The Greek entertainment industry remains in shock following the sudden death of Giorgos Mazonakis, with fellow artists, television personalities and longtime collaborators sharing messages of grief across social media.
Many of those who paid tribute described not only an influential performer but also a mentor, friend and supporter of younger artists starting their careers.
Michalis Hatzigiannis remembers a unique artist
Among the first to publicly pay tribute was Michalis Hatzigiannis.
The two artists worked together in 2022 on the anniversary album Paidi Diko Sou, marking 20 years of songwriter Eleana Vrahali's career. Hatzigiannis composed the music, while Mazonakis performed the song.
In his message, Hatzigiannis reflected on the music, songs and moments they shared, describing Mazonakis as an artist with a completely distinctive personal stamp.
He said he still found it difficult to believe the loss, adding that Mazonakis' voice and songs would continue to live on.
Christos Dantis: "I'm frozen"
Singer Christos Dantis also expressed his sorrow, choosing only a few words to say goodbye.
In a social media post, he described the way Mazonakis served music as "anarchic" and admitted that news of his death had left him speechless.
Foivos Delivorias recalls an artist unlike any other
One of the most emotional tributes came from Foivos Delivorias, who said the news felt as though "the ground disappeared beneath his feet."
Reflecting on their collaborations, Delivorias described Mazonakis as an artist who never belonged to convention and whose extraordinary talent came from his refusal to follow predictable paths.
He recalled the singer's personal rituals before entering the recording studio and praised his ability to elevate songs beyond what was originally written on the page.
Delivorias concluded that Mazonakis had dedicated himself completely to the world of nightlife and music and would remain a lasting light in Greek song.
Anastasia: "You were my beginning"
Singer Anastasia also shared a deeply personal message.
She credited Mazonakis with giving her one of her first major opportunities when he included her in his summer tour in 2022 following the success of her song Amarties.
Describing him as a mentor and a "school" in itself, she said she was struggling to come to terms with his loss.
She added that everything she experienced and learned through him would remain part of her life and career forever.
Psinakis speaks of decades-long friendship
Ilias Psinakis also paid tribute, recalling a friendship that stretched back decades.
He wrote that he had known Mazonakis from a young age and had remained close to him throughout his life and career.
Psinakis spoke of a relationship built on mutual affection and respect, saying the singer's death had left a huge void but also countless memories for those who knew him.
Τον Γιώργο τον ήξερα από μικρούλη. Ήμουν πάντα δίπλα του και τον στήριζα σε ό,τι ήθελε. Με εκτιμούσε και τον εκτιμούσα, με αγαπούσε και τον αγαπούσα. Ήμασταν φίλοι. Μπορεί να έζησε και να έφυγε όπως ήθελε, αλλά σ’ εμάς, τους φίλους του, άφησε ένα τεράστιο κενό και υπέροχες… pic.twitter.com/ntGscDJ8Ly
— Ηλίας Ψινάκης (@IliasPsinakis) September 9, 2026
Television personalities join tributes
Messages also came from figures in Greek television who had developed personal friendships with Mazonakis.
Antonis Sroiter described him as one of the very few artists he considered a genuine friend.
Natalia Germanou shared a photograph of the pair together and reflected on the singer's distinctive approach to life, noting that he had passed away far too soon.
Lasting legacy
The volume of tributes posted within hours of the singer's death highlighted both the shock felt across the industry and the lasting impact Mazonakis had on those around him.
For many colleagues and friends, he was more than one of the most recognisable voices in Greek music. He was a person with whom they shared friendships, collaborations and defining moments throughout their lives and careers.
