Mahmut Ferati

Mahmut Ferati is a well-known singer and songwriter. He comes from a family of 7 members, including 4 brothers and a sister. His first musical influences were from his brother, and even as a child, he wanted to follow in his footsteps. Now he is known as Murtezan Ferati. In elementary school, teachers always gave him priority in every aspect because his voice paved the way. He also excelled in musical notes; they would say, “Ah, you sing beautifully.” In the third grade, he started participating in school competitions, and in the fifth grade, he won a municipal competition in Tetovo where all elementary schools participated. There, he was decorated with the first place.

In every activity, he received praise, and he participated in every school competition. In elementary school, there was also a girl in his class who sang beautifully, imitating Fitnete Rexha, creating a competition between them. They were always in a kind of competition in school. Additionally, during the small Bajram, the villagers gathered at the village center, and as children, they climbed on a stone. They were told to sing something. He didn’t know what to sing, so he started reciting the Ezan (Islamic call to prayer). As a child, he also imitated his brother in how he sang.

From his love for school in Macedonia, he moved to Prishtina to attend the high school of music, where he continued directly with music and professional music issues. He often clashed with professors due to his singing style, as the school focused on professional music, while Mahmut sang naturally. It was a tough competition, difficult to keep up with. Later, he completed his music studies and joined the ‘Eqrem Çabej’ high school, where he still works today.

Later on, when he started singing, his generation included names like Shyhrete Behluli, Shkurte Fejza, Ilir Shaqiri, and others. His albums have been very successful, with over 30 albums and music videos. What he is today is thanks to the support of his fans. He now lives with his wife and two children, Argjenden and Granitin. Shqipe Ferati-Berbatovci is Mahmut’s wife, who has done a magnificent job and is one of the best teachers, working at ‘Elena Gjika’ elementary school. Mahmut Ferati has advice for all young people passionate about music: “I advise young people to read more, listen to music, and not borrow too much from others. Let’s be a bit nationalist, preserve our music.”