Rita Ora is an award winning singer, songwriter and actress. She was born in the capital of Kosovo and left her family when she was one years old. A Kosovo refugee, Perhaps it was this drive alongside obvious talent that has dictated her success.
‘That word [refugee] carries a lot of prejudice but it also made us determined to survive. When you put anyone into an alien environment, where other people aren’t completely comfortable with them being there, they are automatically going to be defensive. It’s the rule of the jungle, right?’
In this interview with the BBC, Rita explains her transition from refugee to chart reign. Rita also highlights the sacrifices made by her family ensuring her safety and enabling her to realise her talent. It’s an inspiring story and it’s so apparent that hard work and determination can get you anywhere once safety is ensured. (Interview starts at 1:45)
All this week we’ve been highlighting the challenges faced, as well as celebrating the contributions of refugees in the UK and we’d encourage you to visit the ‘Traces Project’, commissioned by Counterpoint Arts. It’s brief is ‘An untold history of contributions to arts and culture from men and women who have sought safety in the UK from conflict and persecution’. It’s a digital timeline that brilliantly captures individuals contributions and displays the diversity and breadth contribution to art & culture in the UK.
The Traces Project tells of the previously untold history through the prism of arts, culture and creativity. It highlights how artists and practitioners who have sought safety from conflict and persecution have hugely contributed to everyday life in the UK, enhancing a national sense of collective well being.