A famous Cape Verdean singer Cesaria Evora, internationally known as "the barefoot diva," died on Saturday at the age of 70, Portuguese weekly, Expresso reported.
Evora, who received several U.S. Grammy awards as well as France’s highest civilian honor, Legion of Honor, had long been suffering heart problems and had undergone several surgeries in recent years, including an open heart surgery in May 2010, the weekly said.
Three months ago Evora decided to leave the stage because of poor health, Expresso said.
In late September the singer said in an interview with French Le Monde: "I have no strength, no energy. I want to tell my fans: I'm sorry, but now I must leave.”
Born on the Cape Verdean island of Sao Vicente, Evora was sent to the orphanage in early years when her mother could not earn enough money to support the girl. Cesaria first learned to sing in the orphanage choir.
Her way to fame was too long as she recorded her first internationally recognized album, La Diva Aux Pieds Nus (“The Barefoot Diva”) in 1988 in Paris, at the age of 47.
Evora's first international hit, “Sodade” made her one of the most acclaimed world’s performers.
