TIRANA, February 6 – Singer Vaçe Zela passed away on February 6, 2014. She won the hearts of Albanians and became a national icon.

Zela took 12 first prizes at the Festival of Song, organized by Albanian Radio and Television (RTSH). She earned the title “Honor of the Nation” for her artistic talent and popularity.

Vaçe Zela was born on April 7, 1939, in Lushnja. She moved to Tirana at 14 to attend high school.

At 17, she represented Albania at the International Youth Festival in Moscow with young artists from the “Jordan Misja” Artistic High School. Her early international debut marked the start of a remarkable career.

She gained fame with the song “Fëmija i parë” (“The First Child”) on December 26, 1962. This performance confirmed her as a rising music star.

After her win at the first RTSH Festival of Song, Zela performed more than 50 songs until her last stage appearance in 1992. Her repertoire includes folk songs, light music, cantatas, ballads, and film music.

She collaborated with renowned composers such as Tish Daija, Agim Krajka, and Kujtim Laro. They praised her for her unique style of interpretation.

Vaçe Zela remains a symbol of Albanian music and a pioneer of the RTSH Festival of Song.

/a.p./