Gjurmët
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1980 in Pristina, SAP Kosovo, Yugoslavia |
| Founder | Migjen Kelmendi |
| Defunct | 1986 (initial disbandment) |
| Headquarters | Pristina , Yugoslavia (now Kosovo) |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Number of employees | 6 (band members) |
Gjurmët (meaning The Traces) was a pioneering Yugoslav new wave ensemble originating from Pristina in 1980. Distinguished as one of the earliest rock groups formed by Kosovo Albanians, they also hold the distinction of being the first new wave act emerging from SAP Kosovo.
Under the leadership of Migjen Kelmendi (vocals, rhythm guitar), the band produced a single eponymous album prior to their dissolution in 1986. They later came together briefly in 1988, 2015, and again in 2019.
1980–1986 period and 1988 reunion
Founded by Migjen Kelmendi, son of esteemed writer Ramiz Kelmendi, the group arose during the growth of the Yugoslav new wave movement.[1] Its members comprised Armando Gjini (piano, synthesizer), Tomor Kurshumliu (vocals, bass), Gazmend Hasbahta (lead guitar), Petrit Riza (drums), and Bekim Dyla (lead guitar).[2] The band recorded the inaugural new wave track in SAP Kosovo in 1980.[3]
In 1982, they produced the song "Karrigat" ("Chair"), which was rejected by Radio Television of Pristina due to its politically sensitive lyrics. Their subsequent track "Mikrofoni" ("Microphones"), containing similar themes, was approved for broadcast. Armando Gjini officially became their keyboardist in 1984. That same year, they laid down recordings for their debut album, which saw release in 1985 after delays stemming from controversy over its cover art depicting dancers forming a double-headed eagle—a symbol of national significance.[4] The album showcased a fusion of new wave, post-punk, reggae rock, and folk elements.[5]
Following Kelmendi’s conscription into the Yugoslav military in 1986, the group disbanded.[6] They briefly regrouped in 1988 to record "Heroi i Qytetit Pa Lum" ("Hero of the City without a River") as an homage to Pristina.
Activities after disbandment
Migjen Kelmendi shifted his career towards journalism, taking on roles such as head editor of Contacto on Radio Television of Pristina between 1988 and 1990, executive producer at Victoria Television New York in 1996, and Programme Albanian Satellite from 1997 to 1999. He later served as director of Radio Television of Kosovo from 2000 to 2001. Kelmendi also founded the weekly magazine Epoca in 1991 and the literary publication MM in 1996. Since 2001, he has been editing the weekly newspaper Java. Additionally, he authored four books including To Change The World: A Short History of The Traces, which reflects on his musical journey.
Tomor Kurshumliu completed his studies in economics and worked as an advisor within Kosovo’s Executive Council until his dismissal following the revocation of Kosovo’s autonomy in 1989; subsequently, he relocated to London. Petrit Riza, who graduated in law, continued his musical career as drummer for Haliband after Gjurmët’s breakup. Bekim Dyla obtained an architecture degree and emigrated to Geneva, Switzerland, pursuing a design career following Slobodan Milošević’s rise to power. Armando Gjini focused on composition and moved to Croatia during that era.
In 2002, a compilation titled LP, featuring recordings from the 1980s period, was released alongside Kelmendi’s book Gjurmët LP. This album was later made accessible through the Internet Archive in 2022.
2015 reunion
On December 29, 2015, Gjurmët reunited for a live performance at the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, Albania. The concert featured guest appearances by artists from both Albania and Kosovo, including rapper MC Kresha, who had collaborated with Gjurmët on the track "Era", released just one day prior to the event.
2019 Reunion
After their initial reunion in 2015, Gjurmët once again took the stage on June 12, 2019, at the Palace of Youth and Sports located in Pristina. The event's earnings were dedicated to celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Prenk Jakova School of Music. In recognition of their contribution, the band received the Key of Pristina from the city's mayor, Shpend Ahmeti.
Members
- Migjen Kelmendi – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
- Armando Gjini – keyboards, synthesizer
- Tomor Kurshumliu – vocals, bass guitar
- Gazmend Hasbahta – lead guitar
- Petrit Riza – drums
- Bekim Dyla – lead guitar
Studio Albums
- Gjurmët (1985)
Compilation Albums
- LP (2002)
See also
- New wave music in Yugoslavia
- Punk rock in Yugoslavia
- Popular music in the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
- Albanian rock
- Albanian music
External links
- Kosovan musical groups
- Serbian new wave musical groups
- Serbian post-punk music groups
- Serbian synth-pop groups
- Serbian folk rock groups
- Serbian pop rock music groups
- Yugoslav rock music groups
- Yugoslav synth-pop groups
- Albanian rock music groups
- Synth-pop new wave musical groups
- Musical groups established in 1980
- Musical groups disestablished in 1986