Dr Flori passes away
Rushed to hospital in Tirana this morning, he was declared dead on arrival. Natural causes are expected, but doctors have not yet excluded other causes; Albeu.com reports suggestions of tachycardia resulting from possible drug use.
Dr. Flori wrote ‘Zjarr e ftohtë‘ together with Klodian Qafoku, the song performed by Luiz Ejlli which won Festivali i Këngës in December 2005 and went on to represent Albania at Eurovision 2006 in Athens. Most recently, he has written ‘Vetëm ti’ (‘Only you’), a song for Rezarta Smaja which she is scheduled to perform at Festivali i Këngës 53 this December. Again, it is a joint composition with Klodian Qafoku.
As part of the group, Westside Family, Dr. Flori participated in Festivali i Këngës 47, finishing in third behind Kejsi Tola. Their song, Jehonë later became a collaboration together with Aurela Gaçe. He took part as a soloist in the 50th festival and collaborated with Fabi at the 51st festival, reaching the final on both occasions. As a rapper he is noted for bringing urban music to a festival which is traditionally not greatly forward looking in terms of musical evolution.
His greatest chart success came together with Aurela Gaçe, with the summer release of ‘Origjinale‘ in 2010 which won a Balkan Music Award for best song.
Aurela Gaçe has said this morning,: “I can not find words… On of the few true [artists]who had special spiritual connection. I do not believe yet that you’re not here”.
Albania’s Eurovision entrant from 2010, Juliana Pasha, this morning gave her support to Dr Flori’s family on her facebook page, Condolences to the family for this great loss and unexpected. Lord comfort your hearts. God be with you, Flori.
Only last month an official fan page was set up on Facebook, here. Dr Flori was in the public eye as the winner of Celebrity Big Brother Albania, 2013.
He is survived by his wife and two children. A boy and a baby girl.
Festivali i Këngës 53, slated to include Dr. Flori’s composition for Rezarta Smaja takes place 26 – 28 December 2014.
