Rita Ora reflects on refugee journey to stardom

Rita Ora has spoken candidly about her upbringing as a refugee, saying she is "proud to be an immigrant" and credits her family's journey to the United Kingdom with shaping both her outlook on life and her successful career.

Born in Pristina, Kosovo, Ora moved to London with her family as a baby after they fled the persecution of ethnic Albanians during the early 1990s. 

Her parents rebuilt their lives from scratch after arriving in Britain, with her mother retraining as a psychiatrist and her father working to support the family.

Reflecting on her experiences, the 35-year-old singer said immigrants often develop a strong drive to succeed because they constantly feel the need to prove themselves. 

According to Daily Mail, she described that determination as one of the defining forces behind her work ethic throughout her music and acting career.

Ora also expressed gratitude for the opportunities she found in Britain, saying her family's decision to leave Kosovo allowed her to pursue dreams that might otherwise have been impossible. 

Moreover, she added that she hopes people focus on the positive contributions immigrants make to society rather than negative stereotypes.

The singer, who is now married to filmmaker Taika Waititi, has expanded her career beyond music into television and film while continuing to champion refugee causes.

She has previously spoken publicly about her family's experiences and has supported campaigns promoting greater understanding of displaced communities.