"BonBon"
Single by Era Istrefi
LanguageAlbanian
Released30 December 2015 (2015-12-30)
Genre
Length2:55
Label
Songwriter(s)
  • Era Istrefi
  • Ergen Berisha
Producer(s)
Era Istrefi singles chronology
"Shumë Pis"
(2015)		 "BonBon"
(2015)		 "Redrum"
(2017)
Alternative cover
Music video
"BonBon" on YouTube

"BonBon" (Albanian pronunciation: [bɔn bɔn]) is a song by Kosovo-Albanian singer and songwriter Era Istrefi. The song was written by Istrefi and Ergen Berisha, while produced by Big Bang, Cricket and Toton. Nesër released it as a single for digital download and streaming in the United States on 30 December 2015. A dance-pop, dancehall, EDM and R&B song, its Albanian-language lyrics imply a message of empowerment and self-love. The song received widespread acclaim from music critics, several of whom praised the music and lyrics as well as Istrefi's appearance. Some praised Istrefi's vocal delivery, likening it to Rihanna or Sia. The song became Istrefi's breakthrough single, topping the charts in Albania and reaching the top 10 in four other countries. It was awarded gold certifications in various countries alongside a platinum certification in France by the Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique (SNEP).

For promotion, an accompanying music video was uploaded to Nesër's YouTube channel on 30 December 2015, before it was transferred to the channel of Ultra Music on 7 March 2016. Filmed in the mountainous region of Brezovicë, Kosovo, the video depicts Istrefi walking across a snow-covered road. The singer performed the song at several occasions throughout 2016, including in Albania, Germany, France and Romania.

Background and composition

Born into an Albanian musical family, Istrefi began pursuing a professional music career in 2013 and rose to widespread attention in the Albanian-speaking territories at a relatively early stage.[1] She made her international breakthrough in early 2016, after the release of BonBon", which secured her a recording contract with Ultra Music.[1][2] With a length of two minutes and 47 seconds, Nesër released it as a single for digital download and streaming in the United States on 30 December 2015.[3] It was written by Istrefi and Ergen Berisha, with the production handled by Big Bang, Cricket and Toton.[4][5][6] Johnny Horesco and Miles Walker mastered and mixed the song, respectively.[6] Musically, "BonBon" is as a dance-pop,[7] EDM,[8] R&B[9] and dancehall-leaning song.[10] During the song's Albanian-language and occasional English lyrics, Istrefi implies an empowerment message, singing about self-love and how she does not need anyone to make her feel happy.[2][10][11]

Reception

Upon its release, "BonBon" was met with widespread acclaim from music critics. Many critics praised Istrefi's appearance and vocal delivery, constantly comparing it to that of Barbadian artist Rihanna and Australian musician Sia.[12][13][14] David Rishty from Billboard also responded positively towards the song and linked her aesthetic to that of American disc jockey-trio Major Lazer.[2] Ultra Music's executive Patrick complimented the song for its "oriental" appeal and found the lyrical alternation between Albanian and English as "seamless" and "special".[2] Tanja Hill of The Source wrote that Istrefi portrays a "smooth" and "sexy" sound with an "irresistible" beat.[15] The staff of BigFM expected a chart success in Germany and wrote that "BonBon", including its "smooth, sexy-smoky-sounding tones" fusing pop, reggae and dubstep, was destined for a chill evening.[16] Fans of "BonBon" included Bebe Rexha,[17] Imany,[18] Jelena Karleuša,[19] Jesse Saint John,[20] Katy Perry,[20] Kim Kardashian[21] and P. Diddy.[22] "BonBon" won the Song of the Year at the 2016 Top Music Awards in Tirana, Albania.[23][24] Istrefi also was awarded the 2017 European Border Breakers Award for the single's achievements and success.[25][26]

"BonBon" experienced widespread success on record charts, reaching top 10 positions were achieved in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS),[27] Germany,[28] Greece,[29] Lebanon,[30] Romania,[31] Russia and Sweden.[32][33] "BonBon" further reached the top 50 in Australia,[34] Austria,[35] Belgium,[36][37] Denmark,[38] France,[39] Switzerland and Ukraine.[40][41] Due to high sales, "BonBon" was awarded gold certifications in Australia,[42] Canada,[43] Denmark,[44] Germany,[45] Italy[46] and the Netherlands.[47] In February 2017, the single also received a platinum certification by the Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique (SNEP) in France for shifting more than 133,333 units.[48]

Promotion and other usage

The music video for "BonBon" was shot in Brezovicë, Kosovo.

