For centuries, people in the mountains of Albania and Kosovo have used their voices to communicate across vast distances. Known as “The voice of the mountains,” Majë Krahu singing preserves the history, bravery and emotions of these regions. This distinctive folk tradition also reflects their cultural identity and shared heritage.
Singers perform Majë Krahu without instrumental accompaniment, using powerful, resonant voices that carry from one mountain to another through calls and responses. Short verses recount historical events and heroic deeds. The tradition also plays a special role at weddings, festivals and celebrations, symbolizing unity and a sense of community.
Albania has launched an initiative to nominate Majë Krahu singing for UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport leads preparations through the National Institute for Cultural Heritage Registration. The initiative brings together the Academy of Sciences of Albania, researchers, ethnomusicologists and cultural groups from Malësia e Madhe, Tropoja, Dukagjin and Shkodra. The working group aims to identify the last singers who preserve the authentic performance style, collect historical evidence and document the tradition’s cultural and artistic value.
The nomination process also focuses on concrete measures to preserve the tradition and pass it on to younger generations. Population outflows and changing lifestyles threaten its continuity. The Academy of Sciences contributes academics and leading ethnomusicologists who also worked on the nomination dossier for the Lahuta, a traditional Albanian musical instrument. Their expertise supports efforts to document and safeguard the singing tradition. UNESCO recognition would strengthen efforts to protect and promote Majë Krahu singing, helping future generations sustain a cultural practice passed down through centuries. It would also raise international awareness of a musical heritage rooted in the mountains of Albania and Kosovo.
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