I want to go to Albania�

MJAFT

25 July 2006

Before you set off you should make plans in advance: where, how and why you want to go there. If you choose Albania as the country of your summer holidays, there is good news for you. Besides the spectacular resorts on the coast of the Ionic and Adriatic Seas, this summer you will have the opportunity to participate in a cultural activity which of course will add to your holiday.

This activity will take place in the almost untapped beach of Livadh, only 5 km away from Himara, by the Jon Sea. This activity is entitled �MJAFT FEST� and it is among the most important events that occur during the summer, where famous artists known in all Europe will perform their art for three days. On July 28, 29, 30 you also, can be part of the fourth edition of this festival which is organized by MJAFT Movement.

It was only a few years ago that Albanians who live in Albania could share the resorts of the Adriatic Sea with those who live in Kosovo. The impact was far from satisfactory: the Albanians from Kosovo came into the conclusion that there was room for improvement in the Albanian �paradise� in terms of infrastructure and the services that were being provided. According to its organizers, MJAFT FEST could be the right event to show that things can change�

Chick�s on Speed, a provoking band from Germany will perform for the first time in Albania, in the forth edition of this festival which again according to its organizers will attract more than 5000 youngsters from Albania, Kosovo and other countries. Chick�s on Speed is composed of three girls who have always wanted to break the rules and they did that successfully. They have made the public realize that there are no rules in art� and this is why they are one of the most successful German bands nowadays.

Even though their career is relatively short they have had a significant participation in the harsh managerial world. They started their career in the Academy of Music in Munich, the �southern capital� of Germany, in 1997 which coincides with the turmoil in Albania. They immediately attracted media�s attention and found themselves in front of an ever growing audience which means that even though they started all this to meet their need, that of making art, another one emerged, that of the public to hear them. This, after all means responsibility�

This is the reason why they chose to face the harsh music market and a year later, that is in 1998, they released their first album. Chick�s on Speed are not the only band that will perform in MJAFT FEST 2006. Visionary Underground & Dr. Das (Asian Dub Foundation)from UK, Live Act Steve Dragon from Germany, Supernova from Albania, Kthjellu from Kosovo, N.R. & Besa., DJs Toton & Goya, etc are invited as well. During the second day of this festival some bands famous worldwide will perform in the above musical trends. Besides Chick�s on Speed (Germany), Mauracher (Austria) ,Gabriel Le Mar (Germany), The Blazing Zoos (UK), Astrid Williamson (UK), PGM Collective (Macedonia) etc will be invited as well. Mauracher is very preferable, whereas regarding the artists solo the organizers distinguish Gabriel Le Mar.

MJAFT FEST was launched four years ago as a result of what the organizers called � an absolute apathy that permeated and unfortunately still permeates the governmental institutions which are committed to promote art and culture in Albania�. Edition after edition the festival took shape.

�We can confidently say that this activity has occupied a particular place in the cultural life of Albania�, said Endri Fuga, one of the organizers of MJAFT FEST.

This summer you can go to Durres as you have done these last years but you can also participate in MJAFT FEST which will take place in Livadh, Himare. The official web-site of this event www.mjaftfest.com displays everything that you need to know in order to undertake this initiative