Kreshnik Fazliu (Albanian:[kɾɛˈʃnikfazˈliu]; born 5 September 1984), known professionally as MC Kresha, is a Kosovo-Albanian rapper and songwriter. Born and raised in Mitrovica, Fazliu is credited as a viable hip hop artist in the Albanian-speaking Balkans.
Life and career
1984–present: Early life and career beginnings
Kreshnik Fazliu was born on 5 September 1984 into an ethnic Albanian family in the city of Mitrovicë, then part of the SFR Yugoslavia, present Kosovo.[1][2] Mc Kresha was already creating a big buzz around himself through his major single in 2010 "Lej Flleshat". The song has become an all time classic in the Albanian hip hop scene. In 2011, Mc Kresha, Lyrical Son, Strike Beatz, K-Master & Onufër Berisha started their music label P.I.N.T ( Për Inati T'Njoni Tjetrit ). The label has now several artists & producers signed to their name. In July 2018, Fazliu was announced as an act at the Sunny Hill Festival on its debut edition in Pristina.[3] In August 2019, he was approached to perform for a second time at the Sunny Hill Festival.[4] Fazliu's fourth collaborative album, Muzikë e Alltisë, was released in January 2022.[5][6] Songs featured on the record included "Hotel Mahalla", "Paret Lejla", "Rammstein" and "Stuhi mbi oqean", the latter featuring Albanian singer Elvana Gjata, which attained commercial success in Albania.[7]
Football career
Kreshnik Fazliu was a goalkeeper for the youth team of the Kosovan club KF Trepça.[8] However, he could not become a professional footballer due to injuries and left football at the age of 18.[9]
After receiving his UEFA license C, he was named the general manager of the Kosovan club FC Phoenix Banjë.[8][10] On October 22, 2023, he resigned from his position as general manager because he wants to focus on his musical career.[11]
Personal life
Kreshnik Fazliu is married with Erzina Shehu. The couple has two children.[12]
For "Hotel Mahalla", "Paret Lejla", "Stuhi mbi oqean" and "Rammstein":"The Top List – 22/01/2022" (in Albanian). Top Channel. 22 January 2022. Archived from the original on 30 January 2022. Retrieved 22 January 2022.