Greek Australian singer Tina Kokkalis has been chosen to perform the Greek and Australian national anthems at the opening of the much anticipated boxing match between George Kambosos Jr and Devin Haney this Sunday at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.
Kokkalis, expressed her surprise and honour with a post on her social media pages, and how proud she is to be next to her fellow Greek Australian compatriot George Kambosos jnr as he takes on Devin Haney in what is expected to be a spectacular show on home soil, with millions of Australians hoping Mr Ferocious defeats the American contender.
"Overwhelmed with the honour of being asked to sing both the Australian and Greek National Anthems in George Kambosos Jr.‘s corner at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium on Sunday at this epic event. Absolutely cannot explain how I’m feeling (some kind of mix of excitement, anxiousness and pure terror!) and my heart is already pumping outside of my chest. So special to be flying both flags as a Greek Australian myself at a historical sporting event of this magnitude. I’ll be giving it all I have and hope to do it justice and leave Australians and Greeks everywhere proud." posted Tina Kokkalis on her facebook page, along with photos of George Kambosos Jnr.
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Tina Kokkalis is a celebrated performer, appearing in front of thousands as a support act for some of Greece’s most prominent singers, including Pashalis Terzis and Dimitris Basis.
A versatile singer, Tina has performed various styles of Greek music over the years and different shows from modern Greek pop at club-style events; to laika and dimotika at various other functions and ‘horous.’
For Tina Kokkalis, music has been a part of her life from a young age. She grew up listening to the likes of Despina Vandi, Elena Paparizou, Anna Zissi and Natasa Theodoridou.
After meeting some musicians through a local singing competition, Tina was asked to take part in a local Greek night. Her very first gig was called “Grecia Live”.
In 2005, Tina was given the opportunity to audition for “Dreamshow – The Music”, for which the live auditions took place in Greece.
“From rock, pop, RnB, hip hop – I appreciate and listen to it all – often depending on my mood at the time.
“That’s the beautiful thing about music – there is a song or melody for every mood, feeling or experience,” says Tina.
In addition to Pashalis Terzis and Dimitris Basis, Tina has also worked with many notable artists including Nikos Vertis, Giorgos Mazonakis, Thanos Petrelis, and Stan Antipariotis.
“Singing for me is a form of expression and music often captures a feeling or emotion that I find can otherwise be hard to articulate,” says Tina.
“It’s almost like escaping to another world and going on a magical ride for a while.
“My heart is always racing before I get on stage, and then once the music starts, everything fades away.”
