“She taught us how to love singing. She was the Mina of Albania. A gift from God,” said veteran singer Sherif Merdani
TIRANA, Feb. 6 – Albania’s icon pop singer Va襠Zela passed away on Thursday at the age of 75 after a long battle with an early disease, shocking hundreds of thousands of fans from several generations although she had retired from singing in the early 1990s. Vace Zela died in the early hours of Thursday in Basel, Switzerland, where she had been living in recent years with her family.
She will be buried in Albania under her wish. Artists, fans and politicians said they were shocked by her early departure.
“She taught us how to love singing. She was the Mina of Albania. A gift from God,” said veteran singer Sherif Merdani.
Myfarete Laze, another veteran singer, described Zela as a complex singer in all genres.
Politicians also expressed condolences in social networks. “In another time and place, Va襠would have been a shining star in the world sky, she left leaving her star shining forever in Albania’s sky,” said Prime Minister Edi Rama.
The US embassy in Tirana also expressed its condolences.
“Today, Albania lost one of its greatest singers. Va襠Zela was a magnificent and delightful performer, and anyone who has heard her sing can attest to the beauty of her voice and the immensity of her talent. With her unforgettable performances, she was a musical legendخot only to her generation, but to all Albanians of all ages. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones. May she rest in peace,” said the US embassy in a post on its Facebook page.
Born in 1939 in the small town of Lushnja, southwestern Albania, Va襠Zela began her singing career at a young age and soon became famous all over Albania for her great talent. She won the national singing competition eleven times and had been awarded the Nation’s Honour highest presidential order in 2002. Her songs although sung during the communist regime are still popular among the younger generation who appreciate her jazz voice.
