Era Istrefi is a Kosovar Albanian singer and songwriter. She gained international fame with her breakthrough single “Bang Bang” Achieving commercial success around the world and receiving multiple certifications.
Following this success, she signed contracts with renowned record labels Sony Music and Ultra Music. In 2018, Istrefi performed the official anthem of the 2018 FIFA World Cup at the finals closing ceremony in Moscow, along with Nikki Jam and Will Smith.
contour
- Full name: Ella Istrefi
- Stage name: Ella Istrefi
- Date of birth: July 4, 1994
- Age: 30 years old
- Place of birth: Yugoslavia, Pristina
- Nationality: Albanian, Kosovo
- Occupation: Albanian singer-songwriter
- Height: 1.73m
- Parents: Nezir Istrefi, Suzana Tahirsylaj
- Siblings: Nora Istrefi, Nita Istrefi and Bledi Istrefi
- Partner: Amir Rahmani (2021–2023)
- Children: unknown
- Relationship: Single
- Net worth: $2.7 million
early life and education
Era Istrefi was born on July 4, 1994 in Pristina, Yugoslavia, to her father Nezir Istrefi, a journalist, and her mother, Suzana Tahirsylaj, a musician active in the 1980s and 1990s. Her father, Nezir Istrefi, died in 2004, and her mother put her music career on hold after his death.
Era has an older sister, Nora Istrefi, who is also a singer, and two other siblings, Nita and Bledi Istrefi. Details about her formal education are unknown. She is ethnic Albanian, specifically Kosovan, and her religious beliefs are not known to the public.
Profession
Era Istrefi began her career in the early 2010s and describes her music as a multi-genre fusion of dancehall, hip-hop, pop, electro, reggae, techno and alternative music. Her style and appearance are often compared to Rihanna and Sia.
In 2013, she made her debut in the Albanian-speaking world with the single “Mani Për Money” followed by “Botang?” And thus gained recognition. Her third single, “Edehun” Photographs taken in Serbia’s deconsecrated Orthodox churches won her three Videofest awards, including “Best Newcomer.”
In December 2014, she released the pop ballad “13,” The video became an instant hit, amassing nearly 200,000 views on YouTube within 24 hours, and was later featured in V Magazine. In 2016, she received Albanian citizenship.
Istrefi achieves international breakthrough with single “Bang Bang” The song, released in December 2015, became an instant hit, earning her the title of “Kosovo’s Rihanna and Sia”. She signed with Sony Music and Ultra Music in February 2016 and began work on her debut album.
In 2017, she released “Red Drum” and “No, I love you” Featuring French Montana. She starts 2018 with single “Origami” Collaborated with South African DJ Maphorisa and later collaborated with Will Smith and Nicky Jam to create the official song of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, “Enjoy it.” She performed the song at the World Cup closing ceremony and has released other singles including “prisoner” and “Oh my God,” The latter features Kang Shen.
In 2019, Istrefi collaborates with Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike “Selfish,” Topping the Billboard Dance Club Airplay charts and collaborating with her sister Nora Istrefi “Nuke E. Dee.” She also posted “goodbye” Collaborated with and starred in Russian rapper Элджей “Let’s get married” By Yellow Claw in collaboration with Offset.
social media
- Instagram account: @eraistrefi
- Facebook account: Era Istrefi
personal life
Ella Istrefi is currently single. She was previously in a relationship with Kosovar footballer Amir Rahmani. The couple confirmed their relationship in 2021 and often appear on social media together. However, their relationship ended in 2022. As of now, Era Istrefi is not openly in a relationship or married.
discography
Album:
singles:
- “Mani money” (2013)
- “Botang?” (2014)
- “E Dexun” (starring Missy) (2014)
- “13” (2014)
- “Njo si ti” (2015)
- “Shumë pis” (starring Lederi Ulla) (2015)
- “Bang Bang” (2016)
- “Red Drum” (starring Felix Snow) (2017)
- “No, I love you” (featuring French Montana) (2017)
- “Origami” (Featuring Maprisa) (2018)
- “prisoner” (2018)
- “Oh my god” (featuring Consens) (2018)
- “Selfish” (with Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike) (2019)
- “nuclear weapon” (starring Nora Istreffe) (2019)
- “goodbye” (with Eldzhey) (2019)
- “Tkrkt” (2022)
- “Fool” (2022)
net worth
As of 2024, Era Istrefi’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $2.7 million, reflecting her successful career as a singer and songwriter.
In 2023, she earned approximately $122,400 and is expected to earn approximately $118,100 in 2024. Her financial success is attributed to her hit singles, international collaborations and significant social media presence.
