President of the Republic, Ilir Meta, awarded this Friday the high title "Grand Master" to the famous singer of Albanian folk music, Ylli Baka, for his outstanding achievements in the promotion of folk music to a new level. 

President writes that the title was given to Baka with the motivation: "With gratitude for the successful efforts and outstanding achievements in the presentation and promotion to a new level of folk song, especially that of the South of Albania, as well as for its dignified representation at home and abroad. For the outstanding contribution in the field of culture, in the rare interpretation of the folk song, but also in the protection and promotion of the Albanian cultural heritage as part of the golden fund of the National Folklore ”. 

In his greeting speech to family members and art personalities, present at the solemn decoration ceremony, President Meta stressed that Ylli Baka has played the role of a bridge between the polyphonic song of the South and that of Toske of Skrapar. 

He further said that Ylli Baka is one of the most favorite singers for Albanians in Albania and everywhere in the world. 

"Ylli Baka does not need much presentation because it is rare for Albanians not to have heard and sung at least one of his songs. Much loved and appreciated for his magical voice and characteristic interpretation, he has already won the hearts and warm applause of the public with merit, becoming with his repertoire, an inseparable part of the joys in Albanian families. 

For the contribution given to the presentation of the folk song of the South, inside and outside the country, as well as for the protection and promotion of the Albanian cultural heritage, today I had the pleasure to appreciate Ylli Baka, with the high title 'Grand Master'," underlined the President.