Cesaria Evora to begin comeback concerts in Paris

(AFP PHOTO/Jewel SAMAD)

Cape Verde's 68-year-old songstress Cesaria Evora, endlessly adored by a public that discovered her late in life, has released a new album and next week makes a long-awaited return to the stage after a spell of bad health.

The "bare-foot diva" famously known for singing without shoes opens a tour with a kickoff in Paris on Monday and Tuesday, followed by shows in Switzerland, Luxembourg and Israel.

Her new 11th album "Nha Sentimento" ("My Feelings", Lusafrica-Sony) was released last week after an absence brought about by a stroke which she suffered in March 2008, and has a more cheerful festive tone than previous works.

It also features percussionist Tey Santos, a fellow celebrated Cape Verdean veteran who adds a strong African component to the album.

The public has formed a deep affection for Evora, whose radiant smile conceals suffering and chaos from earlier chapters in her life.

She worked tirelessly over the last months to restore her vocal cords, which were affected by the stroke. And the seven concerts she is to perform in November are less demanding than her former schedule when she would perform one concert every three days.

After Paris, she will perform in Geneva on November 11, Zurich on the 12th, Luxembourg's Elsche-sur-Alzette on the 14th, Tel Aviv on the 19th and Jerusalem on the 21st.