Rita Ora is a renowned British singer-songwriter, born Rita Sahatçiu Ora in 1990, in the capital city of Kosovo, Pristina, to her parents, Vera (Bajraktari) and Besnik Sahatçiu. Notably, she is a granddaughter of the esteemed director, Besim Sahatçiu. At the tender age of one, her family made the bold decision to relocate to the United Kingdom, where she would grow up in the vibrant city of West London.
Ora's early years were marked by a strong passion for singing, which she developed at a young age. She attended St Cuthbert with St Matthias CE Primary School in Earls Court, followed by Sylvia Young Theatre School and later St Charles Catholic Sixth Form College. This educational background laid the foundation for her future success in the entertainment industry.
Before her music career took off, Ora made her acting debut in the 2004 British film, Spivs. She also auditioned for Eurovision: Your Country Needs You on BBC One to represent the United Kingdom in the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest. Although she withdrew from the competition after a few episodes, her determination and perseverance eventually paid off.
In 2007, Ora released her first music track, "Awkward," featuring Craig David, and subsequently appeared on "Where's Your Love" by Tinchy Stryder in 2008. The music video for this track showcased her talent and versatility as a performer. Ora's early music releases were followed by her appearances in bars and clubs around London, where she honed her craft and built a loyal fan base.
Her big break came in 2009 when a talent scout from Roc Nation discovered her and introduced her to Jay-Z. She flew to New York, met with the hip-hop mogul, and was subsequently signed to Roc Nation. Ora's debut with the label came with a cameo appearance in Jay-Z's music video for "Young Forever" and Drake's "Over." Her impressive performance caught the attention of Jay-Z, who quietly signed her to Roc Nation, featuring her in a commercial for Roc Nation + Skullcandy Aviator Headphones.
