Greek singer Katy Garbi paid an emotional tribute to her late colleague Dimitris Kokotas during a concert performance following his death at the age of 57.
Garbi performed the song Porselani, a track originally made famous by Kokotas that she has recorded for an upcoming music project featuring covers of songs composed by Phoebus and originally performed by male artists.
The tribute took place as the Greek artistic community mourned the loss of Kokotas, who had passed away after being hospitalized.
A tribute in song
Addressing the audience during her performance, Garbi said she felt deeply moved and wanted to share the moment with the crowd. She explained that shortly before Kokotas passed away, she had released a teaser snippet of her version of the song.
Garbi told spectators she had published the clip with great joy and enthusiasm so that Kokotas could hear it and share in the moment. She added that she had hoped and prayed for a miracle regarding his health, but said the miracle did not happen.
The singer emphasized that fellow artists have an obligation to perform the songs of beloved musicians who shone with their presence during their lives. She said performing these tracks ensures that such artists are never forgotten.
In a message shared on social media alongside a clip of the tribute, Garbi wrote that it was a moment that broke hearts like delicate porcelain. Addressing Kokotas directly, she wrote that the voice of the crowd belonged entirely to him that evening, promising that he would never be forgotten and wishing him a safe journey into the light.
Tributes from family and collaborators
The death of Kokotas drew heartfelt tributes from his family and long-time creative collaborators. His funeral took place on August 28, 2026, where his wife delivered a poignant eulogy.
Speaking at the service, his wife expressed her gratitude to Kokotas for their child and said she knew he would continue to watch over his family from above.
In statements made on August 26, 2026 while Kokotas was in the hospital, his wife had reflected on caring for him during his illness. She said that when you love someone, the word sacrifice does not exist, adding that she could not bring herself to skip a single day visiting him at the hospital.
Songwriter Phoebus, who composed many of Kokotas's biggest commercial hits, also paid tribute to the late performer on August 27, 2026. Phoebus stated that there were not enough words to say goodbye to a person who had marked his life so significantly.
Background on the artists
Dimitris Kokotas was a prominent Greek pop singer who gained widespread popularity in the 1990s. He was the son of the legendary Greek folk singer Stamatis Kokotas, carrying forward a distinguished musical legacy in Greek popular culture.
Katy Garbi is one of Greece's most enduring pop and laiko recording artists, having launched her career in the late 1980s and represented Greece at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1993. Her current project focuses on reinterpreting classic male-led Greek pop hits written by Phoebus.
Phoebus, born Phoebus Tassopoulos, is among the most successful songwriters and music producers in modern Greek music, having crafted landmark tracks and multi-platinum albums for numerous Greek recording stars throughout the 1990s and 2000s.
