is an Albanian-language upbeat "ethno" pop song whose instrumentation includes folk instrumentation.[3][4] The song tells the tale of a forbidden relationship and Hajati's "intense longing for the sexual desire of her love interest to be fulfilled."[5] In an interview in January 2022, Hajati revealed that the song would undergo a revamp with Dutch producer DiztortioninLondon.[6]
"Sekret" was independently released as a single on digital platforms and to streaming services on 2 December 2021.[7] For the purpose of Hajati's Eurovision participation, the song was revamped and made available on the aforementioned formats on 5 March 2022.[8][9]
To further promote the song, Hajati went on to perform "Sekret" at the Eurovision pre-parties in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Madrid and Tel Aviv between March and April 2022.[14][15][16][17] She also performed the song live during Romania's national final for the Eurovision Song Contest, Selecția Națională 2022, on 5 March.[18]
Spanish singer Chanel incorporated "Sekret" on her exclusive Spotify playlist Eurovisión: Las favs de Chanel.[19] The song further received a nomination for the Best Non-Qualifier at the 2022 Eurovision Awards.[20]
In the year 2022, Top Albania Radio included the song in its year-end compilation of the top songs, positioning it at number 65.[21]
The Albanian national broadcaster, Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH), organised the 60th editionofFestivali i Këngës to choose the nation's representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2022inTurin, Italy.[22] It consisted of two semi-finals on 27 and 28 December, respectively, and the grand final on 29 December 2021.[23][24] Prior to her participation at Festivali i Këngës, Hajati stated that it has always been her dream to participate at the Eurovision Song Contest.[25] While music critics were favorable towards both Hajati's vocal delivery and the song's ethnic nature, the singer has been regarded by media as a strong contender to win the contest.[26][27][28][29][30] A postcard video introduced Hajati's performances, portraying the close relationship she had with her father, Marash Hajati, who had led the national broadcaster, RTSH, for several years.[3] During her warrior-inspired performances, Hajati wore a black and gold costume, which featured bold epaulettes and a tight corset, to convey her strength.[3] Onstage, the singer was accompanied by numerous dancers and a variety of dark imagery was displayed on the LED backdrop.[3] In the grand final of the contest, Hajati was announced as the winner of the contest and the Albanian representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2022.[31]
The Eurovision Song Contest 2022 took place at the PalaOlimpicoinTurin, Italy, and consisted of two semi-finals held on the respective dates of 10 and 12 May and the grand final on 14 May 2022.[32] According to the Eurovision rules, all participating countries, except the host nation and the "Big Five", consisting of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, are required to qualify from one of two semi-finals to compete for the final, although the top 10 countries from their respective semi-finals progress to the grand final.[33] In March 2022, it was announced that "Sekret" would be performed first in the first semi-final of the contest.[34]
^"Fest 60' nis sonte nata e parë" (in Albanian). Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH). 27 December 2021. Archived from the original on 27 December 2021. Retrieved 29 December 2021.
^"Sonte, nata e dytë e Fest'60" (in Albanian). Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH). 29 December 2021. Archived from the original on 28 December 2021. Retrieved 28 December 2021.