Upon her international breakthrough, Istrefi performed "BonBon" in various countries. In 2016, the singer provided live performances at the Top Music Awards and Skopje Calling Festival in June,[49][50] as well as at the NRJ Music Tour in Roubaix in July and the Coca-Cola Happy Energy Tour in Sofia in September.[51][52] She later performed the song at the Untold Festival in Cluj-Napoca in August 2017.[53] In May 2016, she further went on to perform "BonBon" on German game show Schlag den Star and French television programme Mad Mag.[54][55][56] The single was further featured on an episode of American series Dynasty in 2016 and in the dance video game Just Dance 2017.[57][58] Greek actress Konnie Metaxa and Romanian singer Adina Răducan impersonated Istrefi and provided performances of the recording for the Greek and Romanian versions of the reality talent show of Your Face Sounds Familiar, respectively.[59][60]

Music video

An accompanying music video for "BonBon" was initially uploaded to Nesër's official YouTube channel on 30 December 2015.[61] After she was signed to the label, the video was transferred on 7 March 2016 to the channel of American record label Ultra Music on the aforementioned platform.[62][63] The three-minute long video was filmed in the mountainous region of Brezovicë, Kosovo.[64] It features scenes of Istrefi walking across a snow-covered road dressed in a green parka-jacket with bright pink fur.[62][64]

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal.[6]

  • Era Istrefi – composing, songwriting, vocals
  • Big Bang – producing
  • Cricket – songwriting
  • Ergen Berisha – songwriting
  • Johnny Horesco – mastering
  • Miles Walker – mixing
  • Toton – songwriting

Track listing

  • Digital download[3]
  1. "BonBon" – 2:47
  • Digital download – EP[65]
  1. "BonBon" – 2:47
  2. "BonBon" (English Version) – 2:47
  3. "BonBon" (Post Malone Remix) – 3:22
  4. "BonBon" (Marshmello Remix) – 3:03
  5. "BonBon" (Luca Schreiner Remix) – 5:35

Charts

Certifications

Certifications and sales for "BonBon"
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[42] Gold 35,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[43] Gold 40,000‡
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[44] Gold 45,000‡
France (SNEP)[48] Platinum 133,333‡
Germany (BVMI)[45] Platinum 400,000‡
Italy (FIMI)[46] Gold 25,000‡
Netherlands (NVPI)[47] Gold 15,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Release dates and formats for "BonBon"
Region Date Format(s) Label Ref.
United States 30 December 2015
  • Digital download
  • streaming
 Nesër
CIS 30 March 2016 Radio airplay Sony
Italy 8 April 2016
Various 21 July 2016
  • Digital download
  • streaming
  • B1
  • Nesër
  • Ultra

