This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

Esma Redžepova, one of the most powerful voices in the world of Gypsy music has died in Macedonia’s capital after a brief illness. She was 73.

Called the “queen of Gypsy music,” Redžepova in 2010 was ranked among the 50 greatest voices in the world by National Public Radio. The news website Sakam Da Kazam reported that she died on Sunday.

Esma Redžepova obituary Read more

She started singing in the early 1950s and was active almost to the end. Redžepova was the leading voice of her husband Stevo Teodosievski’s ensemble, which performed Roma and Macedonian folk music. In 2013, she represented Macedonia at the Eurovision song contest.

Redžepova and her husband had fostered 47 children. She was also known as an advocate for Roma women’s rights.