BAND BIO

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From their inception in 2011, I am waiting for you last summer have been perusing through genres within their wide discography of three albums and now four EPs.

While they consistently include electronic in their music, their sound coasts through post-rock, house, synthwave, and recently more ambient and mellow backdrops.

They additionally keep a strong cinematic presence at their core, most notably influenced by band member Alex Sokolov’s extensive trailer work for films like Jurassic World, Captain America: Winter Soldier, and Insurgent.

Vjollca Robelli - Ajo (Single) Self released 2002

Ajo - Zare (Single) Self released 2017

Ajo - Sworn Virgin (Single) Self released 2017

Ajo - Besa (EP) Self released 2019

"When a snake sheds its skin, it maintains its structure whilst almost being reborn into a new skin. This is what London-based musician AJOs new EP, Besa, feels like. She breathes new life into traditional folk music on tracks ‘Zare’ and ‘Baresha’, that are fused with more modern jazz influences but still retain the generational history and depth of traditional folk. Lead single ‘Besa’ is an amalgamation of irregular drums and obscure sonics tied together by AJOs towering vocals about nostalgic Albanian history and lessons to be learned for the future. There is however a common thread that runs like a pulse throughout as you dip in and out of Besa – the nuances of an Albanians woman’s identity. ‘Besa’ is dominating and proud – setting the tone of the album whilst ‘Nena’ is a delicate and emotional ode to motherhood that is brought to life with samples of a child and family setting, highlighting the role of the mother. ‘Burrnesha’ is a slow and steady number that builds into Ajos pillowy vocals – bringing to the fore the dexterity of her vocals. On ‘Baresha’ and ‘Zare’, classic folk song are bought into the present day with sparse electronics and fast melodies. ‘Zogo’ binds the album together in a celebratory Albanian wedding style."
OG Magazine

"Tribal, visceral and trance-like, the new release “Besa” by the composer and musician AJO (formerly Vjollca Robelli) has its roots in her family’s lineage as well as the politics of being female. The folkloric feel of this album is no accident. AJO added twists and built layers onto age-old lullabies and other tunes passed down through centuries. Her embellishments have given these songs the room to breathe and to be considered in a modern context."
Debbie Burke - American Jazz Author and Journalist

"Her music explores Albanian tradition and heritage - traditionally, in the remote patriarchal villages of the highlands, if the head of the household died without a male heir, one of the daughters of the house chose to become a man and take on the responsibility of being the patriarch. In other cases many women took the oath in order to escape an unwanted arranged marriage. But many also chose to become sworn virgins simply because it afforded them much more freedom — it is the latter that AJO - Vjollca Robelli Mripa found striking".
Kosovo 2.0

"To match the story her voice is honey-sweet, punctuated by quick catches that suggest a cry of sorrow. Yet she can soar with the angels and continues to sing a story of hope, and life, as it is, full of low and high points".
Debbie Burke - American Jazz Author and Journalist

Previous concerts:

30th May 2017 ODA Theatre Prishtina Kosovo

13.09.2019 Kino Lumbardhi Prizren Kosovo

14.09.2019 Kino Armata Prishtine, Kosovo

Upcoming concerts:

Announcing soon.....