References

  1. 1 2 "Era Istrefi erobert die Welt" (in German). AlbInfo. 25 May 2016. Archived from the original on 16 February 2022. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Rishty, David (22 March 2016). "Ultra Music's Patrick Moxey on New Signee Era Istrefi, Rihanna & Sia Parallels: Exclusive". Billboard. Archived from the original on 14 December 2021. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  3. 1 2 3 "BonBon – Single by Era Istrefi on Apple Music". Apple Music. 30 December 2015. Archived from the original on 11 February 2016. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  4. ↑ "Era Istrefi publikon këngën e re me videoklip". Lajmi (in Albanian). 30 December 2015. Archived from the original on 1 February 2020. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
  5. ↑ "Era Istrefi publikon 'Bonbon'" (in Albanian). Privé. 30 December 2015. Archived from the original on 1 February 2020. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
  6. 1 2 3 "BonBon / Era Istrefi – Tidal". Tidal. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  7. ↑ "Era Istrefi Dance Pop 'Bonbon'". Köln News (in German). 3 April 2016. Archived from the original on 11 August 2020. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  8. ↑ "Era Istrefi Releases 'Bonbon (Post Malone Remix)'; 'The Bonbon Ep' Out Now". RCA Records. 25 July 2016. Archived from the original on 5 July 2020. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  9. ↑ Wernke-Schmiesing, S. (15 April 2016). "Musikvideo Era Istrefi – Bonbon" (in German). Dance-Charts. Archived from the original on 20 January 2021. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  10. 1 2 Pell, Mike (7 September 2016). "Era Istrefi on being Rihanna & Sia's Lovechild: 'I'll Take It!'". MTV. Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  11. ↑ Baltin, Steve (14 July 2017). "Meet Future Pop Star Era Istrefi". Forbes. Archived from the original on 14 July 2017. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
  12. ↑ O'Connor, Roisin (5 October 2016). "Era Istrefi: The Albanian artist drawing comparisons to Sia and Rihanna". The Independent. Archived from the original on 30 March 2019. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  13. ↑ "Era Istrefi – The Vogue". The Vogue. Archived from the original on 12 February 2022. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  14. ↑ Levine, Nick (11 August 2016). "Era Istrefi Is the 22-Year-Old Albanian Singer Who Got Famous in 24 Hours". Vice. Archived from the original on 13 May 2021. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  15. ↑ Hill, Tanja (20 July 2016). "Check Out Era Istrefi's 'BonBon' Remix with Post Malone". The Source. Archived from the original on 6 July 2020. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  16. ↑ "Era Istrefi: BonBon" (in German). BigFM. 17 March 2016. Archived from the original on 18 August 2016. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  17. ↑ "Sa e madhe Bebe Rexha – përshëndet shqiptarët, këndon live 'BonBon' të Era Istrefit". Telegrafi (in Albanian). 15 December 2016. Archived from the original on 19 December 2016. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  18. ↑ "Artistja e njohur Imany këndon 'BonBon' të Era Istrefit (Video)". Telegrafi (in Albanian). 1 February 2017. Archived from the original on 3 February 2017. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  19. ↑ "Jelena Karleusa dridh të pasmet nën ritmet e 'BonBon', por ka edhe dy fjalë për Era Istrefin". Telegrafi (in Albanian). 27 March 2017. Archived from the original on 30 March 2017. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  20. 1 2 "Era Istrefi promovohet në faqen zyrtare në 'Twitter' të Katy Perryt". Telegrafi (in Albanian). 6 December 2016. Archived from the original on 10 December 2016. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  21. ↑ "'BonBon' i Era Istrefit në listën e këngëve të preferuara të Kim Kardashian". Telegrafi (in Albanian). 15 December 2016. Archived from the original on 17 December 2016. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  22. ↑ "Edhe P.Diddy adhurues i 'BonBon' të Era Istrefit". Telegrafi (in Albanian). 27 December 2016. Archived from the original on 31 December 2016. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  23. ↑ Velija, Kreizia (25 June 2016). "Top Music Awards; Epoka e re e eventeve muzikore" (in Albanian). Top Albania Radio. Archived from the original on 13 February 2022. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  24. ↑ Velija, Kreizia (28 June 2016). "Era Istrefi set fotografik për revistën e famshme amerikane" (in Albanian). Top Albania Radio. Archived from the original on 13 February 2022. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  25. ↑ "2017 European Border Breakers Award". European Border Breakers Award (EBBA). Archived from the original on 10 November 2017. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  26. ↑ "Era Istrefi announced as winner of 2017 European Border Breakers Awards (EBBA)". Buma Culture. 2 December 2016. Archived from the original on 13 February 2022. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  27. 1 2 3 Era Istrefi — BonBon. TopHit. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  28. 1 2 "Era Istrefi – BonBon" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  29. 1 2 "Greece Digital Songs – July 9, 2016". Billboard. 9 July 2016. Archived from the original on 25 May 2019. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  30. 1 2 "The Official Lebanese Top 20 – Archive: Week 22 May 2016". The Official Lebanese Top 20. Archived from the original on 19 October 2021. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  31. 1 2 "Media Forest Weekly Charts: Week: 25. Period: 20-06-2016 26-06-2016". Media Forest. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  32. 1 2 "Top Radio Hits Russia (11 July 2016)". Tophit. Archived from the original on 18 September 2021. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  33. 1 2 "Veckolista Heatseeker, vecka 26, 2016" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Archived from the original on 3 May 2021. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  34. 1 2 "Era Istrefi – BonBon". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  35. 1 2 "Era Istrefi – BonBon" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  36. 1 2 "Era Istrefi – BonBon" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  37. 1 2 "Era Istrefi – BonBon" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  38. 1 2 "Era Istrefi – BonBon". Tracklisten. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  39. 1 2 "Era Istrefi – BonBon" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  40. 1 2 "Era Istrefi – BonBon". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  41. 1 2 "Top Radio Hits Ukraine (11 July 2016)". Tophit. Archived from the original on 18 September 2021. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  42. 1 2 "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2016 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  43. 1 2 "Canadian single certifications – Era Istrefi – BonBon". Music Canada. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  44. 1 2 "Danish single certifications – Era Istrefi – BonBon". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  45. 1 2 "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Era Istrefi; 'BonBon')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  46. 1 2 "Italian single certifications – Era Istrefi – BonBon" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved 12 February 2022. Select "2016" in the "Anno" drop-down menu. Select "BonBon" in the "Filtra" field. Select "Singoli" under "Sezione".
