The famous singer will be in İstanbul next week for an eagerly anticipated live performance on Tuesday, July 31, at the Harbiye Open Air Theater, headlining the 18th edition of Most Open-Air Concerts, which kicked off this week. Evora, who has climbed with patience in every step of her career, leaving her poverty behind, is now performing sold-out concerts all around the world, selling millions of records and being admired by audiences in multiple countries. In an interview with Today's Zaman, the Barefoot Diva talks about love, her music and her life.

Everybody talks about your sincerity and genuineness on the stage. How do you feel on the stage?

I think about my past and get emotional in a way. I feel comfortable… I forget about the world whenever I sing and relax on stage for sure.

You did not become famous at an early age -- have you ever asked yourself "why this late?"

I never asked myself something like that. I became famous in my late 40s, but it's better late than never...

You tour around the world -- in a way you challenge your age -- what do you do to retain your strength on stage?

Nothing special, but I am trying to save some energy between tour dates. I care about my diet also. I'd rather stay in a room on the first floor at any hotel.

Do you like being called the Barefoot Diva and do you think that it made you unique and different from others as a star?

No, I don't…"Barefoot Diva" is the title of my first album in Paris. That's why I am called so. I perform barefoot because I don't like to use shoes. I feel comfortable barefoot on stage.

How do people in Cape Verde react to your worldwide popularity?

They loved me already before I became world famous. They know and follow my international career.

You have received so many awards so far but you have also been named a cultural ambassador for your country, isn't that a big responsibility?

It's not. I am glad and proud… I love my country and I feel so happy with this responsibility given to me.

You became much more known after your album "Voice of Love" (Voz d'Amor). What does love mean to you?

Now I don't believe in love as much as I used to, perhaps never. But I like the idea of being in love. It's not about the person you fall in love with; it's about your emotions.

You have been to Turkey before. What do you like the most about Turkey?

Your kindness and your beautiful country… I am inspired by the sea and I love the sea in your country.

You are going to give a concert in İstanbul on July 31. How much do you know about İstanbul?

Not a lot, but I would like to know more about it because I know that they love me there.

You have traveled around the world and you are an experienced singer that reflects beauty in your songs. Which cities do you like the most?

I like Paris most because my worldwide success started there. My album "Barefoot Diva," which was recorded in Paris, is very special to me.

Your latest album "Rogamar" combines the words "to pray" and "sea." What did you want to express with that title -- were you referring to some special meaning?

The sea has a special meaning for us (artists). Poets and musicians can be inspired by the sea. Our sea feeds us. It's a theme that comes up often in our songs…

Are there any new albums in the works?

I am going on with my concerts but I am thinking about the next album. I record a new album every two years.

Do you have any regrets as a singer or do you have any aspirations to realize in your career?

No, I don't. I am not a person who makes projects or who has dreams. I just like seeing what happens.

Your music has a kind of therapeutic effect on audiences. Which songs of yours can best heal broken hearts?

I think it is "Sodade," because people love it so much and they want me to sing it in every concert. But also my album "Rogamar" may inspire people. The title was inspired by the sea and the sea always heals pain…

Anything you would like to share with your audience in Turkey?

I like to share the emotions of people through my songs. I wish them peace and love.