Rita Ora

Introduction:

Rita Ora, (born Rita Sahatçiu on 26 November 1990), is a British singer, songwriter, and actress who gained prominence with her feature on DJ Fresh’s 2012 UK number-one single “Hot Right Now”. She has since established herself as a notable figure in the pop music scene, with multiple chart-topping hits and a presence in film and television.

Early Life and Background:

Born in Pristina, in what is now Kosovo, to Albanian parents Vera (née Bajraktari) and Besnik Sahatçiu, Rita moved to London with her family in 1991 due to political unrest in the region. Her mother is a psychiatrist, and her father owned a pub. To simplify pronunciation, her father added “Ora” to the family surname. Raised in West London, Rita attended St Cuthbert with St Matthias CE Primary School in Earls Court, followed by the Sylvia Young Theatre School and later St Charles Catholic Sixth Form College. From a young age, she exhibited a passion for performing arts, particularly singing.

Music Career:

Rita Ora’s initial foray into the music industry included collaborations with British artists such as Craig David on “Awkward” and Tinchy Stryder’s “Where’s Your Love”. In 2009, she signed with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label, marking a significant turning point in her career. Her feature on DJ Fresh’s “Hot Right Now” in 2012 brought her into the spotlight, leading to the release of her debut album, “Ora”, the same year. The album debuted at number one in the UK and spawned chart-topping singles like “How We Do (Party)” and “R.I.P.” featuring Tinie Tempah.

In 2014, she released “I Will Never Let You Down”, produced by Calvin Harris, which became her fourth UK number-one single. That year, she also featured on Iggy Azalea’s “Black Widow”, further cementing her position in the pop music landscape.

After a period of legal disputes and parting ways with Roc Nation, Rita released her second studio album, “Phoenix”, in 2018. The album included successful singles such as “Your Song”, “Anywhere”, and “Let You Love Me”, with the latter making her the first British female solo artist to achieve thirteen top ten songs in the UK.

Personal Life:

Rita Ora has been linked to several high-profile relationships. She dated Calvin Harris from 2013 to 2014 and was in a relationship with rapper Ricky Hil in 2014. In March 2021, she began dating New Zealand filmmaker Taika Waititi, and the couple married in an intimate ceremony in London on 8 August 2022.

Legacy and Influence:

Rita Ora has made a significant impact on the UK pop music scene, known for her distinctive voice and fashion sense. Her ability to consistently produce chart-topping hits has solidified her status as a prominent figure in contemporary pop music.

Recent Activities:

In addition to her music career, Rita has ventured into television, serving as a coach on “The Voice UK” and a judge on “The X Factor” and “The Masked Singer UK”. She has also pursued acting, appearing in films such as “Fifty Shades of Grey” and its sequels. In 2023, she was an interval act in the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Rita continues to engage with her audience through various platforms and remains an active presence in the entertainment industry.