këngëtar

Këngëtar is an Albanian noun meaning a singer or vocalist—a person who performs songs, typically through vocal performance. The feminine form is këngëtare, and the term is used for both professional and amateur singers across various music genres.

Etymology and usage: The word is built from këngë, meaning song, with the agentive suffix -tar, which in Albanian forms nouns that denote people who perform a certain action. In practice, këngëtar can refer to anyone who performs songs in live settings, studios, on radio or television, or in informal contexts.

Roles and genres: A këngëtar may work in a wide range of musical styles, including traditional folk, pop, rock, jazz, classical, or opera. The term emphasizes the act of singing and interpretation rather than composition; many singers perform songs written by others, while some also compose or arrange music.

Cultural context: In Albanian-speaking regions, këngëtarë (plurals) contribute to both folk and contemporary music scenes, preserving regional vocal styles and contributing to modern media and performances. The distinction between male and female singers is commonly reflected in the related forms of the noun, with këngëtar used for males and këngëtare for females.

See also: Albanian music; folk music of Albania; list of Albanian singers.