Ewa Bem, renowned as the First Lady of Polish Jazz, has recently opened up about her personal struggles and the loss she has faced over the past few years. Following the death of her husband, Ryszard Sibiński, on January 17, 2023, the beloved singer took to the stage once again, demonstrating the resilience she is known for.
Ten days after Sibiński's burial, Bem has scheduled her first concert back on February 6, 2023, in Gdańsk, marking her return to the music world amid her personal heartache. During her first public appearance post-tragedy on "Dzień dobry TVN," she expressed how this challenging time has been marked by deep sorrow yet also by determination.
"I have to say, I’m under the spotlight. That's for sure. For years, when we lost our beloved Pamela, I’ve been hit from left and then from right. But what happened recently, with my dearest 'Dzidzik' leaving, has turned me upside down. I stood up immediately because I just can’t lie like this. I can’t manage to lie like this," Bem revealed, painting a vivid picture of her emotional struggle after such significant losses.
Loss has been no stranger to Bem, as just years earlier, she lost her daughter, Pamela, which still echoes her deep well of grief. Nevertheless, the singer has chosen to channel her emotions through music, illustrating her belief it offers her solace. "Music gives me great comfort and the meetings with my musicians, friends, who approach this tragedy naturally, provide me with great relief," she shared, highlighting the importance of her support network during this difficult time.
Her resilience and vitality shine through as she continues to navigate her grief. "I must confess, I really have many friends who take care of me as if I were a little child. Sometimes I slightly need this. They don’t just ring me or drop by to console me. They know perfectly well words like 'stay strong', 'you must endure', and 'you have grandchildren and you have someone to live for' are very kind but utterly trite and completely useless," she elaborated, driving home the sentiment behind genuine support versus cliché comfort.
Bem’s transparency resonates, as she candidly describes her feelings. "What I experience inside is unique. And I can camouflage – crumble inside, yet externally, it's not visible," she states, reflecting on the complexity of grieving publicly as a performer. This glimpse behind the curtain shows not only her strength but also paints her as relatable to many who have faced similar hardships.
Concerts form part of her healing process—a way to reconnect with fans and the broader music community who have embraced her talent for decades. The music mogul has taken on the challenge of continuing her artistic legacy, securing her status as one of Poland’s most treasured entertainers.
After the tragic loss of her partner, plans for Bem's concerts changed—her performance originally scheduled for November 29, 2024, was postponed to January 14, 2025, yet again moved to April 2, 2025. Tickets already purchased remain valid, showcasing her determination to return to performance and engagement with her audience.
Ewa Bem remains committed to her art and her audience during this tumultuous time, demonstrating the power of music as not just entertainment, but as healing. Her return after great personal loss is not just about the concerts but is also intertwined with her dedication to honor her late husband and to continue sharing her passion with the world.
The upcoming Gdańsk concert is not just another date on her calendar; it's symbolic of her resolve to move forward, celebrate life, and share her unparalleled talent with the world. Ewa Bem's story serves as both inspiration and reminder of the intertwining strands of grief and renewal, as she bravely continues to entertain and uplift even amid adversity.