Sinéad O’Connor, the renowned Irish singer and activist, has died at the age of 56, as announced by her family with deep sadness.
O’Connor gained global fame with her iconic single “Nothing Compares 2 U,” released in 1990, which topped the charts and established her as a musical sensation. Tributes poured in from dignitaries, including Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Irish President Michael D Higgins, lauding her unparalleled talent and authenticity.
Born as Sinead Marie Bernadette O’Connor, she faced a challenging childhood and overcame adversities to embark on a successful music career. Her first album, “The Lion And The Cobra,” earned critical acclaim, and she continued to release ten studio albums until 2014.
Known for her outspoken social and political views, O’Connor made headlines with her protest against child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church on US TV show Saturday Night Live. Despite facing backlash, her fearlessness and dedication to her beliefs remained unwavering.
O’Connor converted to Islam in 2018, adopting the name Shuhada’ Sadaqat, but continued performing under her birth name. Her personal struggles, including the tragic loss of her son Shane in 2022, deeply affected her, leading her to cancel live performances.
The music world mourns the loss of this unique and talented artist, whose impact and influence continue to resonate across generations. O’Connor’s legacy will forever be remembered for her soul-stirring music and unwavering commitment to her beliefs.
-BBC-