Russian DJ M. Hustler paid an emotional tribute to Greek singer George Mazonakis in a social media post, describing him as a friend whose music he had helped carry to new audiences outside Greece through his remixes.
The DJ, who became internationally known for his reworkings of Mazonakis tracks including "Savvato" (Saturday), "Gucci Dress" and "Nicotine," wrote about the friendship and collaboration that had developed between the two men over the past three years.
Their acquaintance began around three years ago, when M. Hustler messaged Mazonakis on WhatsApp to ask permission to publish a remix he had made of "Nicotine." Mazonakis listened to the track, gave his consent, and the remix was released, going on to become a major success. The "Nicotine" remix crossed Greek borders and became especially popular on social media.
A dream to be heard abroad
According to M. Hustler, Mazonakis had confided to him that it had long been a lifelong dream for his music to be heard beyond Greece.
The Russian DJ said he often sent Mazonakis updates on how the songs were performing on international charts, and the singer would reply that he was especially pleased with the response they were getting.
Mazonakis also took part in the creative process in his own way, even offering advice on his appearance and style during the filming of the music videos, M. Hustler said.
Plans for a joint stage appearance
The DJ revealed that the two men had already planned to make a joint appearance on stage together.
According to the post, Mazonakis had told him that when they finally went on stage together, everyone would be shocked that they were really doing it. That collaboration never had the chance to take place.
M. Hustler wrote that Mazonakis had left him what was most precious of all: their memories, his voice, his music and a piece of his soul.
He added that Mazonakis would now be watching over them from above, while thousands of people continued to sing his songs, and said he knew those songs would live on forever.
The Savvato remix and Grammy consideration
M. Hustler also recalled the moment he presented Mazonakis with his remix of "Savvato."
He said the track is currently under evaluation for possible nomination at the Grammy Awards, a development he said would represent another mark of international recognition for the Greek artist's music. The Grammys are presented annually by the Recording Academy in the United States to honour achievement in the music industry.
The Russian DJ said he would never forget their first meeting in Athens, saying he had felt as though they had known each other for a lifetime.
He said Mazonakis's music would continue to travel, this time through new generations of listeners discovering his songs in a different, global version.
A second tribute on Instagram
In a second Instagram post, M. Hustler addressed Mazonakis directly, writing that it was 6:39pm when he sent the message from another country, from Moscow.
He recalled sitting together and talking at Mazonakis's home, where the singer had told him he always dreamed of his music being heard all over the world.
He wrote that Mazonakis was now in a place where he could know one thing for certain: that his music had always been heard around the world.
He said he would not say goodbye, because Mazonakis would always be with them, and promised he would make sure their music lived on forever.
He wrote that there was so much he still wanted to say, asked forgiveness for not being able to be there in person, and promised he would come to the place where Mazonakis rests to tell him everything happening with their music.
He closed the message with words of endless love and endless gratitude for Mazonakis having left him his voice and personally given him his permission.
