Greek singer Marina Vlachaki broke down in tears during a broadcast of the television show Super Katerina on Tuesday, September 22, following the death of singer Giorgos Mazonakis. Vlachaki revealed that she cried for three days after learning of his passing and admitted that she still cannot believe he is gone.
Speaking on the morning entertainment program, Vlachaki recalled her long relationship with Mazonakis, whom she has known since he was a child. She described him as a kind and naturally gifted individual who was born to be a star regardless of the circumstances. She noted that she first met him when he was 18 years old.
Early Collaboration and First Stage Steps
Vlachaki detailed how the pair first worked together during the 1990 to 1991 performance season, just a few months after the death of famed Greek vocalist Stratos Dionysiou. The engagement marked the first major venue where Mazonakis performed professionally in his career.
According to Vlachaki, an acquaintance named Fragkiskos brought the young singer to her and suggested that he accompany her on stage. Fragkiskos urged her to listen to Mazonakis sing a duet titled Kratise me, promising that she would be impressed by his vocal abilities.
During their initial meeting, Mazonakis performed songs originally recorded by popular Greek singer Yannis Parios. Vlachaki said that his performance left her speechless during rehearsal, prompting her to offer him the job immediately so they could begin working together.
Friendship and Recognition of Support
Following their early musical partnership, the two performers formed a close personal friendship and spent time together frequently outside of work. Vlachaki recalled meeting his parents and family, describing them as sweet people who supported the young artist.
Vlachaki emphasized that Mazonakis remained grateful throughout his life to those who assisted him in his early career. She mentioned being deeply moved during an episode of the television show The Voice the previous year, when Mazonakis publicly credited her with helping launch his career in nighttime entertainment.
Funeral Absence and Planned Memorial Visit
Explaining her absence from his funeral service, Vlachaki stated that she was currently staying on the island of Crete and was unable to travel due to circumstances beyond her control. She expressed deep sorrow at missing the final farewell for her former stage partner.
Vlachaki added that her priority upon returning to Athens will be to visit his grave to pay her personal respects. Athens is the capital of Greece, where major funeral services and burial grounds for national cultural figures are located.
Investigation and Family Statements
The singer's death has prompted widespread reactions across Greece alongside ongoing official inquiries into the circumstances of his passing. Greek authorities are currently investigating new evidence related to his death, focusing on factors including intoxication, the use of a defibrillator, and the administration of adrenaline.
Family members have also publicly expressed their grief and called for answers regarding the incident. His mother stated that she is demanding justice for the memory of her beloved child, while his relative Maria Mazonaki shared that she hopes he did not suffer and confessed that she has been unable to sleep at night. In a separate family gesture, his 14-year-old nephew performed the song Ores Mikres as his personal way of saying goodbye.
Legal developments related to the case have also emerged within Athenian civic institutions. The historic Athens Club announced a six-month suspension for a member named Theodoropoulos following his pre-trial detention in connection with the investigation into Mazonakis's death.
