In this curated list, we pay homage to the 25 most successful Albanians Alive across various fields, from business and literature to music, sports, and beyond. Join us as we celebrate the extraordinary individuals who have not only shaped the narrative of Albania but have also made significant contributions to the world at large.
“Living Legends: Unveiling the Achievements of Albania’s 25 Contemporary Icons Making Waves Today”
1. Dua Lipa is an Albanian-British singer and songwriter who is best known for her hit songs “New Rules” and “Don’t Show Up”. She has won several awards, including the Grammy Award for Best New Artist, and is widely regarded as one of the leading voices in contemporary pop music. She was recently granted Albanian Citizenship by the Albanian President.
2. Ismail Kadare is an Albanian novelist, poet, and playwright who is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers of the 20th century. He has won numerous awards for his work, including the prestigious Neustadt International Prize for Literature in 2005.
3. Noizy, born Rigels Rajku, is a highly influential Albanian artist renowned for his impact on the country’s music scene. With a dynamic blend of rap, hip-hop, and reggae, Noizy has crafted a distinctive sound that resonates with a diverse audience. Beyond his musical prowess, he is recognized for his entrepreneurial spirit and social activism, using his platform to address societal issues and contribute to the cultural dialogue in Albania and beyond.
4.Mira Murati is an Albanian engineer, researcher and tech executive, who has been the Chief Technology Officer of OpenAI since 2018. She is born in the beautiful city of Vlore in Albania. Murati is responsible for overseeing the technical advancements and direction of OpenAI’s various projects, including the development of advanced AI models and tools. Her work has been instrumental in the building, progress and deployment of some of OpenAI’s most notable products such as the Generative Pretrained Transformer (GPT) series of language models.
5.Blerim Destani is an Albanian Macedonian actor and producer. He is best known for his roles in Time of the Comet and Dossier K. Destani was born in Stolberg near Aachen, West Germany. He spent his childhood in Tetovo, North Macedonia. His family is Albanian.
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6. Rita Ora is an Albanian-British singer and actress who is best known for her hit songs “Hot Right Now” and “How We Do (Party)”. Rita Ora has collaborated with numerous international artists and has been recognized for her powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence.
7. William G Gregory is an Albanian-American astronaut born on May 14, 1957. He was selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in July 1984 and became an astronaut in 1985. Gregory flew on two space shuttle missions: STS-67 in 1995 and STS-88 in 1998, which was the first assembly mission for the International Space Station (ISS). During his career, William G. Gregory contributed to various aspects of space exploration and played a role in the development of the ISS.
8.Samir Mane is an Albanian entrepreneur and businessman known for his significant contributions to various industries. Mane has been involved in diverse sectors, including real estate, finance, and tourism. He is recognized for his entrepreneurial acumen and leadership in fostering economic development in Albania and the broader Balkan region.
9.Luiza Gega is an accomplished Albanian middle-distance runner specializing in the 1500 meters and steeplechase events. Gega has gained recognition for her outstanding athletic achievements, representing Albania in various international competitions. Gega’s dedication and skill in track and field have made her a standout athlete, and she has consistently competed at a high level on the global stage. Her participation in prestigious events, such as the Olympic Games and World Championships, reflects her commitment to excellence in athletics.
10. Era Istrefi is an Albanian singer and songwriter who is best known for her hit single “Bonbon”. She has gained international recognition for her pop-infused dance music and has been praised for her powerful vocals and captivating stage presence.
11. Jim Belushi is an Albanian-American actor, comedian, and musician who is best known for his roles in the television series “According to Jim” and “Show Me a Hero”. He has also appeared in numerous films, including “Red Heat” and “K-9”.
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12. Emina Cunmulaj is an Albanian famous supermodel in USA. She is now married to a millionaire like Sam Nazarian, and is the mother of two young girls. She has been working for the most famous brands in the world.
