For over a year, the Albanian public in the diaspora has been able to enjoy the music and feel closer to the Albanian culture. Albanian Sundowner, led by Ardian Maksuti, was launched in May 2024 with a mission: to bring the best Albanian bands closer to their fans across Europe. The project began in Germany, featuring concerts with well-known groups such as Fisnikët, Elita 5, Trix, and NRG Band, who toured cities including Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Munich. After their great success in Germany, Albanian Sundowner expanded its reach, bringing Elita 5 to Austria. The tour kicked off in Graz and Wels before culminating on one of Europe’s most iconic stages—Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna, where some of the world’s greatest artists have performed. Speaking to HAJDE, Ardian Maksuti shares more about his journey and the vision that has guided this cultural movement since the very beginning.

How did Albanian Sundowner come to life?

The deep nostalgia to once again hear the beautiful Albanian music performed live by some of the most beloved artists and bands was the driving force behind the creation of Albanian Sundowner.

For Ardian Maksuti, this wasn't just a simple idea crossing his mind—it was a passion project that needed to be brought to life.

“In 1995, my family and I moved to Germany. That generation had the chance to go abroad, but often at the cost of putting themselves aside for the sake of others. The idea behind Sundowner is to create a space for those people, for those who contributed and worked hard but never had the chance to fully enjoy life themselves. We want to reconnect with those who carry nostalgia, who belong to that generation, and allow them to relive the music of groups like Fisnikët, Elita 5, and Trix. I believe this music holds a value that must endure and be passed on to future generations,” he explains.

The launch of the Albanian Sundowner initiative took place in May 2024, in Düsseldorf, featuring a concert by Fisnikët. "It all began after a half-hour conversation with Agim Gërguri from the band, where they agreed to launch the project with a debut concert. That night revealed something important: the need for different generations to come together, to share in the joy of music, and to create lasting memories while listening to the sounds of some of Albania’s finest artists," he says. 

The purpose and mission of Albanian Sundowner

“I see myself as a host,” Ardian explains when asked about his motivation for these events. “I want to be an ambassador of our culture, of our country, in everyday life. Albanian Sundowner is a way to spread Albanian music while also creating connections between generations, offering people a chance to share ideas and inspire one another.”

Their success has been viewed with scepticism by many, but the results have overcome the prejudices. To ensure the success of events, the company takes care of all the necessary arrangements. Meanwhile, they have never considered financial assistance from diplomatic missions. “It doesn’t seem right for such events in the Diaspora to be funded by Albanian taxpayers in Kosovo or Albania. This organisation should live on its own idea, to be independent,” he states.

ELITA 5 in Wiener Stadthalle 

Photo: Elita 5 in the concert at Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna 

On May 31, in the place where great artists like Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and ABBA once performed, 900 people gathered to listen to the best Albanian band, Elita 5. Wiener Stadthalle was illuminated by the stage lights and the melodies of the guitars played by the six members of Elita 5. 

“We were very impressed by the public, the thirst of people to listen to this type of music was evident,” says Ardiad. 

Communication and coordination with Wiener Stadhalle was not complicated. From the moment the concert date was set, everything went smoothly. "Everything was professional," he concludes. 

From October 1 to 11, Elita 5 will be performing in six cities in Germany (Düsseldorf, Berlin, Hannover, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Münich). Details can be found on the Albanian Sundowner page. 

Another Albanian concert in Vienna this fall

With no language barriers and a large Albanian diaspora, Austria quickly became the second hub, right after Germany, for Albanian Sundowner concerts. The goal now is to make these events a regular part of Austria’s cultural calendar.

 “In autumn, we’re coming back to Vienna, and we aim to once again be at the centre. We don’t yet know if it will be the Wiener Stadthalle, as the venue also needs to accommodate the band. But the next event will definitely feature a group from Kosovo,” says Ardian, avoiding revealing the name, not to spoil the surprise for the diaspora audience.