Rita Ora

Rita Ora

Rita Ora is a singer-songwriter from Pristina, born in 1990 and raised in London after her family moves to the UK. She is associated with contemporary R&B, dance-pop, electropop, pop and pop rock, and works under the name Rita Sahatciu Ora.

Early life and training

Ora attends the Sylvia Young Theatre School in her early teens. Her early profile in the UK grows through collaborations with Craig David. She also auditions for the BBC competition Your Country Needs You, which is intended to choose the United Kingdom’s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest, but she withdraws before the contest process continues.

Recording career

In 2009, Ora signs to Roc Nation, the label associated with Jay-Z, and relocates to the United States. Her debut album, ORA, is released in 2012. During this period, her single “How We Do (Party)” is introduced to radio in New York after executives hear material from the album.

In December 2015, Ora brings a legal action against Roc Nation, arguing that the recording contract is unenforceable and saying she is restricted from releasing more music than the label allows. Roc Nation files a counterclaim in January 2016, and the dispute is settled in May 2016. She later signs a new deal with Atlantic Records and Warner Music Group.

Phoenix and later work

Ora’s second studio album, Phoenix, is released in 2018. Its lead single, “Your Song,” reaches the UK top ten, while “Anywhere” and “Let You Love Me” both reach the top five. “Let You Love Me” makes her the first British female solo artist to have thirteen UK top ten singles. Phoenix is supported by the Phoenix World Tour, which begins in March 2018 and ends in July 2019. In 2019, she says work has begun on a third studio album.

Collaborations and appearances

Ora’s early UK exposure includes several collaborations with Craig David. She also appears in Band Aid 30 and Live Lounge Allstars.