Macedonia's 'gypsy music queen' Esma Redžepova dies

December 13, 2016

, a Macedonian singer nicknamed the "Queen of Gypsy Music", was on Sunday reported to have died. She was 73. An ethnic, Redžepova spent decades performing and was an early singer to use the. She combined Roma, Macedonian, and contemporary music in her work and also campaigned for humanitarian issues such as women's rights and for Roma people.

Her worldwide career saw her collaborate with many young Balkan artists as well as composer, whom she married. She was thrice nominated for the and fostered over 40 children. Her varied performances included singing for world leaders, representing Macedonia at the, and recording the opening song for the film .

She was also known for eye-catching outfits. Redžepova died after an illness in.