Alessandro Safina instead of Cesaria Evora

Legendary Cape Verdean singer Cesaria Evora, nicknamed the "barefoot diva", has decided to retire at 70 due to ill health, her record label Lusafrica said Friday, the AFP reports.

The company said the star had arrived in Paris "in a state of great weakness" and, unable to complete a planned series of French concerts, had decided to bring her career to a close.

"Her new health problems come after she had to undergo several operations in recent years, including open heart surgery in May 1010," the statement said.

"Her Paris doctors told her she had to cancel her upcoming tour, so Cesaria and her producer and manager Jose da Silva decided to end her career, and give up this wandering life that has taken her to the four corners of the world."

Her concert in Yerevan which was scheduled on September 29 at the Opera and Ballet Theater was canceled.

“The organizers of the concert in Yerevan express their regret for the illness of the singer and whish her soon recovery,” the statement reads.

Aysor.am correspondent was told that those who have bought tickets for the concert of Cesaria Evora can be present at the concert of Alessandro Safina. Those who will not wish to attend the concert may return the tickets and get back their money.