ARIA award-winning singer Zulya Kamalova dead at 55 after battle with cancer
ARIA Award-winning singer and composer Zulya Kamalova has died aged 55 following a seven-month battle with cancer.
The Russian-Australian singer’s death was confirmed by her music producer Alexander Cheparukhin on social media.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: ARIA award-winning singer Zulya Kamalova performs in 2019.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Zulya left us today, shortly after her 55th birthday. In her final hours, she was with her daughter and her husband,” he wrote on Facebook, translated from Russian.
“I spoke to her for the last time at the beginning of last week.
“She did not lose hope for a miracle. She was grateful to all of us who helped her give people beautiful songs.
“Zulya was a very good, bright, sincere and beautiful person. I’ve been listening to her music again all the past few weeks. She sang in many languages, but my favourite songs by Zuli are Tatar.
“Long live her voice. A bright memory.”
Originally from Russia, Kamalova relocated to Melbourne in 1991 and released six albums throughout her career.
In 2007 her musical endeavours were recognised with an ARIA Award for Best World Music Album for her LP 3 Nights.
She was nominated for the same category in 2003 for her album, Elusive, but lost to Sydney band Monsieur Camembert.
On Thursday, a statement was also shared to her own Instagram confirming her death with a photo of Kamalova in a bush setting.
“After 7 months of suffering and hope in equal measure, our beloved Zulya passed away peacefully at home 6pm Melbourne time, 18 September 2024, with her daughter, Zifa, and partner, Andrew, by her side,” the statement read.
“She will be terribly missed by all who knew her and her music. May her memory live on forever. Peace and love to all.”
Her final Instagram post came on September 11, reflecting that she “oscillates between hope and despair”.
“I try to focus on joy, good memories and lovely times. Be it, travelling in Europe, catching up with friends, enjoying the times that I have left.
“Not so much left, I’m afraid. So let’s concentrate on love.
“Mainstream oncology only has palliative solutions for stage 4 cancer. However, there are many stories of recovery when people (try) combined approaches. I focus on those and with your support and love I have a renewed sense of purpose and determination.”
Along with her final message were photos of photo albums and selfies from her hospital room as friends and family visited.
In an August update, she explained she underwent “emergency surgery” in March and that the “the prognosis is not very hopeful but as I am trying to enjoy what I have left”.
“I know you care and are shocked,” she told fans.
“Me too, believe me. I have had a good life and if I have to go, I’ll go.”