13. Luiz Ejlli is an Albanian singer known for his participation in music competitions and his versatile vocal abilities. He gained widespread recognition when won the talent show “Ethet e së premtes mbrëma”, after that he represented Albania in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2006 with the song “Zjarr e ftohtë”. Luiz Ejlli made a notable transition in his career by participating in the reality show “Big Brother VIP” in 2023, ultimately winning the competition. This unexpected move allowed him to connect with a broader audience, and his genuine personality endeared him to fans not only in Albania but also among the diaspora
14.Dean Çelaj është shqiptari që është renditur në listën e Forbes mes 30 njerëzve më të suksesshëm dhe me influencë ndërkombëtare nën 30 vjeç gjatë 2022-it. Çelaj është krijues i shumë projekteve teknologjike ndërkombëtare në bashkëpunim me universitetin e Harvardit. Ai themeloi platformën Akademi.al në vitin 2019 në një përpjekje për të përmirësuar sistemin arsimor në Shqipëri.
15. Xherdan Shaqiri is a Swiss-Albanian professional soccer player who currently plays as a attacking midfielder for Liverpool and the Swiss national team. He was born on October 10, 1991, in Gjilan, Kosovo, and has played for several clubs throughout his career, including FC Basel, Bayern Munich, and Stoke City. Shaqiri has been a key player for the Swiss national team, and has been praised for his speed, dribbling skills, and finishing ability. He has been a regular starter for Switzerland since his debut in 2010, and has been instrumental in helping the team qualify for major international competitions such as the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup.
16. Elvana Gjata is a highly popular Albanian singer, songwriter, and actress recognized for her significant contributions to the music and entertainment industry. In addition to her musical achievements, Elvana Gjata has showcased her talents in acting, further diversifying her artistic portfolio.
17. Yll Limani s a well-known Albanian singer and songwriter who has made a significant impact on the country’s music scene. Known for his soulful voice and emotive performances, Limani has garnered a dedicated fan base with his diverse musical style, spanning genres like pop and R&B.
18. Dafina Zeqiri is a well-known Albanian-Kosovar singer and songwriter celebrated for her contributions to the music industry in the Balkans. Renowned for her powerful vocals and diverse musical style, Zeqiri has become a prominent figure in the contemporary music scene. Zeqiri’s popularity extends beyond the borders of Kosovo and Albania, as her music resonates with audiences in the wider Balkan region. Known for her dynamic stage presence and engaging performances, Dafina Zeqiri remains a respected and influential figure in the music landscape.
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19. Kledi Kadiu is an Albanian dancer and choreographer who is best known for his work in contemporary dance. He is considered one of the most influential dancers in Albania and is known for his innovative and energetic performances. Throughout his career, he has performed extensively throughout Europe, especially in Italy and has received widespread recognition for his skills as a dancer and his innovative approach to contemporary dance.
20. Ermal Meta is an Albanian singer-songwriter who is best known for his work in the Italian and Albanian music industry. He was born in Fier, Albania, in 1979, and has lived and worked in Italy since he was a young child. Meta began his musical career as a guitarist and songwriter, and has gone on to become one of the most successful musicians in Italy and Albania.
21. Fadil Berisha is an Albanian photographer and artist who is best known for his work in fashion and fine art photography. He was born in Kosovo, but has lived and worked in several countries throughout his career, including Albania and the United States. Berisha is considered one of the most important photographers of his generation and is known for his ability to capture beauty and elegance in his images. He has worked with some of the biggest names in fashion and entertainment, and his images have been featured in numerous international magazines and exhibitions.
22. Ermonela Jaho is an Albanian soprano who is best known for her work in the world of classical music. She was born in Tirana, Albania, in 1983, and has lived and worked in Italy for much of her career. Jaho has performed with many of the world’s leading opera companies and has been praised for her interpretations of a wide range of classical arias, including works by Puccini, Verdi, and Mozart. She is also known for her advocacy for the promotion of Albanian classical music and has been instrumental in bringing the works of Albanian composers to the attention of international audiences.
23. Eliza Dushku: Eliza Dushku is an Albanian-American actress who is best known for her roles in the television series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Dollhouse”. She has also appeared in numerous films, including “True Lies” and “Bring It On”.
24. Bebe Rexha is an Albanian-American singer and songwriter who is best known for her hit singles “Meant to Be” and “I Got You”. She has collaborated with numerous international artists and has been recognized for her powerful vocals and relatable lyrics.
25. Ava Max is an Albanian-American singer and songwriter who is best known for her hit single “Sweet but Psycho”. She has been recognized for her powerful vocals and innovative pop music and is widely regarded as one of the most exciting new artists in the music industry.
