It is with deep regret that today we have to report that Macedonian star, and Eurovision representative in 2013, Esma Redžepova, has sadly died at the age of 73. She was treated in hospital last month for a lung infection, but since being discharged, complications have led to serious health issues.
Often referred to as Queen of the Gypsies due to her contribution to Roma culture and the promotion of it, she was a very much-loved star in Macedonia and in the Eurovision community. With her career covering 50 decades in the business, she recorded hundreds of songs, and was even the very first person to sing in Romani language on TV. She won several awards amongst her time including the “Macedonian Order of Merit” in 2010, and was even awarded the “National Artist of Republic Of Macedonia” in 2013 by the president of the country, Gjorge Ivanov.
Away from music, Esma even became foster mother to 47 children and has received many awards for her humanitarian work.
In 2013, she represented FYR Macedonia, along with Lozano (Vlatko Lozanoski) with the song “Pred Da Se Razdeni” and song about wanting to change the world. It wasn’t the only time which she tried to represent the country at Eurovision.
Our thoughts go out to her family and friends at this sad time.
Tributes on Twitter are already coming in…
https://twitter.com/mkd_eurovision/status/807902618420908032
Sad to learn about the passing of Esma Redžepova, who participated in @Eurovision 2013. Our condolences to her loved ones and fans
— Jon Ola Sand (@jonolasand) December 11, 2016