Anita Bitri

Anita Bitri was an Albanian singer and violinist who was born in Tirana in 1968. She had her first music success at the age of sixteen, and she became popular in Albania with her song "First Love". She emigrated to the United States in 1996, where she continued her musical career. She participated in various festivals and competitions, such as the Festival of Youth in Bucharest, the Festival of Vienna, and the Kënga Magjike. She collaborated with many other Albanian singers, such as Vaçe Zela, Aurela Gaçe, and Ermal Mamaqi. She was known for her versatile voice and her performance of different genres, such as pop, rock, folk, and classical. She also played the violin and composed some of her own songs. She received many awards and honors for her artistic activity, such as Merited Artist of Albania in 1991, People's Artist of Albania in 1995, and Master of Greatness in 2004. She was married to Luan Prapaniku, who died of cancer shortly before her death. She had one daughter, Sibora Nini, who was also a singer. She was found dead in her Staten Island home along with her daughter and mother, due to an accidental carbon monoxide poisoning caused by faulty boiler ventilators. She was 36 years old. She was widely respected and loved by her fans and colleagues, and her songs are still played and enjoyed today.