Singer Temur Tsiklauri dies of Covid at 75

Georgian singer Temur Tsiklauri, known for his performances in ensembles and popular stages across the country, died in central Georgia's city of Gori on Monday after a struggle with coronavirus.

The 75-year-old vocalist succumbed to "complications caused" by Covid, doctors at the Gori military hospital explained. Tsiklauri had been hospitalised at the clinic where his condition worsened a number of times over the past month.

The singer had been on constant watch of medical personnel at the hospital and under artificial respiration. His death was revealed to longtime listeners of his vocal performances on social media by his grandson.

Born in 1946, Tsiklauri was member of the Tsitsinatela and Iveria ensembles and performed memorable renditions of works of local composers over decades starting in the 1960s.

In 2014 a tribute performance at Tbilisi Concert Hall celebrated 45 years of the singer's stage appearances, with a star unveiled in front of the venue.