Avni Mula

Avni Mula (born 4 January 1928) is an Albanian singer, composer and musician. For his contribution, he has received some of the highest recognition medals from the Albanian government, the People's Artist of Albania decoration and the Honor of the Nation (Albanian: Nderi i Kombit) decoration.

His family moved from Gjakova, Kosova to Shkodër, Albania when he was young and after World War II he moved to Tirana, Albania. He studied in Tchaikovsky Conservatory and graduated in 1957 as a lyric singer. Mula lives in Tirana, Albania. He is father of the famous Albanian international soprano, Inva Mula.

Singer

Mula was part of the National Troupe of Songs and Dances Albanian: Ansambli i Kenges dhe Valleve and the Troupe of the Army Albanian: Ansambli i Ushtrise. In addition he has won many prizes over his career as a composer and singer in the Albanian Festival of Song which is held every year in Tirana. Mula is a baritone.

Composer

Avni Mula has composed many songs. Some of the most famous are:

• Nënë Moj Do Pres Gërshetin (English: Mother, I'll cut off my Braid), which won first prize in the Festival of 1976 and was interpreted by Vaçe Zela.
• Këngët e atdheut tim (English: Songs of my country),
• Valsi i Lumturisë (English: The Waltz of Happiness).
• Një Djep Në Barrikadë (English: A Cradle on the Barricade), sung by Marina Grabovari: The song won first prize in the Festival of 1982.

Mula has also composed an opera, Nënë Shqipëri (English: Mother Albania). and two compositions for the movies Lume Drite (English: River of Light) and Karnavalet (English: Carnevals).

Festival Jury

In 1998, Mula, head of the jury of the festival, declared "Albërie Hadërgjonaj - Mirësia Dhe e Vërteta" the winner, making Albërie the first Kosovar-Albanian singer to ever win Festivali i Këngës.

Recognition

Avni Mula has received some of the highest recognition medals from the Albanian government, the People's Artist of Albania decoration and the Honor of the Nation (Albanian: Nderi i Kombit) decoration.