Rita Ora’s Parents Fled from Their War-Torn Country When Rita Was 1

Rita Ora’s parents were living in Pristina, SFR Yugoslavia, modern-day Kosovo when their singer and songwriter daughter was born and had to flee the country the following year.

Rita Ora is not only a singer and songwriter but also an actress. Her parents have always supported her career and did everything they could to see her succeed.

She rose to fame and became one of the best-known artists in the UK and globally. Since her career took off, she has released two studio albums, two EPs, and over 20 singles.

Besnik, Rita, and Vera Ora at the “Phoenix” album launch party on November 19, 2018, in London | Source: Getty Images

Rita Ora’s Parents Had Fled from the War to the United Kingdom

Although Rita was born in Kosovo on November 26, 1990, her parents are from Albania. During the decade-long war in Kosovo, Rita’s parents decided to leave with their children and move to the UK to avoid persecution.

Their family name was Sahatçiu which meant watchmaker in Turkish, but her parents changed it to Ora for easier pronunciation. Ora is the Albanian word for time.

Rita Ora’s Mom Did Everything Possible for Her to Explore Her Talents

Rita’s mother, Vera, was also born in Kosovo. When they relocated to London, she had two kids. Her eldest daughter, Elena, was three. Six years later, she had her son Dan.

Although she was a general practitioner before she moved, the British health system did not recognize her degree, so she spent that time reinvesting in herself while caring for her family.

When Rita started schooling, her teachers spotted her talent and told her parents to invest in her. Part of their investment as parents was to send their daughter to a private school with other talented children.

Rita Ora’s parents believed in their daughter’s talents and did not worry about the high tuition fee when they enrolled her in Sylvia Young Theatre School, a specialist performing arts school.

The musician proved her parents correct, as her talent and personality did not go unnoticed at school. In no time, she began acting in movies and plays while singing at concerts.

When Rita finally became famous, her mother was pleased. She revealed that her daughter had accomplished her wish. Vera said:

“It is a big satisfaction to know that Rita is doing the job that she loves.”

Despite Rita’s fame, her family’s life did not change. Vera disclosed that the only thing that changed was that they could not meet industry folks they used to know as public figures or see on TV.

Vera gained her General Medical Council license and specialized in psychiatry. According to her Instagram bio, she currently works as an NHS psychiatrist and mental health and breast cancer advocate.

Rita Ora’s Musical Beginnings Involved Performing in Her Father’s Pub

Rita’s parents disclosed that their daughter never stopped singing, no matter the place and time. Besnik, her father, installed modern music equipment in her room to encourage her.

As a teenager, she would perform in her father’s pub in Kilburn after school, and he never stopped her. He purchased the pub in the 1990s and still owns the place.

However, the first time agents wanted to sign Rita; she was with her mother in the park. There was a concert, and she wished she could sing onstage. Vera made her daughter’s wish come true by speaking with the organizers.

After her performance, two agents offered her a music deal as they were looking for fresh talents. Throughout her career, she has continuously received her parents’ support.

Despite their belief in their daughter, Vera once disclosed that Rita’s success surpassed their expectations, and it was satisfying for them to witness her growth.

Rita released her first album in 2012, debuted at number one in the UK, and quickly rose to prominence. As an actress, her acting career began in 2004, and she has since starred in movies and series such as “Spivs,” “Bombshell,” “The Brief,” “Fast & Furious 6,” “Twist,” “Fifty Shades” movie trilogy, and more.

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