Makeup artist Olti Shulla has shared details from his collaboration with the late Greek singer George Mazonakis, offering a portrait of an artist who was demanding in his work, careful about his image and had clear rituals before going on stage.
A collaboration that began in Albania
In a television interview, Shulla said he had been contacted when Mazonakis came to Albania for a performance. According to him, his name had been suggested to the singer and he was then selected to handle the artist’s appearance.
He said he had initially thought his work would end after the first preparation, but the situation quickly changed. According to Shulla, Mazonakis asked for him to return again to fix him up after the performance as well.
“Demanding,” but focused on detail
Shulla described Mazonakis as an artist who was “a bit demanding,” suggesting that he had high expectations for how he should appear.
At the same time, he stressed that the singer took great care of himself and of his image on stage. According to his account, Mazonakis stood out for the way he dressed and for the standard he maintained in his appearance.
The impression he left on the Albanian makeup artist
According to Shulla, his energy and work were appreciated by Mazonakis, which also opened the possibility for other collaborations.
He said the singer had also invited him to Greece for further engagements, showing that the contact between them had not remained limited to just one performance.
The moment before the stage: prayer in the room
One of the details that has stayed with Shulla the most is linked to the singer’s religious faith.
According to him, before going out to perform, Mazonakis asked to be left alone for a few minutes in the room. There, as the makeup artist recounted, there was a cross on the table and the singer would pray before stepping onto the stage.
Shulla’s account brings out a more personal side of the Greek artist, away from the stage and public performance.
In just a few sentences, he described Mazonakis as a demanding name in his profession, disciplined about his image and strongly connected to his faith.