The internationally renowned singer Cesaria Evora passed away, at 70 years old. Just three months ago she had announced the end of her great career because of health problems. In 2010 she had undergone open heart surgery.
The "barefoot diva", as she was internationally known due to the habit of coming out on stage without shoes to protest poverty, came from Cape Verde in Africa. The path to recognition was not easy, although in her country she was from an early age the "Queen of mornas", ie the traditional songs of Cape Verde.
The transition to Portugal and later France gave her opportunity to finally become widely known. Nevertheless, international recognition did not come before 1993, with the album "Miss Parfumado", which included the famous song "Sodade". It was the first time she tried to return to the purely acoustic, sweet melancholy sound of "mornas" from her country, which resulted in the beginning of world interest in the enormous music wealth of Cape Verde.
It was followed by a great international career, with Evora becoming music - and not only - Ambassador of her country, singing in major concerts around the world. She managed to have nominations and awards in the Grammy Awards for albums released between 2000 and 2004.
The "barefoot diva", as she was internationally known due to the habit of coming out on stage without shoes to protest poverty, came from Cape Verde in Africa. The path to recognition was not easy, although in her country she was from an early age the "Queen of mornas", ie the traditional songs of Cape Verde.
The transition to Portugal and later France gave her opportunity to finally become widely known. Nevertheless, international recognition did not come before 1993, with the album "Miss Parfumado", which included the famous song "Sodade". It was the first time she tried to return to the purely acoustic, sweet melancholy sound of "mornas" from her country, which resulted in the beginning of world interest in the enormous music wealth of Cape Verde.
It was followed by a great international career, with Evora becoming music - and not only - Ambassador of her country, singing in major concerts around the world. She managed to have nominations and awards in the Grammy Awards for albums released between 2000 and 2004.
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