Invited to the show "S'e luan topi" with Erjona Rusi, singer Sheila Haxhiraj spoke for the first time about the passing of her brother, Henri Haxhiraj.
During the conversation, Erjona asked if Henri had supported her on her musical path. At the mere mention of his name, Sheila burst into tears, indicating that the wounds are still very fresh.
"He's always supported me, in his own way," she said. "It's very difficult for me to talk about him, because it's still too early for him to leave. Henry was my right arm and I was left without my other half, physically, but I know that he is my blessing, my light, he is my energy that I am here today."
Sheila also spoke about the emotional difficulties that can lead a person to a delicate state, acknowledging that there are situations that a person cannot fully control.
"Maybe life sometimes leads you down some wrong paths...there are some things that are stronger than ourselves, that are out of our control, and that's why he's no longer here with me, with us, with our family."
When asked if the family had noticed signs of distress in Henri, Sheila was clear:
"Henry never gave any signs of his own worries, of what was bothering him. He never wanted to bother us."
Asked about the hostage that accompanies her, she recounted the painful moment when she saw her brother after the fatal act, an event that shocked her and left her with many unanswered questions.
"When Henry came and shot himself, I was at home and I couldn't save him. I just saw my brother in that state and I'm holding him hostage: How did I not save him? How did I not pay more attention to him. Why did God do this? Why did he challenge us? Why him? I managed to think why him, the most fragile, gentle child? So much so that I thought why wasn't I in his place?"
The singer also reacted to media reports claiming that Henri was suffering from depression.
"Henri has never suffered from depression. I know very well that my brother did that in a moment of excitement. I don't know what he might have gone through in those 2 months, so everything else has been media abuse."
Henri Haxhiraj, at noon on October 15, 2024, ended his life by committing suicide with his service weapon. On her first birthday without him, Sheila dedicated the song "In the Moonlight", a heartfelt tribute to her brother and the memories that unite them.