  47. 1 2 "Dutch single certifications – Era Istrefi – BonBon" (in Dutch). Nederlandse Vereniging van Producenten en Importeurs van beeld- en geluidsdragers. Retrieved 12 February 2022. Enter BonBon in the "Artiest of titel" box.
  48. 1 2 "French single certifications – Era Istrefi – BonBon" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  49. ↑ "Top Music Awards 2016, Era Istrefi, Performance" (in Albanian). Top Channel. Archived from the original on 24 January 2022. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  50. ↑ "Performanca e Erës në Shkup". Telegrafi (in Albanian). 6 June 2016. Archived from the original on 13 September 2016. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  51. ↑ "NRJ Music Tour 2016 : on refait le film !" (in French). Roubaixxl. 6 July 2016. Archived from the original on 27 November 2020. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  52. ↑ "Ера Истрефи за първи път в България – не е мечта, а реалност!" (in Bulgarian). View Sofia. 12 August 2016. Archived from the original on 13 February 2022. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  53. ↑ "Era Istrefi solli atmosferë fantastike në Rumani". Telegrafi (in Albanian). 6 August 2017. Archived from the original on 10 August 2017. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  54. ↑ "Schlag den Star: Era Istrefi – BonBon" (in German). My Spass. Archived from the original on 6 March 2021. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  55. ↑ "Performanca e Erës në televizonin e njohur gjerman". Telegrafi (in Albanian). 8 May 2016. Archived from the original on 16 August 2016. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  56. ↑ "Era Istrefi çmend francezët, performon 'live' në televizion". Telegrafi (in Albanian). 25 May 2016. Archived from the original on 30 September 2016. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  57. ↑ "'Bonbon' e Era Istrefit dëgjohet në prapavijën e serialit të famshëm amerikan 'Dynasty'". Telegrafi (in Albanian). 20 April 2019. Archived from the original on 20 April 2019. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  58. ↑ "'Bonbon' e Era Istrefit, tashmë pjesë e videolojës së famshme 'Just Dance 2017'". Telegrafi (in Albanian). 17 August 2016. Archived from the original on 24 October 2016. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  59. ↑ "Your Face Sounds Familiar: Απολαύστε όλες τις μεταμφιέσεις του 8ου live! – Βίντεο" (in Greek). Zappit. 15 June 2016. Archived from the original on 15 May 2021. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  60. ↑ "'Bonbon' și o provocare de zile mari! Adina Răducan a cântat în dialectul albanez gheg. Și ce moment a ieșit!" (in Romanian). Antena 1 (A1). 22 October 2016. Archived from the original on 28 February 2017. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  61. ↑ Era Istrefi – Bonbon | Official Music Video. Nesër. 30 December 2015. Archived from the original on 21 January 2016. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  62. 1 2 Era Istrefi – Bonbon | Official Music Video. Ultra Music. 7 March 2016. Archived from the original on 26 January 2022. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  63. ↑ "Sony Music merr përgjegjësinë për klipin 'BonBon', video e Erës largohet nga kanali shqiptar". Telegrafi (in Albanian). 11 March 2016. Archived from the original on 13 May 2016. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  64. 1 2 "Era Istrefi Knows You Wanna Taste It Bonbon". Think In Electronic. 21 July 2016. Archived from the original on 2 March 2021. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  65. 1 2 Citations regarding the release of "BonBon" by Era Istrefi in various selected countries:
  66. ↑ "Era Istrefi Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  67. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Change the chart to CZ – SINGLES DIGITAL – TOP 100 and insert 201628 into search. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
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  69. ↑ "Classifica settimanale WK 28 (dal 08.07.2016 al 14.07.2016)" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Archived from the original on 5 February 2019. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  70. ↑ "Era Istrefi – BonBon" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  71. ↑ "Media Forest Weekly Charts: Week: 25. Period: 20-06-2016 26-06-2016". Media Forest. Archived from the original on 14 April 2022. Retrieved 14 April 2022. Note: Select 'Songs – TV'. Romanian and international positions are rendered together by the number of plays before resulting an overall chart.
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  73. ↑ "Top All Media Hits Russia Monthly Chart – July 2016". Tophit. 1 July 2016. Archived from the original on 14 April 2022. Retrieved 14 April 2022.
  74. ↑ "Top Radio Hits Ukraine Monthly Chart – July 2016". Tophit. 1 July 2016. Archived from the original on 14 April 2022. Retrieved 14 April 2022.
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  76. ↑ "2016 Annual Report" (PDF). PROPHON. p. 35. Archived (PDF) from the original on 19 August 2021. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
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  79. ↑ "Top 100 Single – Jahrescharts" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Archived from the original on 15 November 2020. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  80. ↑ "Top Radio Hits Russia Annual Chart 2016". Tophit. Archived from the original on 25 December 2021. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  81. ↑ "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 2016" (in German). Swiss Hitparade. Archived from the original on 30 January 2022. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  82. ↑ "Top Radio Hits Ukraine Annual Chart 2016". Tophit. Archived from the original on 26 December 2021. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  83. ↑ "Hot Dance/Electronic Songs – Year-End Charts". Billboard. Archived from the original on 8 October 2021. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
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