DUBLIN: Sinead O’Connor, the Irish singer known for her stirring voice, 1990 chart topping hit Nothing Compares 2 U and outspoken views, has died at the age of 56, Irish media quoted her family as saying on Wednesday.

Brash and direct _ her shaved head, pained expression, and shapeless wardrobe a direct challenge to popular culture’s long-prevailing notions of femininity and sexuality _ O’Connor irrevocably changed the image of women in music.

O’Connor converted to Islam in 2018 and changed her name to Shuhada Sadaqat, though continued to perform under the name Sinead O’Connor.

O’Connor crashed onto the global music scene at the beginning of the decade with her mesmerising version of the song originally written by Prince, facing directly into the camera and crying for the music video that has subsequently been viewed almost 400 million times on YouTube.

Known as much for her outspoken views on religion, sex, feminism and war as for her music, she will be remembered in some quarters for ripping up a photo of Pope John Paul II during a television appearance on Saturday Night Live.

Her views on religion were especially controversial in parts of Ireland, but also a brave representation of a shift that was taking shape in society away from the deep influence of the Catholic church.

Published in Dawn, July 27th, 2023

Opinion

Editorial

Lessons from history
Updated 24 May, 2025

Lessons from history

Is it apt for PM Shehbaz to describe the recent thwarting of India’s hostile designs as revenge for the loss of East Pakistan?
Business sentiment
24 May, 2025

Business sentiment

THE recent macroeconomic stability — its vulnerability to potential internal slippages and external shocks...
Sindh protests
24 May, 2025

Sindh protests

WEEKS after locals blocked off major arteries in Sindh to protest a proposal to build new canals on the Indus,...
Regional bonhomie
Updated 23 May, 2025

Regional bonhomie

Trilateral cooperation and commercial activity can lead to prosperity for all involved, specifically Afghanistan.
Local government bill
23 May, 2025

Local government bill

THE PML-N leadership is known for concentrating powers in the hands of the top political office and governing ...
New normal?
Updated 23 May, 2025

New normal?

WHY can’t the PTI and its jailed leader decide what they want? Even while leverage is slipping from its hands, the...