Qendresa Sopa, or Qendresa, as she goes by artistically, has done what many other youngsters have had to do to before her to make their way into the music industry: serve coffees here, model there — pay the bills. But now, after around eight years, she has finally got fully hooked by music, which has become her reflection, what she is.

Qendresa’s music has been shared across the internet ever since the release of Shades On, a six track EP produced together with London-based producer Hugo Mari in October 2017. The BBC’s own Gilles Peterson has put their sound across the radio waves and now Qendresa is pushing forward her career as a solo artist on multiple levels, including DJing, writing, singing and producing. She also hosts her own radio show at London-based NTS radio.

Born to Kosovar parents in London, and raised in north London specifically, her mix of influences and her down-to-earth personality are reflected both in real life and through her music and videoclips, expressing an elegant soul.

With her name circulating more and more in the past months in Kosovo, ever since the release of Shades On, tonight she will present a DJ set and live performance together with her partner and producer Rob Mack (a member of King Krule and other music projects) as DokuNight’s opening act at the Andrra stage.

Before Qendresa opens DokuFest’s musical program, K2.0 sat down with her to talk about creating a career in one of the world’s capitals of contemporary music and the process of becoming a musician with a voice without selling your soul to the devils of the industry.

K2.0: Do you come back to Kosovo often? Do you still have a relationship with your family and the city here?

Qendresa: I’ve been coming back every year after the war, but not so much for the last two years because I’ve been busy. My dad is from Ferizaj and my mum is from Obiliq. When I come, I stay with both my dad’s and my mum’s side.

My parents moved to London in ‘89. They had to come secretly. It was quite some stuff going on in Kosovo, so they had to be quite discrete. They got to London and they somehow managed to stay in London and not be sent back.

They had me a year later, and it was lots of living in small spaces with other Kosovar family friends. I think they got granted asylum finally, and here we are, 28 years later.

How does it feel to come back?

It feels good, and now I’m really connected. People message me on Instagram and talk to me when I’m here, they want to meet me. Yesterday we met a nice girl who did my tarot reading. It’s actually better now because now I have a reason to come, besides holidays. Now I have a reason to communicate with the people, and be part of what’s going on here.

Qendresa: I say what kind of sound I want

DJ, producer and singer talks keeping her voice in the industry and her Kosovar roots.

Cristina Marí

Qendresa: I say what kind of sound I want

DJ, producer and singer talks keeping her voice in the industry and her Kosovar roots.

Cristina Marí